Kepak HR Graduate Programme 2027 - Wales

Kepak HR Graduate Programme 2027 - 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 6th 2027

• Starting Salary - £29,500 with an up to £1,500 increase at the start of Year 2 to £31000

• Role Location - Kepak Merthyr, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales

• Read more about our programme and hear from some of our Graduates:https://www.kepak.com/careers/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
• Educational Assistance/ L&D
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee assistance programme