At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in quality and food safety projects while collaborating across teams.
- Company: Join Kerry, a leader in sustainable nutrition with a global impact.
- Benefits: Permanent role with structured training, mentorship, and opportunities to relocate across Europe.
- Other info: Dynamic two-year programme with rotations and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in delivering sustainable nutrition to over 2 billion people.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Technology, Chemistry, or related field; ambitious and open-minded graduates welcome.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Overview
2026 Europe Food Safety&Quality Graduate Programme
Food, Safety & Quality Graduate — Contract: full time; permanent
For your first rotation, you will be based in one of our locations in the UK. We have locations across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Join Kerry and Shape the Future of Sustainable Nutrition
At Kerry, we’re tackling one of humanity’s greatest challenges: delivering sustainable nutrition to over 2 billion people while protecting our planet. It’s a monumental task, and we need ambitious graduates bursting with innovative solutions to real-world problems. If you’re an agile, collaborative team player, we offer a career where you can make a real difference and help secure our future.
Do you have what it takes to deliver sustainable nutrition to over 2 billion people? Rise to the challenge with one of our Graduate Programs.
This permanent, full-time role begins with a structured 2-year programme that includes rotational placements across different teams and functions. From day one, you’ll be immersed in real-world challenges, supported by a global network of mentors, and empowered to make meaningful contributions. With structured learning, cross-functional exposure, and opportunities to relocate across Europe, the programme is designed to give you the skills, confidence, and experience to thrive in your career.
Our FSQ Program
Our Food, Safety & Quality (FSQ) Program is designed to be challenging, providing comprehensive training, practical experience, and knowledge across various quality and food safety activities and systems at our production facilities. You will collaborate closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and Engineering, building a network within the broader Kerry FSQ Community.
This structured program includes rotations across at least two manufacturing sites, each with different process technologies, products, and end markets. The goal is to develop successful and experienced professionals ready to transition into managerial roles by the end of the two-year program. You will receive mentorship and leadership support to ensure your development stays on track.
What you might be doing
- Quality and Food Safety Projects
- Key Performance Indicators: Establish, track, trend, and act.
- Auditing and Inspections
- Quality Control: Develop product specifications, analytical procedures, sampling programs, and control systems to ensure they meet system capabilities and key consumer requirements.
- Engage in Live Quality and Safety Projects
- Implement and Analyze Designed Experiments and Capability Studies
- Manage, Update, and Enhance Quality and Safety Systems
Do you have what it takes?
- You’re currently pursuing or have recently graduated with a degree, ideally in Food Technology, Chemistry, Health Safety, Biotechnology, Science or another related field.
- You’re ambitious, curious, and can’t wait to put your talents into action.
- You’re open minded, agile, and willing to embrace opportunities.
- You’re a graduate or a soon-to-be graduate.
- You’re fluent in English and ideally another language.
- You’re eligible to permanently work in the location you’re applying to*
- You’re open to traveling and relocating.
- * Kerry Graduates must have permanent Right to Work in Europe or UK (for UK based roles) and be willing to relocate to other European countries during the program.
- Submit your application only for the program of your interest. Any multiple applications will be withdrawn.
2026 Europe Food Safety&Quality Graduate Programme employer: Kerry Group plc
Kerry is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for graduates eager to make a meaningful impact in the field of sustainable nutrition. With a structured 2-year graduate programme featuring rotational placements, comprehensive training, and mentorship from industry leaders, employees are empowered to develop their skills and advance their careers while contributing to real-world solutions. Located across the UK, Kerry fosters a collaborative culture that values innovation and encourages personal growth, making it an ideal place for ambitious individuals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Europe Food Safety&Quality Graduate Programme
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Kerry Group plc.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Kerry Group plc!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Kerry Group plc, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Kerry Group plc, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Europe Food Safety&Quality Graduate Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Kerry Group plc, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Kerry Group plc.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Kerry Group plc. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Kerry Group plc. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kerry Group plc
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Kerry Group plc’s mission.
