Job Description

Food Industry Graduate Programme (2026)

(Fresh Pork Site - Ballymena, Northern Ireland)

Are you ready to kickstart your career in the UK's

largest manufacturing sector

? At Cranswick, we are seeking talented individuals to join our

two-year Rotational Graduate Programme

based at our

Ballymena Fresh Pork site

. This is a

hands-on, operationally focused programme

that will take you through the core aspects of our factory operations and commercial functions. As one of the UK's leading pork producers, we pride ourselves on delivering quality from

farm to fork

, and we are looking for future leaders who thrive in a fast-paced, operational environment.

About Cranswick

Cranswick is a leading innovator in the food industry, renowned for producing

high-quality fresh pork products

for a wide range of customers, including major retailers, food service providers, and international markets. At our Ballymena site, operational excellence, teamwork, and safety are at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on a dynamic and inclusive work environment where collaboration and innovation drive success. With a rich heritage and a forward-thinking approach, we offer exciting career opportunities and the chance to contribute to a company that values

growth, quality, and employee wellbeing

.

About the Food Industry Graduate Programme

Our Graduate Programme is an immersive

two-year operational and commercial journey

, designed to develop the next generation of leaders at Cranswick. Based at our Ballymena Fresh Pork site, you'll gain

hands-on experience across the factory floor and key business areas

, including:

Operations & Production

- understanding end-to-end manufacturing processes, quality standards, and operational efficiency.

Technical & Quality Assurance

- learning how we maintain product safety, consistency, and regulatory compliance.

Commercial & Customer Engagement

- supporting retail and international accounts, analysing data, and identifying growth opportunities.

New Product Development

- contributing to innovation and future product lines.
Through tailored training and mentorship, you'll develop the skills and knowledge to

excel in a leadership role

in a high-performing, operational environment.

What we are looking for

We're seeking

resilient, adaptable, and ambitious individuals

who thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Graduates from all disciplines are welcome, particularly those with an interest in

manufacturing, operations, and the food industry

. You'll need a proactive attitude, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work as part of a team on the factory floor as well as in commercial and technical areas.

What we offer

Starting salary 28,000, increasing to 28,500 in year 2 Comprehensive training plan covering operational manufacturing, commercial, and technical functions Buddy programme pairing you with previous graduates for support and guidance Participation in our 2025 Graduate Development Programme for networking and leadership development Enrolment in our company pension scheme with enhanced contribution options Option to buy up to 5 days of additional holiday Access to our company Share Save scheme to purchase shares at a discounted rate Discount membership at major high street stores and supermarkets Cycle to work scheme
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Graduate

Pay: 28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Profit sharing Referral programme Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:

Ballymena BT42: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:

Bachelor's (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person