2027 Graduate Programme - Dawn Meats

Dawn Meats; Ireland; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Bike to Work

Education Support

Discounted meat purchases

Free parking

Safety equipment & workwear

Job summary

Dawn Meats is offering a Brighter Futures Graduate Programme 2026 across multiple sites in Ireland, including Charleville, Grannagh, Carrolls Cross, Rathdowney, Ballyhaunis, Slane, Kilbeggan and Kildare. This permanent, full-time programme provides real business exposure, structured development and mentoring from experienced leaders.

As a graduate you will work on meaningful projects, contribute to business improvement initiatives and build the skills needed to become one of our future leaders.

Qualifications

• Working towards achieving a relevant third-level qualification.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and time management.
• Forward-thinking with an innovative approach to planning.

Responsibilities

• Support real business projects across multiple sites.
• Learn from mentors and senior leaders.
• Engage in cross-functional assignments and initiatives across departments.
• Participate in residential offsite training and continuous learning programs.
• Contribute to process improvements and best practice sharing.

Skills

Communication

Presentation

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Time management

Education

Third-level qualification in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Company:Dawn Meats

Job Title:Brighter Futures Graduate Programme 2026

Location: We offer placements at multiple sites across Ireland, including Charleville (Co. Cork), Grannagh (Co. Waterford), Carrolls Cross (Co. Waterford), Rathdowney (Co. Laois), Ballyhaunis (Co. Mayo), Slane (Co. Meath), Kilbeggan (Co. Westmeath), and Kildare (Co. Kildare).

Job type: Graduate Programme (Permanent, Full time)

About Dawn Meats:

Dawn Meats is one of Europe's leading food companies, supplying premium beef and lamb products to customers across retail, foodservice and manufacturing sectors worldwide. With annual revenues of over €4.5 billion, a workforce of 12,000 people, operations in 13 countries and exports to more than 70 markets globally, we are committed to delivering sustainable growth through innovation, quality and people.As a Graduate, you will join a structured development programme designed to provide real business exposure, professional development and mentoring from experienced leaders. You will work on meaningful projects, contribute to business improvement initiatives and develop the skills needed to become one of our future leaders.

Responsibilities

Experience is the best teacher, which is why at Dawn Meats, you are given real responsibility from the start. Combined with formal training, you will work with passionate, talented people who will provide invaluable training on the job plus:

• Dedicated Mentors & First-Class Coaching: Learn directly from industry experts and receive personal guidance to help you reach your goals.
• Direct Access to Senior Leaders: Gain insights from the best in the business and influence decisions that shape our future.
• Opportunities to undertake assignments, secondments and innovative project work across the business;
• Invest in Your Development: Participate in blue-chip residential offsite training and continuous learning programmes
• Cross-Functional Experience: Take on assignments, secondments, and innovative projects across different departments and sites.
• Opportunity to take part in Partnership with leading Management Development Institutes in Ireland and the UK.
• Diverse & Inclusive Community: Join a passionate, multicultural team where your ideas are valued, and your impact is felt.

Graduate opportunities are available across multiple business streams, including:

• Operations & Production
• Commercial & Planning
• Strategic Procurement & Supply Chain
• Agriculture & Livestock Procurement
• Human Resources
• Food Safety & Quality
• New Product Development
• Accounting & Finance
• Engineering
• Health, Safety & Environmental

Qualifications

We’re looking for graduates who are eager to learn, driven to succeed, and ready to embrace new challenges. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Working towards achieving a relevant third-level qualification (or recently completed studying)
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Attention to detail and problem-solving ability
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Excellent interpersonal skills and time management
• Forward-thinking with an innovative approach to planning

What we offer:

• Join a talented and passionate team, with opportunities for career progression and internal growth.
• Benefits include a company pension scheme, Bike to Work and Education Support programs, discounted meat purchases, free car parking, and provided safety equipment and workwear.