Kepak Operational Rotational Graduate Programme 2026

Kepak Operational Rotational Graduate Programme 2026 - Ireland

We are seeking to recruit for the 2065 Operational Rotational Graduate Programme across the following Kepak locations in Ireland:

- Watergrasshill, Co.Cork

- Athleague,Co.Roscommon

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: A strong work ethic is essential. 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, with a focus on maintaining calm and effective communication in high-pressure situations.

- Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in high-pressure environments where quick thinking and decision-making are required.

- Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team, whether through sports, work, or academic projects.

Other Role Information

- Location: Full-time on-site at our various processing plants, with the possibility of travel to other locations for specialized learning.

- Progression: 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.

- Assessment: 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

Our Graduate programme allows dynamic, motivated, hardworking, and passionate Graduates an opportunity start their career with one of Ireland & UKs leading meat businesses. 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

- An opportunity to work in various departments across the business with a rotation plan tailored to your development, the rotations plan will vary by site

- Gain an in depth understanding of our brands and products, and our relationships with customers and consumers

- To learn key aspects of our business, whilst you develop your skills and knowledge

- The opportunity to develop personally and professionally through exposure to key projects, tasks and development activities that challenge you, all supported by a detailed learner journey and training plan

- A dedicated mentor and development program to support you both on the programme and into a role that best fits your skills

Start date: September 7th 2026

Starting Salary - €32,000 with an up to €2,000 increase at the start of Year 2 to €34,000

Role Location - We have roles available at our Kepak Athleague or Kepak Cork sites in Ireland

Read more about our programme and hear from some of our Graduates: https://www.kepak.com/careers/graduates/

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, by performing real roles as part of your rotations.

You must be mobile and willing to travel throughout the programme to undertake development activities at any of our sites in the UK and Ireland.

We will consider undergraduates from all disciplines and backgrounds.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

- Educational Background: Open to graduates from all disciplines. However Agriculture, Engineering, Food and Agri-business Management, Animal Science, Food Science, and related fields are preferable

- Professional Experience: Experience in food or agriculture, whether through summer jobs, part-time work, or full-time roles is advantageous, but not required. Hands-on experience in a related field is highly valued.

- Skills: Ability to learn and identify different cuts of meat and their value and gain an understanding of the full process flow in meat processing, from procurement to product delivery.

- Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people of different nationalities and backgrounds.

Personal Attributes

- Driven and Ambitious: A desire to build a long-term career in the meat industry, with aspirations to become a manager in operations.

- Eager to Learn: A proactive approach to learning, with a willingness to seek out information, ask questions, and absorb knowledge like a sponge.

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

We will be looking for alignment with our Core Values:

- Responsibility – Ability to work on your own initiative and take accountability for your actions

- Ambition – You will have the willingness and confidence to challenge yourself to be the best you can be and be driven to succeed

- Passion for Food – this is at the heart of everything we do, you must be passionate about every aspect of our industry

- Teamwork – ability to build positive relationships quickly with people from all cultures and career stages is pivotal

- Employee Discount Scheme

- Service-Related Annual Leave

- Discounted Health Insurance

- Educational Assistance/ L&D

- Discounted Meat Products

- Cycle to work scheme

- Employee assistance programme

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