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- Tasks: Join our team to create innovative food products and recipes for major UK retailers.
- Company: Bakkavor is a leading provider of fresh prepared food, serving top UK supermarkets.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and relocation assistance, plus extra holiday options.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a dynamic environment where your passion for food can shine.
- Qualifications: Must have a 2:2+ honours degree in food or nutrition and relevant work experience.
- Other info: Apply by 12th December 2025 for a chance to shape the future of food!
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Salary
Year 1 – £30,000 + £1,000 one-off signing-on bonus (Paid in October 2026!)
Year 2 – £33,000
Year 3 – £37,000
Location Spalding or Newark
Benefits!
– Pension Scheme
– Relocation Financial Assistance (For each graduate placement – to be reimbursed Oct 26)
– London placements will receive an additional allowance for living costs
– Additional Holiday purchase scheme (25 days holiday as standard)
– Access to employee benefits
Assessment Centre Information
Assessment Centers will be held at our Bakkavor Newark Site
Assessment Centre will be held on Tuesday 24th February
Why join us?
If you share our passion for great food and our strong values, then this company is for you! We have a diverse range of career opportunities and programmes available for you to kick start your career and make a real impact in the food industry.
What we do –
We\’re probably the biggest name you\’ve never heard of. You\’ve almost certainly eaten our food – you just didn\’t realise it! As global leaders in the fresh prepared food industry with over 14,000 employees, we create innovative products, including meals, soups, dips, salads, desserts, pizzas and bread for customers including Tesco, M&S, Sainsbury\’s and Waitrose in the UK.
About this role –
– The Product Development function works hard to identify the best products for our customers and develop factory friendly recipes. If you are on this programme, you will have the opportunity to work with different customers and product categories as part of a customer and product focused team. You will turn your passion for food, ingredients, and ideas into products for the nation!
Key Features of the Programme
– Hands-on Experience:Collaborate with experienced chefs and product developers who will mentor you and encourage your creative ideas.
– Comprehensive Training:Attend at least three site visits in your first year and receive formal training in a variety of areas that may include Culinary Skills, Leadership, Category Management, and Market Trends.
– Industry Insight:Learn about manufacturing processes and the business\’s capabilities to ensure product viability and long-term customer partnerships. Engage in idea generation, recipe development, product trials, and launches.
– Career Growth:Aim to become a Product Development Manager after completing the program.
To be eligible for the Product Development Programme, you must meet the following criteria:
Degree:Achieved or expected to achieve at least a 2:2+ honours degree in a food, nutrition related degree (Not a master\’s in nutrition after a generic degree)
Experience:At least three months of relevant work experience.
Work Eligibility:Right to work in the UK for a minimum of 3 years from September 2025.
Motivation:A clear commitment to advancing your career in the food industry.
Flexibility:Willingness to complete three 12-month placements at different locations across the UK (we will consider your preferences).
Cultural Fit:Alignment with Bakkavors values and a strong fit for our organization.
As a participant in the Product Development Programme, you will receive extensive support and opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge:
Support & Development Network:
Dedicated Champion: A key contact for your functional Programme.
Mentor:Guidance and support throughout your development.
Cohort Experience:Join up to 20 other graduates and connect with a broad network of alumni.
Line Manager:Regular performance reviews and guidance to develop your skills and knowledge.
Training & Development Opportunities:
Leadership Training:Specialised events to enhance your management skills.
Workshops:Programme workshops and exposure to various functions.
Rotational Placements:Gain experience through diverse placements.
Management Skills Training:Develop essential management knowledge.
Further Development:Opportunities for Apprenticeship Qualifications after the Programme.
Career Progression:
Pathway to Leadership:This Programme is a stepping stone to senior management roles. With Bakkavor\’s extensive network, we\’ll help you identify and pursue the right career opportunities for your growth.
Proud to be Bakkavor
At Bakkavor, we have pride. And purpose. From our Icelandic origins we have grown to be the leading provider of fresh prepared food in the UK. Our world is fast-paced, exciting and energetic. And thats just how we like it. We have drive. Ambition. Motivation. We are food heroes, who keep the supply chain moving despite challenging times. We work hard. We are resilient. We solve problems together. And we deliver for our customers. Our passion brings joy through the food we produce and the communities we work in. Our values are extremely important to us, they drive the way we do business they are what make Bakkavor different to everyone else.
Apply today
Our graduate programme is for people who can think bigger and grow faster. We created it to develop the future-leaders and shapers of our business.
Closing date for applications 12th December 2025(This is subject to change so please do apply asap)
After applying, you can expect to complete some initial questions around some relevant scenarios at Bakkavor, followed by an online psychometric test and a non-live video reflection. If successful, we will invite you to an assessment centre inJanuaryorFebruary 2026. These interviews are for aSeptember 2026start on the programme.
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Food Product Development- Graduate Programme employer: Bakkavor
Contact Detail:
Bakkavor Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Product Development- Graduate Programme
✨Tip Number 1
Research Bakkavor's product range and their key customers. Understanding their offerings will help you demonstrate your passion for food and how you can contribute to their innovative product development.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Bakkavor on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during the assessment centre.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the assessment centre by practising common group exercises and case studies related to product development. This will help you showcase your teamwork and problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the food industry, such as sustainability and health-conscious eating. Being able to discuss these topics will show your commitment to advancing your career in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Product Development- Graduate Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food product development or related fields. Emphasise any projects or roles that showcase your passion for food and innovation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the food industry and Bakkavor's values. Mention specific aspects of the graduate programme that excite you and how your background aligns with their requirements.
Prepare for Online Assessments: Familiarise yourself with the types of questions you might encounter in the initial online assessments. Practice situational judgement tests and psychometric evaluations to boost your confidence.
Showcase Your Motivation: In your application, clearly express your commitment to a career in the food industry. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your dedication and willingness to learn and grow within the sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bakkavor
✨Know Your Food Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the food industry, especially those related to product development. Being able to discuss current market trends and how they influence product innovation will show your passion and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share your ideas on potential new products or improvements to existing ones. Think about how you can turn your culinary passions into innovative solutions that align with the company's values and customer needs.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves collaboration with chefs and product developers, be ready to discuss examples of how you've successfully worked in teams. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and contribute to group projects.
✨Align with Company Values
Research Bakkavor's values and culture thoroughly. Be prepared to explain how your personal values align with theirs, and why you are passionate about contributing to their mission in the food industry.
