At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to explore food safety, quality assurance, and technical systems in a dynamic factory environment.
- Company: Greencore, a leading creator of convenience food in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation assistance, and access to exclusive employee discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for growth and career development.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in food technology and kickstart your career in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Must be studying a food-related or science-based degree with a passion for food safety.
The predicted salary is between 26850 - 26850 £ per year.
Salary: £26,850 per annum. An additional uplift is also provided for employees based at a London site.
Benefits: Relocation Financial Assistance - Any relocation payments made will be paid back in July 2027! Access to Greencore benefits such as a discount platform.
Location: Greencore site TBC could be London, South-West, Cheshire, Lincolnshire.
Ways of Working: Site-based.
Start Date: End of June 2027.
Contract Type: 12-Month FTC.
Assessment Centre Date/Location: Thursday 10th December 2026 at our Spalding site.
Why Greencore? Following the combination with Bakkavor in January 2026, we are one of the UK’s leading creators of convenience food, driven by a simple purpose: to make every day taste better. As a vibrant and fast-moving business, we are proud to employ over 28,000 talented colleagues across 36 manufacturing sites and 21 distribution depots in the UK and the US. Together, we bring delicious food to life. Our products cover every meal occasion from breakfast through to dinner and dessert, with lunch and snacking in between. In FY25, our shared passion helped us achieve combined revenues of approximately £4bn. Our extensive direct to store (DTS) network, with 17 depots across the UK, allows us to deliver fresh and frozen food both our own and from trusted partners to thousands of stores every day, ensuring consumers enjoy the very best, whenever and wherever they shop.
What you’ll be doing: If you share our passion for great food, this placement offers you opportunities, development, and guidance to help you learn and grow. You will gain skills in areas such as food safety, microbiology, internal auditing, raw materials, technical systems and factory hygiene. This entry level placement is ideal for those studying a food-related or food science degree, aiming to enter this field upon graduation. You will be based at one of our manufacturing sites engaging in a broad range of activities and projects. The placement structure includes working within different functions within the technical department, these may include:
- Technical Factory QA: Collaborate with our manufacturing operations to ensure high quality and food safety as part of the Quality Assurance team. You’ll engage in technical tasks such as GMP audits, taste panels, and micro-sampling while working within the factory environment.
- Technical Systems: Working with our technical systems team to help develop robust technical systems that comply with food safety, legal and customer requirements. This could include tasks around HACCP, code of practice reviews, quality management systems and KPIs.
- Raw Materials and Specifications: Working in the raw material or specifications team to monitor and evaluate raw material safety through risk assessments and generate product specifications, including artwork and legal compliance checks.
- Process: Working within our process teams to ensure the smooth transition of products from concept to launch. You will engage in factory trials, organoleptic sampling, shelf-life reviews, verifying data and product quality attribute generation.
Food technology placement roles will require you to spend a high proportion of your day within a factory environment.
What we’re looking for: Undergraduate currently studying a food science (Food related) or science-based degree (Must be mid degree, not mid masters). Experience working as part of a team. Existing right to work in the UK (we are unable to sponsor visas for this placement). A clear motivation to learn more about the food industry. A desire to learn how food manufacturing works and to get into detail of:
- What makes food safe?
- How factories consistently produce great quality food time after time?
An ability to demonstrate good attention to detail. A full UK drivers licence and own transport is preferred, as our locations and suppliers are not always readily accessible by public transport. A curiosity to explore, learn, and show initiative. At Greencore we put our people at the core. We celebrate their differences and help everyone to be themselves at work. Together we make every day taste better.
All placements are subject to successful right to work checks, and eligibility to work in the UK. If this sounds like you, join us and grow with Greencore, and be a part of driving our future success.
What you’ll get in return: You will work with an experienced line manager, early careers manager and technical champion who will conduct regular performance reviews and support you through a skills checklist to ensure your development. Assuming everything progresses as planned, Greencore will assist you in identifying the right career opportunities upon completing your degree. This could include direct entry roles or positions within our Graduate programmes. From day one, you will take responsibility for your work area and personal development, with comprehensive on-the-job training and development opportunities to further your career.
What’s next: Once you have submitted your online application, it will be reviewed to ensure you meet the required criteria. If you meet all the requirements and are selected to progress, you will move on to Stages 2 and 3: an automated online video interview and online aptitude testing. Once both stages have been completed and reviewed, successful candidates will progress to the final stage: an in-person assessment day, held at one of our sites or another designated venue. We reserve the right to close this advertisement before the stated closing date.
Food Tech in Derby employer: Greencore Group plc
Greencore Group plc is an excellent employer for those seeking a dynamic role in accounts payable within the UK. With a strong emphasis on employee development, you will benefit from structured training and a supportive work culture that values accuracy and communication. Join us to thrive in a fast-paced environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Tech in Derby
✨Get Involved in University Projects
Check out any food science projects or research happening at your university. Getting involved can help you make connections with professors and industry professionals, plus you can showcase your hands-on experience when chatting with potential employers like Greencore Group plc.
✨Attend Food Science Conferences
Look out for local food science conferences or workshops. These are perfect opportunities to meet professionals in the field, and who knows, you might even bump into someone from Greencore Group plc! Don't forget to bring your business cards.
✨Leverage Social Media Platforms
Join food science groups on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. Engage with posts, share interesting articles, and connect with industry leaders. This not only keeps you updated but also puts you on their radar when they're looking for interns at Greencore Group plc.
✨Use Your University Career Services
Don't underestimate your university's career services! They often have exclusive links to internships in food science and can help you with mock interviews, ensuring you're all set when applying for that golden spot at Greencore Group plc.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Tech in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Coursework:When applying for an internship in food science technology, it’s a great idea to highlight your relevant coursework and projects. Make sure to mention any specific classes or labs that tie back to the strengths of the role at Greencore Group plc. This helps us see your academic foundation and how it relates to practical applications in the field!
Include Technical Skills and Tools:Don’t forget to list your technical skills that are specific to food science technology—this could include food safety standards, analytical lab techniques, and any software you're savvy with, like statistical analysis tools. This kind of detail tells us you're not just a student, but someone ready to hit the ground running.
Express Your Enthusiasm for Learning:In your cover letter, make sure to convey your passion for food science and technology. As an intern, we're keen to see how eager you are to learn from the team at Greencore Group plc. Highlight any relevant projects or experiences that sparked your interest; it'll help us understand your motivation and potential.
Tailor Your Documents for the Role:Make it personal! When you apply through our website, tailor your CV and cover letter to the internship at Greencore Group plc. Mention specific skills or experiences that match the job description, and don’t hesitate to share why you want to jump into this particular role. A tailored application shows us you've put in the effort and are genuinely interested!
How to prepare for a job interview at Greencore Group plc
✨Get Ready for Practical Challenges
In the food science and technology field, you might face practical challenges during your interview. Brush up on your knowledge of food safety regulations, preservation techniques, and quality control processes. We could even find some mock scenarios you can practise with to show off your problem-solving skills!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Familiarise yourself with the tools and techniques commonly used in food technology interviews. For example, be prepared to discuss things like sensory evaluation methods or how to conduct shelf-life testing. Showing that you're hands-on and technically savvy can really make you stand out as an intern!
✨Show Your Passion for the Industry
Since this is an internship, the interviewers are likely looking for your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Share your experiences, be it projects from your studies or any work experience related to food science that sparked your interest. It’s all about showing that you’re keen to grow in this field!
✨Prepare Your Questions on Learning Opportunities
An internship is all about growth, right? So, ask questions about training, mentorship, and any projects you'd be involved in. This not only shows your eagerness to learn but also helps you gauge if the internship at Greencore Group plc aligns with your career goals!
