Kepak Operational Rotational Graduate Programme

Location

We are seeking to recruit for the 2026 Operational Rotational Graduate Programme across the following Kepak locations in Ireland, with a full-time on-site requirement at our various processing plants in Ballybay, Monaghan. There is also the possibility of travel to other locations for specialized learning.

Role Purpose

The Operations Graduate will embark on an intensive learning journey within our meat processing company, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the entire production process from procurement to sales. This role is designed to develop future leaders in the meat industry, with a strong emphasis on learning the end-to-end process of deconstructing an animal, understanding the value of each part, and mastering the operations that drive our business. The ultimate goal is for the graduate to be able to articulate the entire process, from purchasing a live animal to delivering finished products to customers, and to demonstrate this knowledge through presentations and hands-on experience.

Key Responsibilities

• End-to-End Process Learning: Rotate through various departments, including procurement, abattoir, by-product processing, warehouse, logistics, and sales, to gain hands-on experience and a deep understanding of each stage of the meat production process.
• Presentation and Reporting: At the end of each rotation, present the acquired knowledge and insights to demonstrate an understanding of the operations. This includes explaining the deconstruction of the animal and the value of its parts.
• Operational Involvement: Actively participate on the factory floor, learning each work station and the processes involved in breaking down the animal into prime and customer-specific cuts.
• People Management: Develop skills in managing diverse teams, understanding the dynamics of a labour-intensive industry, and learning how to effectively communicate and lead in a multicultural environment.
• Continuous Improvement: Engage in key projects such as data gathering, writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process improvement initiatives, and customer-specific projects to contribute to the overall efficiency of operations.

Key Competencies

• Numerical Proficiency: Strong aptitude for working with numbers, crucial for understanding the yield, value, and financial aspects of meat processing.
• Work Ethic: Demonstrating a background in farming, manual labour, or consistent part-time work during studies is an advantage.
• People Management: Ability to manage and motivate teams in a labour-intensive environment.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in high-pressure environments.
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, whether through sports, work, or academic projects.

Other Role Information

The program will involve 90% factory floor experience and 10% office-based work initially, with a gradual increase in office responsibilities as the graduate progresses. The graduate will be assessed through presentations and practical demonstrations of their understanding at each stage of the process. You will also have a Learner Journey to support your progress, this states key competencies that we want you to develop through your programme.

Programme Features

• Starting Salary: €32,000 with an increase to €34,000 at the start of Year 2.
• Duration: The programme lasts 2 years.
• You can expect: To be fully immersed into our Culture from day 1, working alongside key industry experts and Kepak leaders. Learning key aspects of our business and developing your skills. The opportunity to develop personally and professionally through exposure to key projects, tasks, and development activities that challenge you.
• A dedicated mentor and development program to support you both on the programme and into a role that best fits your skills.

Requirements

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for hardworking and ambitious Graduates, who want to learn and grow in a challenging and fast-paced environment. You must be mobile and willing to travel throughout the programme.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Educational Background: Open to graduates from all disciplines. Preferable fields include Agriculture, Engineering, Food and Agri-business Management, Animal Science, and Food Science.
• Professional Experience: Experience in food or agriculture is advantageous but not required.
• Skills: Ability to learn and identify different cuts of meat and their value.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Personal Attributes

• Driven and Ambitious: Desire to build a long-term career in the meat industry with aspirations to become a manager in operations.
• Eager to Learn: Proactive approach to learning.
• Resilience: Comfortable working in a challenging environment.

Core Values

• Responsibility: Ability to work on your own initiative and take accountability.
• Ambition: Willingness and confidence to challenge yourself and be driven to succeed.
• Passion for Food: Must be passionate about every aspect of our industry.
• Teamwork: Ability to build positive relationships quickly with people from all cultures and career stages.

Benefits

• Employee Discount Scheme
• Service-Related Annual Leave
• Discounted Health Insurance
• Educational Assistance/ L&D
• Discounted Meat Products
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee assistance programme