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Pilgrim's Europe

Operations Graduate Trainee

Location: Dungannon, UK

Contract:

Salary: Not specified

Work type: Not specified

Posted: Today

Deadline: 13/01/2027

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Develops operational and people-management skills through three manufacturing site rotations, supporting production, safety, quality, team supervision, and continuous improvement to prepare for operational leadership roles.

👥 Lead People. Drive Performance. Build a Career That Lasts. Operations is where everything comes together.

Every product we make, every customer we serve and every improvement we deliver relies on exceptional operational teams. If you're ambitious, hands-on and motivated to build a long-term career, our Operations Leadership Graduate Programme will give you the experience, support and development needed to succeed.

Unlike many graduate schemes, you'll join us on a permanent contract from Day One, with a clear pathway into operational leadership.

🗺️ Your Rotation Journey

Over 18 months, you'll complete three structured six-month rotations designed to build your knowledge, broaden your experience and prepare you for your first Operational Team Leader or Supervisor role.

📍 Rotation 1: September - February - Dungannon - Fresh Poultry Business Unit

🏭 Learn the Operation

Build a strong understanding of manufacturing, safety, quality, production processes and operational performance.

📍 Rotation 2: March - August - Carrickmacross - Added Value Business Unit

⚙️ Run the Line

Develop your problem-solving, decision-making and continuous improvement skills while supporting operational delivery.

📍 Rotation 3: September - February - Craigavon - Poultry Business Unit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Lead the Team

Build the confidence and capability to supervise teams, drive performance and prepare for your first operational leadership role.

🌟 Why Choose Our Award-Winning Programme?

✅ Permanent contract from Day One

💷 Competitive starting salary

  • Three-week immersive onboarding experience with your graduate and placement cohort

  • Accredited Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) development

  • Dedicated mentoring and coaching support

  • Exposure to senior leaders and our Executive Leadership Team

  • Executive-sponsored business improvement projects

  • A thriving graduate community and support network

  • Networking, development and celebration events

  • Opportunity to apply for a fully funded Mini MBA scholarship

  • Clear progression beyond the programme

Designed for 18 months. Built for a career.

📈 What Happens After the Programme?

Upon successful completion, you'll progress into a role such as:

✅ Operational Team Leader

✅ Production Team Leader

✅ Production Supervisor

✅ Area Leader

✅ Group Leader

✅Production Shift Manager

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

Operational Team Leader  → Production Shift Manager → Factory Manager → Operations Manager → Site Director

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

🙌 Who We're Looking For

  • We're looking for people with potential, attitude and determination.

  • You might be right for this programme if you:

  • Have achieved, or are on track to achieve, a minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline or a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA)

  • Are motivated, resilient and eager to learn

  • Enjoy working with people and building relationships

  • Want hands-on experience and aren't afraid to roll up your sleeves

  • Thrive in fast-paced environments

  • Take ownership and show initiative

  • Have the grit and determination to build a rewarding 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.

📢 📅 Applications Close: 13th of January 2027

How to apply

Apply directly through the company website. Clicking the link below will open the application page in a new window.

Apply now
Pilgrim's Europe

Location: Uxbridge, UK

Industry: Food and Culinary

Pilgrim’s Europe is a top UK and European food company with 40+ sites in the UK, Ireland, France and The Netherlands. We are a leader in making quality food sustainably in partnership with local farmers through our poultry, pork, lamb and beef supply chains. Driven by passion and insight, we create better food for everyone, producing own label and branded fresh chicken, pork and lamb, as well as authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products for multiple markets. Our iconic brands include Richmond, Fridge Raiders, Denny, Galtee, Rollover, Oakhouse and Moy Park. Building on the best of Moy Park, Pilgrim’s UK, Pilgrim’s Food Masters and Pilgrim’s Shared Services, we bring unrivalled scale and expertise to our customers and the opportunity of a better future for our employees.

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