Kepak Food Safety

DescriptionKepak Food Safety (Technical) Graduate Programme 2026 - WalesRole PurposeThe 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 ResponsibilitiesRotational 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.Key CompetenciesAttention to Detail: 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 with the potential to manage people in the future.Other Role InformationWork 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 Wales 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.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 2026Starting Salary - 28000 with an up to 1500 increase at the start of Year 2 to 29500Role Location - Kepak Merthyr Merthyr Tydfil WalesRead more about our programme and hear from some of our Graduates: are we looking forWe 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 ExperienceEducational 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 AttributesEnthusiasm & 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 actionsAmbition You will have the willingness and confidence to challenge yourself to be the best you can be and be driven to succeedPassion for Food this is at the heart of everything we do you must be passionate about every aspect of our industryTeamwork ability to build positive relationships quickly with people from all cultures and career stages is pivotalBenefits Employee Discount Scheme Service-Related Annual Leave Discounted Health Insurance Educational Assistance/ L&D Discounted Meat Products Cycle to work scheme Employee assistance programme Key Skills Project Management Methodology,Project / Program Management,Program Management,Management Experience,Microsoft Powerpoint,Project Management,Microsoft Project,Budgeting,DoD Experience,Leadership Experience,Supervising Experience,Contracts Employment Type : Student Experience: years Vacancy: 1