Kepak |

Key projects, achievements and highlights

For anyone looking for the next step after university, the Kepak graduate scheme is really an amazing opportunity. You’ll get the chance to be immersed in all areas of the business and build an understanding of where the next steps are in your career. After completing the scheme you’ll transition into a role that suits you and has been built based on your experiences while on the scheme. The best part is you’ll be working within a company that is built on internal promotions and the development of its employees. There really are some big opportunities available within Kepak for those willing to push themselves and work hard. Throughout the process, you’ll have the support of your fellow graduates, past, and present and plenty of opportunities to see the wider group beyond the site where you’re based. I really would encourage anyone to apply for the scheme. You won’t regret it.

Choosing key projects from my time as a graduate is difficult as I feel all the projects I was asked to deliver added value to both myself and the business in some way. The TMS (Time Management System) project was potentially my most high profile, which required me to design, develop and launch an online system through which employees could manage their holidays, personal details and shift patterns. This was a really important project for the business and being given the chance to lead such a critical project was something I relished. The project saw me work closely with all departments in the business as well as external companies in order to find the right solution for our employees.

This eventually led me to train all 500+ Kirkham staff on how to use the new system which was probably my favourite part of the project. A close second would be my operations project which saw me focus on reducing overtime in turn cutting costs and redefine “what good looks like” for staff levels and planning processes. Getting the chance to explore our process and produce recommendations fully was for me the best way to learn about our site and the perfect way to start my time at Kepak.

I’m proud of the outcomes of many of my projects and to see my work still being used across the business is great. Being asked to Present an “Operations update” on behalf of the production department at the annual business update was a particular highlight. Repeating this update for our “Factory Update Video” was again a high point.

Seeing my journey as a graduate come full cycle after transitioning from the scheme and later becoming the Operation Placement Manager for future graduates was something I was incredibly proud of and really enjoyed. Sharing my knowledge and experience really put into place how much I was able to develop, personally and professionally across my time as a graduate.

Having now had the opportunity to relocate to another site within the business and take over as the site manager I’m still constantly reflecting on my time as a graduate. Despite having held many roles across a number of years since then I’m still utilizing the knowledge and relationship I gained during this time on a daily basis and I can honestly say I don’t think I would have been able to progress in my career anywhere near as quickly or effectively without those initial 18 months.

How has the Kepak Graduate Programme helped your career progression?

Coming through the Kepak Graduate Programme gave me the opportunity to learn from the ground up and gain an understanding of all the different functions in the business, how they interact and work together. This has served me in the various roles I’ve worked in since as it has provided me with a strong knowledge base to build on.

What is the best part of your job at Kepak?

Working in Supply Chain, there is great diversity in the role from day-to-day problem-solving to working on long-term high-level planning. As our teams work with multiple functions and across sites, there is a lot of collaboration and teamwork.

Why did you choose to work with Kepak?

I choose Kepak as it is a rapidly growing and evolving company with strong values and a great reputation.

What supports/training did Kepak provide as part of their Graduate Programme?

My training was a mix of on-the-job learning, 1:1 mentoring and formal training courses which supported me and the way I learn best. Getting to try new things and work in different areas through the Graduate Programme gives great hands-on experience which was supported by one-on-one mentoring with my manager.

What are the benefits to doing a graduate programme?

A graduate programme gives you the opportunity to gain exposure to and experience in all aspects of the business. This is an invaluable baseline education in how the business works and it gives you a chance to work in areas you may not have considered or even heard of. In doing this, the programme allows you to find an area in which you can best play to your strengths and add value to the business.

Why do you recommend Kepak’s Graduate Programme to new graduates?

Kepak is a great place to work with a fantastic team. There are always opportunities to learn and progress within your function or into other areas. Starting through the grad programme gives you a great overview of the company and a chance to work in different areas with the support of the graduate network.

My name is Christopher Maguire, and I completed a level eight honours degree in rural enterprise and agri-business in Atlantic Technological University in Co. Galway Ireland. This commenced in September 2018 and completed in May 2022. My graduation took place in November 2022. A period of work experience was carried out for twelve weeks as a module in year two. I chose the Kepak graduate management programme as I was unsure of what department I was best suited to. Kepak have a wide variety of departments to choose from and the opportunity is available there to find out which department is best suited to you.

Key projects, achievements, and highlights so far:

Having graduated from university with a humanities degree and very little exposure to the food manufacturing industry, it’s safe to say I was slightly nervous before I started the graduate scheme with Kepak! Thankfully my worries were washed away during our induction trip to Dublin where I met many of the other graduates starting in a similar position to myself. During this trip we were able to visit some Kepak sites around Dublin which were really interesting and gave insight into the wider operations of the business.

During the first 6 months of the grad scheme, I have spent time in the operational departments of the division that ensure the safe and efficient production of our burgers. I have been involved in a number of projects in the foods division since I started but the highlight of the scheme so far has to be when I joined in on an audit of one of our suppliers. Not only was this interesting because I got to see the process of a different food factory, but also because I was able to see it from an auditor’s perspective.

My colleagues at Kepak have been extremely supportive since I started. Everyone is friendly, approachable, and always willing to help with projects I’m working on. I have had a really positive start at Kepak, and I look forward to my future in the company!

I really enjoy the hands-on approach that NPD brings, meaning that I get to be actively involved in the production process, as well as the creativity and innovative side. The food industry is constantly changing, so there is always something new to learn, whether about new technologies, ingredients, or consumer trends. No two days will be the same. It is rewarding, especially when you see a product you have developed on the store shelves.

Since I started, I have been given responsibilities and have been relied on by my team to perform my best. The tasks that I do, play a real part in the performance of my team. I have been given space to learn about the industry, being involved in many projects and tasks outside of my role. I did not have any agricultural or food experience before I started, however, keep asking questions, don’t be afraid of making mistakes, because everybody in the company wants you to succeed and learn.

I have been working in variety of different areas within the factory – abattoir, boning halls, foodservice and cold store. My daily tasks include good manufacturing practice audits, specification checks and pH & temperature checks, which has given me the opportunity to learn more about the industry and gain a lot of new skills.

I really enjoy the creative aspect of my role through creating compelling content, devising strategies and finding unique ways to convey messages. Seeing how effective communication can make a significant impact on the organisation has been highly rewarding. The variety of work keeps the role interesting, with the field of communications constantly evolving, there is always something new to learn.

I am exposed to a multitude of opportunities including attending conferences, farm visits and engaging with the Irish farmers who supply us with the best quality Irish beef and get involved in each department to understand every step of the supply chain. At every step of the way I have been met with colleagues that are willing to teach and are excited to help me as I progress.

Because of the diversity of tasks and projects I have been given the chance to work on, whether that be meetings with suppliers, Rustlers trade shows, time in the factory or launching brand campaigns, my days can vary from week to week, so the time flies! If I had to choose my favourite thing about the programme, it would be building relationships. It’s great to learn how everyone’s career paths have varied, and motivating to see how far hard work and discipline can get you in this business.