Start Date: Monday 13 September 2027
A Triple Award-Winning Graduate & Training Programme
Champion Food Safety & Quality. Build a Career That Lasts. Every product we make carries a promise of safety, quality and trust. From Day One, you'll join us on a permanent contract, becoming a valued member of the business while gaining hands-on experience across our Technical function. The programme is designed to prepare you for your first technical leadership role, with clear opportunities for long-term career progression.
Your Rotation Journey Over 18 months, you'll complete three structured six-month rotations designed to build your technical knowledge, broaden your experience and prepare you for your first technical leadership role.
Westerleigh¦ Fresh Pork Site
Corsham¦ Sliced and Slow Cooked Meats Site Rotation 3: Hyde¦ Richmond Sausages Site
- Understanding food safety principles, hazards, allergens and traceability
- Supporting day-to-day Technical and Quality activities
- Auditing production processes and identifying improvement opportunities
- Contributing to customer, retailer and internal audits
- Supporting investigations and structured problem-solving activities
- Working closely with Operations and cross-functional teams to deliver Technical Excellence
Technical Leadership Graduate Trainee
Start Date: Monday 13 September 2027
Applications Close: 13th of January 2027 - we may close applications early due to high applicant volumes. Early application is encouraged.
A Triple Award-Winning Graduate & Training Programme
Champion Food Safety & Quality. Build a Career That Lasts. Every product we make carries a promise of safety, quality and trust. From Day One, you'll join us on a permanent contract, becoming a valued member of the business while gaining hands-on experience across our Technical function. The programme is designed to prepare you for your first technical leadership role, with clear opportunities for long-term career progression.
Your Rotation Journey
Over 18 months, you'll complete three structured six-month rotations designed to build your technical knowledge, broaden your experience and prepare you for your first technical leadership role.
Rotation 1: Westerleigh¦ Fresh Pork Site
Rotation 2: Corsham¦ Sliced and Slow Cooked Meats Site Rotation 3: Hyde¦ Richmond Sausages Site
You’ll learn how safe food is produced at scale by:
- Understanding food safety principles, hazards, allergens and traceability
- Supporting day-to-day Technical and Quality activities
- Auditing production processes and identifying improvement opportunities
- Contributing to customer, retailer and internal audits
- Supporting investigations and structured problem-solving activities
- Working closely with Operations and cross-functional teams to deliver Technical Excellence
You’ll also gain Food Safety and HACCP qualifications, providing the knowledge and confidence to make fact-based, data-driven decisions.
What Makes Our Programme Different?
- Permanent contract from Day One
- Competitive starting salary
- Three structured six-month rotations
- Three-week immersive onboarding experience
- Accredited Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) leadership development
- Food Safety and HACCP qualifications
- Dedicated mentoring and coaching support
- Exposure to senior leaders and our Executive Leadership Team
- Executive-sponsored business improvement projects
- Opportunity to apply for a fully funded Mini MBA scholarship
- Clear progression beyond the programme
What Happens After the Programme?
Following successful completion, you'll be supported into a role aligned to your development, strengths and business needs, such as:
- Technical Coordinator
- Quality Assurance Manager
- Food Safety & Quality Manager
With continued development and support, your career pathway could include:
Graduate Trainee → Quality Assurance Manager → Food Safety & Quality Manager → Technical Manager → Head of Technical → Technical Director
The graduate programme isn't the finish line. It's the starting point of a career.
Who We're Looking For
You Might Be Right For This Programme If You
- Have achieved, or are on track to achieve, a minimum 2:2 Degree or Degree Apprenticeship
- Have a passion for food safety, quality and continuous improvement
- Have strong attention to detail and enjoy problem-solving
- Are motivated, resilient and eager to learn
- Enjoy working with people and building relationships
- Thrive in fast-paced environments
- Want hands-on experience and aren't afraid to roll up your sleeves
- Have the ambition to build a rewarding long-term career
- Are willing and able to complete all three rotations
- Hold a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
- Have the right to work in the UK (sponsorship is not available)
Relocation Support
Temporary relocation support is available and will be discussed during the offer process.
Find Out More
To find out more about this programme, please visit our website - People - Careers - Graduate Trainee Programme
Applications Close: 13th of January 2027
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Technical Graduate Trainee - Westerleigh, Corsham, Hyde, Technical Graduate Trainee - Westerleigh, Corsham, Hyde employer: Pilgrims Europe
At Pilgrim's Europe, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises food safety and quality excellence. Our team in Attleborough benefits from continuous professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a commitment to innovation in food safety practices, making it a rewarding place to grow your career.
