Technical Graduate Trainee - Dungannon, Carrickmacross, Craigavon, Technical Graduate Trainee - Dungannon, Carrickmacross, Craigavon

Pilgrim's Europe; Dungannon; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Three rotations across Dungannon, Carr

ILM leadership development

Mini MBA scholarship

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe offers a Triple Award-Winning Graduate & Training Programme starting in September 2027. You will rotate across three sites in Northern Ireland, gaining hands-on experience in Technical and Quality functions while working towards leadership roles.

The programme provides a permanent contract from Day One, competitive starting salary, and formal qualifications in Food Safety and HACCP, plus mentoring and exposure to senior leadership. Relocation support is available.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 degree or Degree Apprenticeship required.
• Passion for food safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving ability.

Responsibilities

• Complete three structured six-month rotations across Dungannon, Carrickmacross and Craigavon.
• Gain Food Safety and HACCP qualifications during the programme.
• Prepare for your first technical leadership role with clear progression opportunities.
• Collaborate with Operations and cross-functional teams to deliver Technical Excellence.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Education

2:2 Degree or Degree Apprenticeship

Job description

Start Date: Monday 13 September 2027

A Triple Award-Winning Graduate & Training Programme

Champion Food Safety & Quality. Build a Career That Lasts. Every product we make carries a promise of safety, quality and trust.

From Day One, you'll join us on a permanent contract, becoming a valued member of the business while gaining hands-on experience across our Technical function. The programme is designed to prepare you for your first technical leadership role, with clear opportunities for long-term career progression.

Your Rotation Journey

Over 18 months, you'll complete three structured six-month rotations designed to build your technical knowledge, broaden your experience and prepare you for your first technical leadership role.

Technical Leadership Graduate Trainee

Start Date: Monday 13 September 2027

Applications Close: 13th of January 2027

A Triple Award-Winning Graduate & Training Programme

Champion Food Safety & Quality. Build a Career That Lasts. Every product we make carries a promise of safety, quality and trust.

From Day One, you'll join us on a permanent contract, becoming a valued member of the business while gaining hands‑on experience across our Technical function. The programme is designed to prepare you for your first technical leadership role, with clear opportunities for long-term career progression.

Your Rotation Journey

Over 18 months, you'll complete three structured six-month rotations designed to build your technical knowledge, broaden your experience and prepare you for your first technical leadership role.

Rotation 1: Dungannon¦ Fresh Poultry Site Rotation 2: Carrickmacross¦ Added Value Site Rotation 3: Craigavon¦ Poultry Site

You’ll learn how safe food is produced at scale by:

• Understanding food safety principles, hazards, allergens and traceability
• Supporting day-to-day Technical and Quality activities
• Auditing production processes and identifying improvement opportunities
• Contributing to customer, retailer and internal audits
• Supporting investigations and structured problem-solving activities
• Working closely with Operations and cross-functional teams to deliver Technical Excellence

You’ll also gain Food Safety and HACCP qualifications, providing the knowledge and confidence to make fact-based, data-driven decisions.

What Makes Our Programme Different?

• Permanent contract from Day One
• Competitive starting salary
• Three structured six-month rotations
• Three-week immersive onboarding experience
• Accredited Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) leadership development
• Food Safety and HACCP qualifications
• Dedicated mentoring and coaching support
• Exposure to senior leaders and our Executive Leadership Team
• Executive-sponsored business improvement projects
• Opportunity to apply for a fully funded Mini MBA scholarship
• Clear progression beyond the programme

What Happens After the Programme?

Following successful completion, you'll be supported into a role aligned to your development, strengths and business needs, such as:

• Technical Coordinator
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Food Safety & Quality Manager

With continued development and support, your career pathway could include:

Graduate Trainee → Quality Assurance Manager → Food Safety & Quality Manager → Technical Manager → Head of Technical → Technical Director

The graduate programme isn't the finish line. It's the starting point of a career.

Who We're Looking For

You Might Be Right For This Programme If You

• Have achieved, or are on track to achieve, a minimum 2:2 Degree or Degree Apprenticeship
• Have a passion for food safety, quality and continuous improvement
• Have strong attention to detail and enjoy problem-solving
• Are motivated, resilient and eager to learn
• Enjoy working with people and building relationships
• Thrive in fast-paced environments
• Want hands‑on experience and aren't afraid to roll up your sleeves
• Have the ambition to build a rewarding long-term career
• Are willing and able to complete all three rotations
• Hold a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Have the right to work in the UK (sponsorship is not available)

Relocation Support

Temporary relocation support is available and will be discussed during the offer process.

Find Out More

To find out more about this programme, please visit our website - People - Careers - Graduate Trainee Programme

Applications Close: 13th of January 2027