Job Description

:
Kepak HR Graduate Programme 2026 - Wales
Role Purpose
The HR Graduate role is designed to give a comprehensive introduction to the HR function within the meat processing industry. The role involves gaining experience across various HR processes, employee relations, recruitment, and data-driven projects, gaining a full understanding of the HR function and its impact on the overall business.
Key Responsibilities

• Cross-Site Experience: Spend time at various sites across the division to gain a broad understanding of the entire manufacturing and HR experience.

• Employee Relations: Learn the full scope of employee relations, including disciplinary procedures, grievance meetings, minute-taking, and drafting outcome letters.

• Occupational Health Management: Assist in managing occupational health processes, such as return-to-work documentation and informing managers of health-related updates.

• Manager Advisory: Support managers by advising on HR procedures, reviewing cases, and maintaining records of employee-related actions.

• Administrative Support: Provide administration support, including minute-taking for meetings, drafting letters, and coordinating with teams.

• Recruitment and Resourcing: Participate in recruitment activities, starting with factory-based recruitment. Learn to use HR systems, post job advertisements, and contribute to interviews.

• Data Management: Track and input data on key HR metrics, including absence, disciplinary actions, and resignation data, transitioning to analysing this data for improvements over time.

• Induction and Onboarding: Support the delivery of inductions and onboarding processes, reviewing and improving these processes for operational roles.

• Project Work: Engage in HR projects, including reviewing and improving induction processes, recruitment strategy benchmarking, and competency assessments during rotational placements.

Key Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Ensure all processes, documentation, and employee records comply with legal standards and company policies.

• Data-Driven: Utilize data effectively to track HR processes and inform decision-making.

• People Focused: Show passion for contributing positively to the workplace culture and supporting employee development.

• Resilience and Tenacity: Be prepared to advise on situations where the outcome may not align with your recommendations, and maintain strong relationships.

• Adaptability: Demonstrate the ability to adjust your approach depending on the situation, engaging and supporting colleagues effectively.

Other Role Information

• Progression Path: Opportunity to progress within HR from HR Administrator to Assistant, Advisor, Senior HR roles, and eventually Manager or Business Partner. Potential to specialize in areas such as Training & Development, Recruitment, or Learning & Development.

• Travel: Regular travel to different sites within the UK and Ireland, particularly during the rotational placement phase.

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 - 28,000 with an up to 1,500 increase at the start of Year 2 to 29,500
Role Location - Kepak Merthyr, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
Read more about our programme and hear from some of our Graduates:
Requirements:
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

• Degree: Any degree considered, ideally Business, Psychology, or Social Sciences.

• Experience: Experience in customer service or administration is advantageous, with any exposure to the food industry being beneficial.

• Skills: Strong people skills, particularly in customer-facing roles; strong administration and attention to detail.

• Technical Skills: Familiarity with HR systems such as Workable, and basic data input and analysis skills.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills across various mediums including phone, email, Teams, and face-to-face interactions.

Personal Attributes

• Adaptability: Quick to build rapport and relationships; able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

• Resilience: Ability to stay calm and focused under pressure, managing conflicting priorities and maintaining a positive attitude.

• Confidence: Comfortable presenting ideas and advice in group settings; able to handle responsibility and decision-making as you progress in the role.

• Self-Motivated: Passionate about personal growth and improvement, with a desire to drive positive change in the workplace.

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
Benefits:

• Employee Discount Scheme
• Service-Related Annual Leave
• Discounted Health Insurance
• Educational Assistance/ L&D
• Discounted Meat Products
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee assistance programme

Skills Required