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- Tasks: Join us for hands-on experience in food manufacturing and support exciting product development projects.
- Company: Kepak, a passionate team dedicated to innovation in the food industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentoring, employee discounts, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: 12-month placement starting July 2026 at our York site.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food production while learning from industry experts.
- Qualifications: Studying Food Science/Technology with a passion for the food industry.
The predicted salary is between 26500 - 26500 £ per year.
Kepak 12-Month Industrial Placement – NPD, Technical & Operations (Food Manufacturing)
Are you looking for a placement year where you can get stuck into real factory trials, work with passionate food people, and see how new products and process improvements happen in practice? We’re looking for an enthusiastic student to join our site team, based at our New World Foods site in York, for a 12-month placement, supporting NPD, Technical and Operations projects that make a measurable impact on efficiency, yield and customer delivery.
What you’ll be doing:
- Supporting and attending production trials to establish improved ways of working and increase efficiency and yield.
- Collecting and analysing trial data, turning it into clear insights, summaries and recommendations.
- Preparing customer samples and supporting NPD with customer requests and sample logistics.
- Supporting the Technical team with key operational projects, documentation and cross-functional problem solving.
What we’re looking for:
- A student on an industrial placement year, studying Food Science/Technology (or related degree).
- A real passion for the food industry and interest in how products are developed and manufactured.
- Confidence in a factory environment and willingness to work hands-on with production teams.
- Strong attention to detail and good data skills (Excel).
- A proactive, positive approach and the ability to work well with different teams.
What you’ll gain:
- Hands-on experience with real production trials and continuous improvement activity.
- Structured support, mentoring and exposure to NPD, Technical and Operations leadership.
- A placement project(s) you can take ownership of and present at the end of your placement.
Key details:
- Duration: 12 months
- Start date: July 2026
- Location: New World Foods – York
- Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday (flexibility required to support trials)
- Salary: £26,500
- Closing for applications: 29th of May 2026
Personal Attributes:
- Enthusiasm & Willingness to Learn: Open to new experiences and eager to acquire knowledge in the meat processing industry.
- Confidence & Assertiveness: Able to communicate assertively and stand their ground when addressing quality issues while maintaining amicable relationships with colleagues.
- Resilience: Comfortable working in a challenging environment, including exposure to abattoirs and carcass locations.
Core Values:
- Responsibility: Ability to work on your own initiative and take accountability for your actions.
- Ambition: You will have the willingness and confidence to challenge yourself to be the best you can be and be driven to succeed.
- Passion for Food: This is at the heart of everything we do, you must be passionate about every aspect of our industry.
- Teamwork: Ability to build positive relationships quickly with people from all cultures and career stages is pivotal.
Employee Benefits:
- Employee Discount Scheme
- Service-Related Annual Leave
- Educational Assistance / L&D
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee assistance programme
Kepak NPD, Technical & Operations - 12 Month Industrial Placement employer: Kepak Group
Contact Detail:
Kepak Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kepak NPD, Technical & Operations - 12 Month Industrial Placement
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Kepak and their values, especially their passion for food. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or past employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the placement. It’s all about making those connections!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on tasks! Since this role involves factory trials and data analysis, brush up on your practical skills and Excel knowledge. Being ready to dive into real projects will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and makes it easier for us to keep track of your application. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Kepak NPD, Technical & Operations - 12 Month Industrial Placement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for the food industry in your application. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about how products are developed and manufactured, so share any relevant experiences or projects that showcase this passion.
Be Specific About Your Skills: When detailing your skills, especially in data analysis and attention to detail, be specific! Mention any tools or software you’ve used, like Excel, and provide examples of how you've applied these skills in real situations. This helps us see how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key attributes we’re looking for, such as teamwork and resilience. Show us how your experiences align with our values and the role itself.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kepak Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food science and technology. Understand the basics of production trials and how they impact efficiency and yield. Being able to discuss specific examples or trends in the food industry will show your passion and preparedness.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Let your passion for the food industry shine through during the interview. Share any relevant experiences, whether it's a project from your studies or a personal interest in food production. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate that you're genuinely excited about the role.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since the role involves collecting and analysing trial data, make sure you’re comfortable discussing your data skills, especially with Excel. Prepare to talk about any past experiences where you've used data to draw insights or make recommendations, as this will be crucial for the position.
✨Team Player Mindset
Highlight your ability to work well in teams, especially in a factory environment. Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past, and express your willingness to learn from different teams. This will show that you can adapt and thrive in a dynamic workplace.