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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams, improve processes, and drive performance in fast-paced manufacturing.
- Company: Join a Triple Award Winning Graduate Programme with a focus on leadership.
- Benefits: Gain practical experience, coaching, mentoring, and a chance for a Mini MBA scholarship.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with real responsibility and a clear pathway to leadership.
- Qualifications: 2:2 degree or Higher Level Apprenticeship; motivated and eager to learn.
- Other info: Experience diverse site rotations and develop essential leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Join our Triple Award Winning Graduate Programme - Learn Today Lead Tomorrow
Role: Operations Leadership Graduate Trainee
Start Date: September 2026
This 18-month structured development programme is designed for ambitious graduates who want to lead people, improve processes and drive performance across fast-paced manufacturing operations.
What you'll do:
- Complete three 6-month site rotations at Craigavon, Dungannon, Ballymena
- Gain hands-on experience across fresh poultry.
- Develop capability in people leadership, lean production and operational management
- Work in high-volume, complex manufacturing environments with real responsibility
What you'll gain:
- A broad, multi-protein operational foundation
- Practical leadership and continuous improvement experience
- A clear pathway into a people-leader role on programme completion
- Ongoing development, coaching and mentoring and the opportunity to apply for a fully funded Mini MBA scholarship
Who we're looking for:
- Minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline or completion of a Higher Level Apprenticeship
- Motivated, resilient and eager to learn
- Strong communication skills and willingness to rotate sites
- Full UK driving licence and right to work in the UK
Find out more and about the benefits of joining a fast tracked programme: Graduate Trainee Programme &bar; Pilgrim's Europe
Operations Leadership Graduate Trainee - Northern Ireland employer: Pilgrim's Europe
Contact Detail:
Pilgrim's Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Leadership Graduate Trainee - Northern Ireland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past employees on LinkedIn, especially those who've been through the Graduate Programme. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and operational management. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it’ll help you showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for the role! During interviews, let your passion for operations and leadership shine through. Share examples of how you've led projects or improved processes in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the programme and what we’re looking for in candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Leadership Graduate Trainee - Northern Ireland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the opportunity to lead and improve processes in our operations.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Leadership Graduate Trainee role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with what we’re looking for, like leadership or process improvement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit. Use it to explain how your background and ambitions align with our programme and what you hope to achieve during your time with us.
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 and allows you to explore more about our Graduate Programme while you’re at it.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrim's Europe
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the company and its operations. Research their manufacturing processes, especially in fresh poultry, and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to improving these processes.
✨Show Your Leadership Potential
Since this role is all about people leadership, think of examples from your past experiences where you've led a team or project. Be prepared to share how you motivated others and drove performance, even if it was in a university group project.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Ask about the specific challenges they face in operations or how they implement lean production techniques. This demonstrates your eagerness to learn and engage.
✨Be Yourself and Stay Positive
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but remember to be yourself! Show your motivation and resilience through your body language and responses. A positive attitude can go a long way in making a great impression.
