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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team tackling sustainable nutrition challenges across Europe.
- Company: Kerry, a leader in sustainable food manufacturing with a global presence.
- Benefits: Permanent role with competitive salary, mentorship, and opportunities for relocation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while developing your career in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates in relevant fields with a passion for innovation and teamwork.
- Other info: Structured 2-year programme with cross-functional placements and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
Manufacturing Graduate
Start date: September 2026
Locations: Hartlepool; Menstrie (UK)
Contract: permanent; full time
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 Manufacturing Program
With a manufacturing network spanning over 150 global locations, we consistently deliver top-quality end products to our customers, meeting the highest standards. Our efficiency and scale continue to set us apart, making us a preferred partner for brands both large and small.
At Kerry, we are committed to establishing world-class manufacturing facilities worldwide, equipped with a broad range of processing capabilities.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the end-to-end manufacturing processes and technologies. You’ll build expertise in people and project management, continuous improvement, and leadership—preparing you to take on real challenges and make a meaningful impact.
You’ll learn directly from our manufacturing experts and work cross-functionally, enhancing your enterprise-wide knowledge of the business. You’ll also gain insights into Kerry’s key business drivers, performance measures, process capabilities, products, and customers.
What you might be doing
- Support the Site Strategic Agenda by translating strategic goals into daily actions—driving performance metrics, supporting team initiatives, or contributing to operational excellence.
- Play a key role in implementing and embedding the Kerry Manufacturing Standard, ensuring consistency and quality across processes and teams.
- Develop into an empowered people leader by managing small teams, leading shift huddles, and supporting performance conversations.
- Lead and contribute to projects ranging from capital investments (e.g., installing new equipment or upgrading production lines) to process improvement initiatives (reducing waste, improving throughput), applying best-in-class project management principles.
- Facilitate and collaborate with management teams on major transformation programs such as digitalization, automation, or sustainability upgrades.
- Gain a clear understanding of how manufacturing contributes to Kerry’s Sustainability agenda—reducing energy usage, optimizing water consumption, and minimizing food waste.
Qualifications
- You’re currently pursuing or have recently graduated with a degree in Food science, Food technology, Engineering, Business & Management, Supply Chain, or any other relavant subject.
- 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 European 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.
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2026 Europe Manufacturing Graduate Programme employer: Kerry
Contact Detail:
Kerry Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Europe Manufacturing Graduate Programme
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former graduates from the programme on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any insider tips they might have. This can give you a leg up and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Kerry’s sustainability initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your background in food science or engineering can contribute to their mission of delivering sustainable nutrition. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Think of real-world challenges you’ve faced and how you tackled them. Kerry is looking for innovative solutions, so be prepared to share examples that highlight your agility and collaborative spirit.
✨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 and ready to take on the challenge of shaping the future of sustainable nutrition.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Europe Manufacturing Graduate Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Manufacturing Graduate Programme. Highlight relevant experiences, skills, and projects that align with Kerry's focus on sustainable nutrition and manufacturing excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for sustainable nutrition and how you can contribute to Kerry’s mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Kerry values collaboration, so be sure to mention any team projects or experiences where you’ve worked well with others. This will show us that you’re the agile, collaborative team player we’re looking for!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the programme there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kerry
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Kerry's mission and values, especially their focus on sustainable nutrition. Familiarise yourself with their manufacturing processes and recent innovations. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your background in food science or engineering to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role emphasises collaboration, be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Think about times when you contributed to group projects or led initiatives. Highlight your ability to adapt and support others, as these qualities are key for success in a graduate programme.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your curiosity about the role and the company. Inquire about the specific challenges they face in manufacturing or how they measure success in sustainability initiatives. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their mission.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Real-World Solutions
Think about innovative solutions to common manufacturing challenges, such as waste reduction or process improvement. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach these issues, drawing on your academic knowledge and any relevant experiences. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and readiness to tackle real-world challenges.