Graduate Programme

James Whelan Butchers; Leinster; On-site; EUR 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Career progression

Academic qualification

Structured training

Job summary

James Whelan Butchers is inviting applications for its three-year Graduate Programme, designed to develop real-world butchery and retail leadership from day one.

You will learn craft from master practitioners, rotate through key business areas, and work toward an accredited MTU qualification while building leadership skills in a customer-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Passionate about food, service, and craftsmanship.
• Curious, motivated, and eager to learn.
• Team-player with a strong work ethic.
• Great communication and customer focus.

Responsibilities

• Learn the craft of butchery through structured, hands-on training.
• Deliver premium customer experience on the shop floor.
• Rotate through retail operations and production.
• Develop leadership and business skills.
• Study toward an accredited qualification via MTU.

Skills

Team-player

Communication

Customer-service

Curiosity

Education

MTU accredited qualification (study toward)

Job description

At James Whelan Butchers, we believe real knowledge is learned by doing — through craft, care, and a commitment to excellence. For generations, our people have honed their skills shoulder-to-shoulder, passing on the traditions, standards, and values that define who we are.

We are now welcoming applications for the James Whelan Butchers Graduate Programme. This immersive, hands-on programme offers a unique opportunity to begin your career with one of Ireland’s leading artisan food businesses, developing real-world expertise while growing into a future leader within our organisation.

Throughout this three-year programme, you will learn the craft of butchery and food retail from master practitioners, gain exposure to key areas of our business, and build the skills and confidence to take on leadership responsibilities in a dynamic and customer-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn the craft of butchery through structured, hands-on training
• Develop strong product knowledge and customer-service excellence
• Rotate through key areas of the business, including retail operations and production
• Uphold the highest standards of quality, food safety, and presentation
• Contribute to a positive, values-driven team culture
• Build leadership capability through real-world experience and guided learning
• Engage in continuous professional and personal development

What You’ll Do

• Learn butchery & food craft from master artisans
• Deliver premium customer experience on the shop floor
• Rotate through retail operations & production
• Develop leadership and business skills
• Study toward an accredited qualification via MTU

Who We're Looking For

• Passion for food, service, and craftsmanship
• Curious, motivated, and eager to learn
• Team-player with strong work ethic
• Great communication & customer-focus
• Eligible to work in Ireland

No previous butchery experience required — full training provided.

What You’ll Gain

• Full-time salary from day one
• Structured craft & leadership training
• Recognised academic qualification
• Mentorship and career progression opportunities
• A pathway to future leadership roles