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- Tasks: Join our R&D team to work on exciting food projects and ingredient evaluations.
- Company: McCain Foods, a global leader in frozen food with a family-oriented culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, sign-on bonus, flexible holidays, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth within a supportive and inclusive company.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Studying Food Science or equivalent, with a passion for food and a clean driving license.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
This is a placement year opportunity for 2026-2027, and not a grad scheme. This is only suitable for students who are due to finish their second year (doing a sandwich degree) and seeking a placement year opportunity!
About McCain. At McCain, we're feeding the world: from French fries to Smiles, we contribute to the important role food plays in people's lives. That's why we're dedicated to ensuring our core values - Family, Authentic, Trusted, and Quality - shine through every day. As a privately owned family company with over 60 years of experience, a presence in more than 160 countries, and a global team of 22,000 people, our values and culture are at the heart of everything we do.
Join us and see how you can MAKE IT at McCain!
Why join the McCain family:
- Your Life - we're here to help you fulfil your potential, flourish, and thrive in work and life.
- Your Success - work alongside passionate individuals who are committed to supporting your career ambitions, drive, and success.
- Your Impact - we want you to make a meaningful, lasting impact for you, for your colleagues, and for the business.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We're recruiting for a R&D Food Science Intern. You'll join a line of successful interns that have all been in the same shoes, who walked through the doors of our HQ to gain valuable experience as part of their University Placement year. Some of which have since returned to continue their careers with us.
When: Join us in July 2026 for an epic 12-month journey with our Global R&D team. You'll get an insight into what life is like working for one of the largest frozen food companies in the world, and experience lots of different elements within R&D, from working on new development projects to new ingredient evaluation. Other projects may include; specific studies on appetiser ingredients and impact to recipes, line extension development of our current product portfolios, cook direction and abuse studies as well as conducting tastings to evaluate shelf life samples.
As an intern, you'll not only get hands-on experience, but you'll also experience development within a professional environment where you'll work towards set objectives, with a clear development plan and regular one-to-ones with your line managers. You'll also build a network both inside and outside of McCain as well as creating connections with other interns across the business.
ABOUT YOU!
Here at McCain we are go-getters. We are winners. And we work hard. And that's what we look for in our interns. But you must also:
- Be currently studying a relevant degree in Food Science or equivalent.
- Full clean driving license.
- Have a passion and interest in food.
- Be seeking a 12-month placement year to support your degree studies (which will run from July 2026 to June 2027).
- Must be available to start early July.
- And of course, a love of potatoes!
WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?
Although we do encourage you to taste the goods you'll be pleased to know we don't pay you in chips. For working hard, you'll also get a great salary and some pretty good benefits including:
- Sign on bonus additional to your annual salary - to help you get started!
- An excellent pension where we will pay double what you do, up to a maximum of 12% of your pay.
- Flexible holidays - where you can buy & sell up to 5 days holiday per year.
- Optional health cash plan.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- 'Chips In' Volunteering Day Off - to make a positive impact to the competitiveness, resilience, and long-term development of McCain communities across the globe.
- And of course, being part of a Global business there are great opportunities to shine/thrive should you wish to relocate in the future.
WHERE YOU'LL WORK...
Our HQ in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. We're all about flexibility. It's not about where you work, but what you achieve. We won't pin you down to a specific number of office days but we do need you to be present for the majority of the week as you'll be in the test kitchen, on the pilot line, or at the factories to ensure you get as much exposure to support your placement year.
The McCain experience: We are McCain: this statement is about our power collectively and our importance individually - your impact is a significant part of the business. Our winning culture focuses on authenticity and trust so we can always bring out the best in our people. Here, you have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive while being yourself. Join our team to see why we're better together.
McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions.
Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with McCain's Global Privacy Policy and Global Employee Privacy Policy, as applicable.
Food Science (R&D) Intern 2026 in York employer: McCain Foods (GB) Ltd
Contact Detail:
McCain Foods (GB) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Science (R&D) Intern 2026 in York
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university's alumni or current interns at McCain. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral. Remember, connections can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching McCain’s values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just passionate about food but also about their mission. Tailor your answers to reflect how you align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family. Get comfortable talking about your experiences and why you want to join McCain. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the McCain family. Let’s get you that internship!
We think you need these skills to ace Food Science (R&D) Intern 2026 in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm for food science. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and the industry.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific internship. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to show us why they’re a great fit for McCain!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We want to understand your qualifications and motivations without having to sift through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there.
How to prepare for a job interview at McCain Foods (GB) Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your food science knowledge! Understand the basics of ingredient evaluation and R&D processes. Familiarise yourself with McCain's products and values, as this will show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Show Your Passion for Food
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for food shine through. Share any relevant experiences or projects you've worked on that demonstrate your love for food science. This is a great way to connect with the interviewers who are just as passionate about food!
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team you'll be working with. Inquire about specific projects or challenges the R&D team is currently facing. This shows that you're not only interested in the position but also eager to contribute meaningfully.
✨Be Yourself
McCain values authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine. Be honest about your experiences and what you hope to gain from the internship. Remember, they want to see how you fit into their culture, so being genuine is key!