Technical Graduate Trainee - Linton, Attleborough, Grantham

Pilgrim'S Europe; Linton, Attleborough, Grantham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe is launching a Technical Leadership Graduate Trainee programme in the UK. Over 18 months you will complete three six-month rotations across Linton, Attleborough, and Grantham, gaining hands-on experience in our Technical function and pursuing food safety qualifications.

The programme leads to leadership opportunities with a permanent contract from day one, plus competitive starting salary and ILM leadership development.

Qualifications

• Must have a 2:2 degree or degree apprenticeship.
• Strong interest in food safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving mindset.
• Motivated, resilient and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment.
• Enjoy working with people and building relationships.

Responsibilities

• Participate in three structured six-month rotations over 18 months across Linton, Attleborough and Grantham sites.
• Learn and apply food safety principles, hazards, allergens and traceability.
• Support technical, quality and audit activities and identify improvement opportunities.
• Contribute to customer, retailer and internal audits and investigations.

Education

2:2 Degree or Degree Apprenticeship

Job description

Technical Leadership Graduate Trainee

Start Date: Monday 13 September 2027

Applications Close: 13th of January 2027 - we may close applications early due to high applicant volumes. Early application is encouraged.

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: Linton¦ Pork Site
Rotation 2: Attleborough¦ Added Value Site
Rotation 3: Grantham¦ Foodservice 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.