Job Description

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Rustlers Operational Rotational Graduate Programme 2026 - England
We are seeking to recruit for the 2026 Rustler's Operational Rotational Graduate Programme in our Kepak Kirkham Site, which is home to Rustlers, the UK's number 1 micro snacking brand.
Role Purpose
Our Operations Graduates will embark on an intensive learning journey within our Rustlers, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the entire production process from procurement to sales. This role is designed to develop future leaders in the meat industry, with a strong emphasis on learning the end-to-end process, understanding the value of each step, and mastering the operations that drive our business. The ultimate goal is for the graduate to be able to articulate the entire process, and to demonstrate this knowledge through presentations and hands-on experience.
Key Responsibilities

• End-to-End Process Learning: Rotate through various operational departments, to gain hands-on experience of every role and a deep understanding of each stage of the production process.

• Presentation and Reporting: At the end of each rotation, present the acquired knowledge and insights to demonstrate an understanding of the operations.

• Operational Involvement: Actively participate on the factory floor, learning each work station and the processes involved producing our products

• People Management: Develop skills in managing diverse teams, understanding the dynamics of a labour-intensive industry, and learning how to effectively communicate and lead in a multicultural environment.

• Continuous Improvement: Engage in key projects such as data gathering, writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process improvement initiatives, and customer-specific projects to contribute to the overall efficiency of operations.

Key Competencies

• Numerical Proficiency: Strong aptitude for working with numbers, crucial for understanding the yield, value, and financial aspects of meat processing.

• Work Ethic: A strong work ethic is essential. Demonstrating a background in consistent part-time work during studies is an advantage.

• Process Management: Ability to motivate teams in a labour-intensive environment, with a focus on maintaining calm and effective communication in high-pressure situations.

• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in high-pressure environments where quick thinking and decision-making are required.

• Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team, whether through sports, work, or academic projects.

Other Role Information

• Location: Full-time on-site at our Kirkham Factory, with the possibility of travel to other locations for specialised learning.

• Progression: The program will involve 90% factory floor experience and 10% office-based work initially, with a gradual increase in office responsibilities as you progress.

• Assessment: You will be assessed through presentations and practical demonstrations of your understanding at each stage of the process. You will also have a Learner Journey to support your progress, this states key competencies that we want you to develop through your programme

Our Operational Graduate programme allows dynamic, motivated, hardworking, and passionate Graduates an opportunity start their career with one of the top 100 brands in the UK. The programme lasts 2 years.
What can you expect?
To be fully immersed into our Culture from day 1, working alongside industry experts and Kepak leaders
An opportunity to gain in depth knowledge and skill in various Operational departments across the business, with a rotation plan tailored to your development
Gain real, hands on experience in our manufacturing areas, to understand how our teams come together to create our brilliant products
The opportunity to work with the commercial side of the business, through shorter placements, to gain insight into the whole of the business
Gain an in depth understanding of our brands and products, and how they are made, 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 skill
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 Kirkham, Kirkham, Lancashire, England
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.
You need to be flexible with working patterns, so you can get to experience all the different parts of manufacturing. Our experts work different shifts, so we will need you to be able to do the same, as you move through your rotations
Education & Skills

• Educational Background: Open to graduates from all disciplines.

• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people of different nationalities and backgrounds.

Personal Attributes

• Driven and Ambitious: A desire to build a long-term career in the meat industry, with aspirations to become a manager in operations.

• Eager to Learn: A proactive approach to learning, with a willingness to seek out information, ask questions, and absorb knowledge like a sponge.

• 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
Benefits:

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

Skills Required