Kepak Technical Graduate Programme 2025 - Ireland

at  Kepak Group

KEPAK TECHNICAL GRADUATE PROGRAMME 2025 - IRELAND

We are seeking to recruit for the 2025 Technical Graduate Programme across the following Kepak locations in Ireland:

• Watergrasshill, Co.Cork
• Ballybay, Co.Monaghan

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.

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 the agricultural sector, particularly within the red meat industry, is beneficial. Ability to analyze 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.
• 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.
  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

ROLE PURPOSE

The Graduate Scheme is designed to develop technical expertise within the meat processing industry, with a focus on Quality Control (QC). The role offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience through rotations in various technical departments before specializing in QC. 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, and Production.
• Quality Control: Conduct daily hygiene checks, product quality assessments, and equipment inspections to ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• 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 identify trends and implement corrective actions to maintain product standards.
• Communication: Effectively communicate quality issues and resolutions within the QC team and with other stakeholders such as production supervisors and line workers.
• 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.

OTHER ROLE INFORMATION

• Work Environment: This role is based in a meat processing facility, which includes abattoir environments. Candidates should be comfortable working in 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 Ireland, but candidates should be willing to travel to other Kepak, and external, locations as required.
  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.