Manufacturing Graduate Program (Jan 2027)

Her-thology; Hastings; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global food company is seeking graduates for their Manufacturing Graduate Program starting in January 2027 in Hastings, UK. This 12-month program aims to develop future leaders through hands-on training, project involvement, and international exposure. Ideal candidates should hold a relevant degree, have strong leadership skills, and be proactive in their approach to professional development.

Benefits

Fast-tracked career progression

International exposure

Dedicated mentorship

Competitive benefits

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master's Degree completed in 2025 or 2026, preferably in Engineering.
• Full working rights in New Zealand at time of application.
• Maximum working experience: 1 year after graduation.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the Manufacturing Graduate Program over 12 months.
• Complete a factory Team Leader assignment.
• Engage in a business project to improve productivity.

Skills

Effective teamwork

Leadership skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor or Master's Degree

Job description

About the program

Kraft Heinz is now taking applications for our 2027 Manufacturing Graduate Program - Hawkes Bay. Our program aims to develop you into a future leader of our company. It is designed for ambitious talent who seek a performance-based culture where they operate as owners, thrive as agents of change and channel their curiosity into doing better every day.
Thisis a functional program for graduates seeking an exciting career in Operations- Manufacturing and Engineering.

Commencing January 2027 in Hawkes Bay, you will join our ANZ cohort for our Global Supply Chain & Manufacturing Graduate Program. Designed to broaden your knowledge of how a multinational food company operates, the 12-month program includes:

• Intensive- hands-on onboarding focused on our operations function, complemented by a Commercial bootcamp focused on Marketing, Sales and Category.
• Training in Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Kraft Heinz Manufacturing Excellence Program and a range of other foundational business training.
• A factory Team Leader assignment where you will develop a deep understanding of our manufacturing processes, while also strengthening your own leadership skills.
• A site-based efficiency/productivity improvement business project where you can apply your learnings to create real business impact.

This 12-month program will prepare you to transition into an Operations Management or Technical Expertise path at one of our factories following graduation from the program.

What we’ll give you

• Fast-tracked career progression – Real responsibility from day one, leading teams and working on projects with real business impact
• International exposure – You’ll be part of our Global Supply Chain & Manufacturing Trainee Program cohort, working closely with our UK and Netherlands-based Centres of Excellence and cohort of graduates across Europe, South America & Asia.
• Learning & Development – You will receive intensive training and exposure to different business units from day one
• Mentorship & support – You will learn from our strongest leaders with your own dedicated manager, mentor and buddy
• Permanent contract – from the commencement of the Graduate Program
• Highly competitive benefits

What we’re looking for

• Bachelor or Masters Degree completed in 2025 or 2026 – Engineering preferred; however- this program is open to graduates from any discipline.
• Full- ongoing working rights in New Zealand at time of application
• Versatility and willingness to move across functional areas and relocate to different cities / rural areas or countries
• Maximum working experience: 1 year after graduation
• Strong extra-curricular achievements that reflect a proactive attitude and ownership
• Passionate about being challenged daily and ready to constantly learn- develop and grow

The Recruitment Process

Step 1: Application and Pymetrics Games

Step 2: Pymetrics Video Interview

Step 3: Virtual speed interviews

Step 4: Panel presentation to our Executive Leadership Team

Step 5: Offer

Benefits Program

• We empower our people to own their work and it’s true, our employees are our competitive advantage, so we take care of our Kraft Heinz family with our ‘Live Well’ benefits program
• Access to our most-loved Kraft Heinz products for consumption on site
• Wellbeing initiatives – annual health checks & flu shots- onsite wellbeing sessions & webinars
• Regular site gatherings, including BBQ's and diversity events

We are a company that is dynamic and exciting, and one that dreams big. If you are passionate about what you do and enjoy working in a culture that is transparent, collaborative and one where you can make a difference every day, then this is the place for you. Kraft Heinz promotes a culture of ownership and meritocracy, that you could be a part of!

If you think you have what it takes, then don’t hesitate to pre-register NOW!