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Bakkavor offers several graduate programmes designed to develop future leaders in the food industry. Here’s what you need to know:
Overview of Graduate Programmes:
Start Date: September 2025
Duration: 3 years, (Finance 3.5)
Structure: Programmes involve at least three 12-month placements across different locations. (Finance Programme comprises three placements over three and a half years)
Key Characteristics of the Programmes:
Flexibility Required: You’ll rotate through different roles, departments, and locations, gaining exposure to a wide range of products and customers.
Real Responsibility: From day one, you’ll have significant responsibilities, with ongoing support to help you succeed.
Comprehensive Training: The programmes include a robust training plan, ensuring you develop the skills needed to excel in your chosen field.
Career Growth: The company is committed to helping you reach your full potential, preparing you to become a future leader.
Our current programmes are designed to provide a broad understanding of the business and equip you with the skills and experience necessary for a successful career in the food industry.
What we offer you
Proud to get what you deserve
Our graduate programmes offer an excellent opportunity to jumpstart your career with us in a well-rounded and supportive environment. Here's a summary of what you can expect:
Competitive Reward Package:
Starting Salary: £27,000 with an additional £1,000 signing bonus. Salaries increase annually, with extra allowances for London placements.
Pension Scheme: Secure your future with a comprehensive pension plan.
Relocation Assistance: Financial help for each graduate placement relocation.
Holiday Purchase Scheme: 25 days holiday plus Bank holidays with the flexibility to buy additional holidays.
Employee Benefits: Access to perks like the Car Lease scheme, free health checks, free parking, discounted onsite staff shops….
Training and Development:
Leadership Training: Attend a bespoke, accredited leadership programme to challenge your thinking and hone your leadership skills.
Specialised Workshops: Gain sector and business insights from bespoke programme workshops and cross-functional exposure.
Rotational Placements: Experience various roles to broaden your skillset and maximise your exposure to all aspects of our business.
Management Skills Training: Equip yourself with essential management skills.
Accredited Qualifications: HR and Finance graduates will work towards CIPD and CIMA qualifications. Manufacturing graduates will work towards a management qualification.
Continuous Development: Opportunities for growth even after the programme.
Support Network:
Programme Champion: A dedicated advocate for your functional area.
Mentorship: Guidance and support from a mentor.
Buddy System: A buddy to help you settle into the business.
Graduate Team: Coordination and advice from a dedicated team.
Line Manager: Regular performance reviews and development support.
Graduate Cohort: Join a network of up to 20 graduates and a community of existing graduates.
Career Progression:
The programme is aimed at developing our future business leaders and provides a comprehensive platform to launch your career with us. You'll have the opportunity to work with the company to define a career path tailored to your strengths, interests and ambitions, with multiple opportunities available. At the same time, we will provide you with the support, training, and development you will need to help you succeed in the fast-paced FMCG sector.
Focus: Learning all aspects of the product life cycle whilst working with chefs, process and operational teams to develop new food products and recipes.
Key Activities: Idea generation, recipe development, product trials, market launches, due diligence, nutrition, packaging, and category planning, and all associated administration.
Focus: Develop engineering management skills over a 3-year program.
Key Activities: Engineering maintenance, focussing on either project management, site services management, software engineering or environmental engineering, whilst ensuring compliance with food safety and engineering regulations.
These roles offer structured career paths and aim to develop the skills necessary for graduates to take on leadership roles within their respective fields.
What you need to apply
Specific Requirements
Academic Qualifications:
A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree. For Finance, Manufacturing, and HR any degree discipline either achieved or expected, is required. For all other functions, please review specific requirements.
Work Experience:
A minimum of 3 months’ work experience in a relevant role within the food industry, manufacturing, or a position related to your chosen discipline is desirable. This could include a 3-month office internship.
Right to Work in the UK:
Candidates must have an existing and future right to work in the UK for at least the duration of the whole programme.
Commuting Requirement:
Applicants must be able to commute to their assigned site location as needed. This includes being responsible for covering travel costs. Please consider and to pre-check distances, travel times, and public transportation options (such as bus availability). NB: We will provide financial support for annual relocation.
Application Tips:
Highlight Your Motivation: Clearly express your passion for food, why you’re interested in a career in the food industry and how this placement aligns with your career goals.
Show Flexibility: Emphasize your willingness to relocate and adapt to different work locations.
Demonstrate Business Acumen: Showcase any relevant experience or skills that highlight your understanding of the commercial aspects of the industry.
HOW TO APPLY
Find out more about applying with us and the process we follow.
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