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- Tasks: Join us for hands-on experience in food production trials and process improvements.
- Company: Kepak, a leading player in the food manufacturing industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, employee discounts, educational assistance, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: 12-month placement starting July 2026, with excellent mentorship and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while developing your skills and knowledge.
- Qualifications: Studying Food Science/Technology with a passion for food and strong data skills.
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
Requirements:
- 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.
We will be looking for alignment with our 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
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 in York 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 in York
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Kepak and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations during interviews to show how you align with their mission and culture.
✨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. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on scenarios! Since this role involves real factory trials, think about how you can demonstrate your practical skills and enthusiasm for food production during interviews. Be ready to share examples from your studies or previous experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Kepak and ready to dive into the food industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Kepak NPD, Technical & Operations - 12 Month Industrial Placement in York
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 you’ve used, like Excel, and give 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 core 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
Before the interview, dive deep into the food manufacturing industry, especially focusing on NPD and operations. Familiarise yourself with current trends, challenges, and innovations in food technology. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you relate your studies to real-world applications.
✨Show Your Passion
Kepak is looking for someone who genuinely loves the food industry. Be ready to share specific examples of what excites you about food science and technology. Whether it's a project you've worked on or a product you admire, let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Data Skills are Key
Since the role involves collecting and analysing trial data, brush up on your Excel skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data in past projects or coursework, and think of ways you can apply these skills to improve efficiency and yield in a factory setting.
✨Team Player Mindset
Kepak values teamwork, so be ready to talk about your experiences working in groups. Highlight instances where you’ve collaborated with others to solve problems or achieve goals. Show that you can build positive relationships and work well with diverse teams, as this will be crucial in a factory environment.