About this Programme

• Overview

  An Assessment Centre for this placement programme is scheduled for Tuesday 26th January 2027 at the Newark site.

  Salary:

  £26,850.00 plus £3,600 London Weighting where applicable.

  Duration:

  12-month fixed-term contract, commencing end of June 2027. Site TBC — could be London, Lincolnshire, Bo’ness (Scotland), Newark, Northampton or Worksop.

  This placement, for the UK chilled and grocery food market, gives first-hand experience of Product Development within one of the UK’s leading food businesses. Over 12 months you’ll gain exposure to the full product development process — from identifying trends and generating ideas through to recipe development, customer presentations, factory trials and product launch — working alongside experienced Product Developers, Chefs and cross-functional teams. This is predominantly an office-based Product Development role, rather than a kitchen-based Chef position, and covers activities such as product benchmarking, supporting factory trials, ingredient sourcing, product costings and sensory evaluation.

• Why this programme

  You will work with an experienced line manager who conducts regular performance reviews and supports you through a skills checklist to ensure your development. Assuming everything progresses as planned, Greencore will help you identify the right career opportunities upon completing your degree — including direct entry roles or a place on the Graduate Programme. Benefits include relocation financial assistance (repayable if you leave before July 2027) and access to Greencore’s discount platform.

• About you

  • Currently studying a Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Culinary Innovation, Hospitality or related degree, and looking for a placement year as part of your undergraduate studies.

  • A genuine curiosity about food, ingredients, consumer trends and innovation.

  • Experience of working effectively as part of a team through work, university or extracurricular activities.

  • A desire to learn more about the food industry and explore a career within Product Development.

  • Strong attention to detail, curiosity and willingness to learn, a positive attitude, and the ability to take initiative and adapt.

  • Right to work in the UK for the duration of the placement — visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

  • A full UK driving licence and access to transport is preferred.