Kepak Technical Graduate Programme 2025

Role Purpose

The Graduate Scheme is designed to develop technical expertise within the meat processing industry, with a focus on Food Safety and Quality. The role offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience through rotations in various technical departments before specialising in an area. Graduates will be trained to ensure the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and product quality, preparing them for future leadership roles such as a Site Technical Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

Rotational Training: Participate in rotational placements across various technical departments, including Hygiene, Quality Control, Production and Technical Services.

Issue Identification & Escalation: Identify potential quality issues during inspections and escalate them to the Line Manager (LM) or Technical Manager as required.

Data Analysis: Analyse quality control data to help identify trends, root causes and implement corrective and preventative actions to maintain product standards.

Communication: Effectively communicate quality issues and resolutions within the QC team and with other stakeholders such as production supervisors operators and colleagues.

Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, maintaining assertiveness when addressing quality concerns while fostering a collaborative working environment.

Compliance: Ensure the implementation and adherence to food safety laws, customer requirements, and internal standards, communicating these effectively to all levels within the company.

Key Competencies:

Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail with the ability to perform repetitive tasks consistently while maintaining high levels of accuracy.

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly grasp complex concepts.

Time Management: Efficiently manage daily tasks to ensure all duties are completed within designated timeframes.

Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to work cross-functionally and at various levels of the organization.

Adaptability: Willingness to learn and adapt to various roles within the technical team, flexible in hours and will do what it takes to get the job done. Potential to manage people in the future.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

Educational Background: A degree in Food Science, Technology, Agriculture, Agricultural Science, or a related field. Candidates with a general science degree and a demonstrated interest in the agri-sector are also considered.

Skills: Understanding of food manufacturing and/or the agricultural sector, particularly within the red meat industry, is beneficial. Ability to analyse information, solve problems, and summarize conclusions.

Experience: Previous work experience in the food industry is not required but is considered an advantage. Preference is given to candidates with experience gained through internships, placements, or self-initiated work within operations or technical roles.

Personal Attributes:

Enthusiasm & Willingness to Learn: Open to new experiences and eager to acquire knowledge in the meat processing industry. A pro-active approach to personal development.

Confidence & Assertiveness: Able to communicate assertively and stand their ground when addressing quality issues while maintaining amicable relationships with colleagues.

Resilience: Comfortable working in a challenging environment, including exposure to abattoirs and carcass locations.

Other Role Information:

Work Environment: This role is based in a meat processing facility, which could includes abattoir environments. Candidates should be comfortable working or visiting such settings.

Career Development: This scheme is designed to develop graduates into future leaders within the company, with a clear pathway to roles such as Site Technical Manager within 5-6 years.

Location: The role is based in the UK and Ireland, and candidates should be willing to work in either location.