At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Operations Graduate Programme and contribute to real projects in dairy production.
- Company: Kerry Dairy Ireland, a leader in sustainable dairy solutions.
- Benefits: Permanent role with structured learning, mentorship, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a purpose-driven environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree holder or on track for a 2:1; flexibility and curiosity are key.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
2026 UK Operations Graduate Programme - Kerry Dairy Ireland
Operations Graduate
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: full time; permanent
At Kerry Dairy Ireland, we’re proud of our heritage and passionate about our future. As a leading provider of dairy solutions across Ireland and Europe, we’re committed to nourishing lives through quality, sustainability, and innovation. We’re looking for ambitious graduates who want to make a real impact in a business that blends tradition with transformation.
This is a permanent, full-time role that begins with a two-year graduate programme combining structured off-the-job learning with hands-on experience. From day one, you’ll contribute to real projects in one of our core business areas. Throughout the programme, you’ll build deep functional expertise in your chosen field, supported by experienced mentors and a close-knit graduate community.
If you’re curious, collaborative, and ready to grow your career in a purpose-driven environment, Kerry Dairy Ireland is the place to start.
Our Operations Programme
Operations is the engine room of Kerry Dairy Ireland. From the arrival of materials and ingredients on site to final product dispatch, our operations teams ensure that our processes run safely, efficiently and sustainably - delivering high-quality dairy products to customers and consumers across Ireland, Europe and the USA. With over 50 years of dairy expertise and a portfolio of leading brands, our operations graduates play a key role in shaping the future of dairy.
What You Might Be Doing
On our 2 year Programme, you’ll rotate through two distinct rotations across location and/or function, and your responsibilities might include:
- Supporting plant operations and contributing to the delivery of production targets.
- Leading or assisting with projects related to new product introductions, process optimisation, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborating with teams across supply chain, quality, finance, health & safety, and commercial to deliver cross-functional solutions.
- Participating in Lean Manufacturing and HACCP training to build your technical and compliance capabilities.
- Taking ownership of your learning journey—asking questions, seeking feedback, and connecting with colleagues across functions.
- Building a strong understanding of Kerry Dairy Ireland’s product portfolio and its application across retail and foodservice channels.
Do you have what it takes?
- You’re on track or recently completed a degree, holding at least a 2:1 classification
- Flexibility to work across different sites and functions
- Whilst an operation related (food science, supply chain or related discipline) degree would be helpful, it is not essential - we are also interested to see evidence of your interest in a career in FMCG and/or food manufacturing
- You will be curious & open to learn— you ask great questions, seek feedback and turn insight into better decisions
- Making it happen – you will need to be a self-starter & take ownership of your workload — you take accountability, prioritize well, whilst being agile to changing priorities
- You will be strong in building relationships – for us this means you can influence, listen and build trust with internal and external stakeholders
- You will be ambitious for yourself and your team, think bigger and challenge the status quo— you test ideas, propose improvements and look for scalable ways of improving the business area you work in
- Eligible to permanently work in the United Kingdom
Kerry Dairy Ireland is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial retail presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high-quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
2026 UK Operations Graduate Programme - Kerry Dairy Ireland in Portadown employer: Kerry Group plc
At Kerry Dairy Ireland, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that champions innovation and sustainability. Our Operations Graduate Programme offers ambitious graduates the chance to engage in meaningful projects while receiving mentorship and support from experienced professionals, ensuring a robust foundation for career growth. With a commitment to employee development and a collaborative environment, Kerry Dairy Ireland is an exceptional place to launch your career in the dairy industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 UK Operations Graduate Programme - Kerry Dairy Ireland in Portadown
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Kerry Group plc often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 UK Operations Graduate Programme - Kerry Dairy Ireland in Portadown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Kerry Group plc does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kerry Group plc
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Kerry Group plc will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Kerry Group plc.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Kerry Group plc.
