Operations & Production Graduate

Dawn Meats; Waterford; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured graduate development programme

Paid Holidays (21 days + Bank Holidays)

Opportunities for career progression

Competitive salary and benefits package

Job summary

Dawn Meats is seeking an Operations & Production Graduate to join its team in various locations including Co. Kildare. This role offers hands-on experience in meat processing operations, allowing graduates to understand key production processes and operational efficiencies.

The successful candidate will gain exposure to production lines and quality assurance while working closely with experienced professionals. Dawn Meats supports a culture of continuous improvement and offers a structured development programme.

Qualifications

• Recent graduate in Food Science, Agricultural Science, Agribusiness, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate across all areas of production and operations.
• Support daily production activities across lamb and/or beef processing lines.
• Assist in monitoring and improving operational KPIs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication abilities

Teamwork abilities

Education

Recent graduate in Food Science or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Company: Dawn Meats

Job Title: Operations & Production Graduate

Location: Grannagh (Co. Waterford), Carrolls Cross (Co. Waterford), Charleville (Co. Cork), Rathdowney (Co. Laois), Ballyhaunis (Co. Mayo), Slane (Co. Meath), Kilbeggan (Co. Westmeath), and Kildare town (Co. Kildare).

Reporting to: Site Operations Manager

Contract type: Full-Time/Permanent

Role Summary:

Dawn Meats is a premium meat processor and supplier of choice for a range of leading supermarket, foodservice and restaurant businesses. Established in 1980, Dawn Meats is an industry leader with annual revenues of over €2bn, employing over 8,000 staff in 15 countries and exporting to over 50 countries. We are recruiting for a Operations Graduate in our Kildare site in Co. Kildare. As an Operations & Production Graduate, you will be immersed in the core functions of our meat processing operations. This rotational programme is designed to give you hands‑on experience across production lines, quality assurance, supply chain, and operational efficiency. You’ll work closely with experienced professionals to learn how we deliver premium meat products while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and sustainability.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be based in one of our primary production facilities and will:

• Operate across all areas of production and operations;
• Support daily production activities across lamb and /or beef processing lines.
• Assist in monitoring and improving operational KPIs (yield, throughput, downtime, etc.).
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Logistics.
• Analyse production data to identify trends and recommend improvements.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety, and environmental standards.
• Contribute to projects focused on automation, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.
• Shadow team leaders and supervisors to understand leadership and decision‑making in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

• A recent graduate in Food Science, Agricultural Science, Agribusiness, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Passion for the food industry and a hands‑on approach to learning.
• Flexibility to work in a factory environment and adapt to shift patterns if required.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and production processes is a plus.

What We Offer

• Structured graduate development programme with mentoring and training.
• Paid Holidays (Starting at 21 days + Bank Holidays)
• Exposure to all aspects of meat production and operations.
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing company.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A supportive and inclusive work culture.