Graduate Process Engineer - Glass Manufacturing in Leeds

Verallia UK is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of premium glass containers, supplying exceptional quality glass packaging to some of the world’s most prestigious spirit brands for over 100 years. Glass is infinitely recyclable, making it a vital packaging material for today and even more so for a sustainable future.

To support our long‑term security and continued organisational growth, we are seeking to recruit a highly motivated and proactive individual to join our Batch & Furnace Team as a Batch & Furnace Technician (Trainee). This is a rare and exciting development opportunity for someone looking to build a long‑term technical career within glass manufacturing — an innovative, global industry committed to sustainability.

Following an initial six‑month period based across our Leeds and Knottingley manufacturing plants in West Yorkshire, the successful candidate will undertake a two‑year international assignment at our manufacturing facility in Chalon‑sur‑Saône, France. During this time, there will also be regular opportunities to travel to other manufacturing plants across Europe and South America, as this role supports multiple sites within our global group.

The Role

Reporting to the relevant Group Technical Manager in both the UK and overseas, you will receive structured training and hands‑on experience in glass container processing, including:

• High‑level understanding of the glass melting process, furnace operation and maintenance
• Batch composition, power supplies, glass quality and defect analysis
• Furnace parameter settings and compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements
• Participation in furnace design activity and technical audits
• Involvement in continuous improvement processes and methodologies
• Collaboration with colleagues across production, quality and technical functions in the UK and abroad to gain a broad understanding of glass manufacturing operations

This role is designed to develop both technical expertise and future leadership capability, offering strong progression opportunities within the Verallia Group.

Qualifications & Experience

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical aptitude, logical thinking, and a genuine interest in industrial manufacturing.

Essential

• A‑levels (or equivalent) including Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or a related technical subject
• A Level 3–4 technical qualification (e.g. BTEC, HNC, Foundation Degree) in Engineering, Manufacturing or Applied Science

Desirable

• Degree‑level qualification (BSc/BEng) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, Chemistry or Physics
• Previous exposure to manufacturing or process‑driven environments (e.g. industrial placement, apprenticeship or graduate project)
• Awareness of continuous improvement principles or high‑temperature / thermal processes

Skills & Personal Attributes

• Logical and analytical problem‑solving ability
• Comfortable working in fast‑paced, industrial environments
• Strong communication skills — both written and verbal — with the ability to engage at all levels
• Ability to prioritise workload and perform effectively under pressure
• Flexibility, adaptability and willingness to undertake international travel and relocation

Requirements

The ability to speak French would be advantageous but is not essential. However, during the two‑year assignment in France, you will be required to undertake training to achieve a satisfactory level of French communication to support successful integration.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful, forward‑thinking organisation, develop specialist technical skills, and play an active role in shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing. If you are looking to broaden your skill set, gain international experience, and build a long‑term career where you can make a real impact, this could be the next step for you.