Graduate Vacancy – NPD Graduate x2 Roles

Are you ready to start your career? One that challenges you, develops you and sets you up for long‑term success? At The Compleat Food Group, we believe in growing talent, empowering ideas and helping you build a career driven by purpose, passion and potential. That’s why we created IGNITE, our Graduate Leadership Scheme designed to positively shape the future leaders of the food industry.

Who are we?

The Compleat Food Group are one of the UK's fastest growing chilled food manufacturing companies, we are known for our innovative products, working at pace and our never-ending commitment to quality and integrity. We launched our Graduate programme in 2022, offering industry-leading placements across the business that build skills, accelerate development and fast-track careers into management and leadership.

Our NPD department is the heart of the food we create and is responsible for creating, developing and refining innovative food products that meet evolving customer needs and market trends. Working closely with commercial, operations and quality teams, the team plays a key role in driving growth and ensuring our product ranges remain competitive, exciting and delicious to eat!

What is IGNITE?

IGNITE is our Graduate Leadership Programme, created to develop our next generation of future‑focused leaders. This isn’t a scheme where you simply “learn the basics” it’s the start of a progressive, impactful career.

As one of our Graduates, you’ll grow your skills in your chosen function and get stuck into real projects, real challenges and real responsibility from day one. You can expect:

•             Rotational placements – During the 2-year scheme you will experience placements across our NPD department (EPD/NPD, Process, Culinary, Future Innovation and Packaging) to help you develop a broad Product Development skill set and find where your passion lie. These placements might be based from any one of our manufacturing sites across the UK.

•             Fast career progression with clear development pathways into management and leadership roles.

•             Opportunity for fully funded professional development qualifications*.

•             Access to business leaders, support teams, and a dedicated early careers network.

•             Real responsibilities, meaningful projects and opportunities to make your mark.

•             Travel to our UK manufacturing sites for tailored skill sessions along with group projects to ‘Make Your Mark’ including Environmental or Sustainability projects with your fellow future leaders.

•             A Dynamic Work Environment that’s fast‑paced, innovative, and collaborative—your ideas will be heard and valued.

•             And yes… plenty of free products!

Who Are We Looking For?

Our programme welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, whether you’re a recent graduate or have recently completed a relevant degree level apprenticeship. If you're curious, driven and excited about shaping the future of food, we want to hear from you.

We are looking for:

•             A minimum of a 2:1 degree (or predicted) in Food, Nutrition or related or related field.

•             Full commitment to the scheme including continuing your professional qualification.

•             Strong communication skills, articulate and confident in presenting ideas and information to all levels.

•             Integrity: Somebody who can be trusted to do the right thing, even when no one is looking.

•             A team player with a strong collaborative mindset, friendly attitude and a willingness to learn, grow and have fun whilst doing it.

•             A flexible approach to work as our programme will see you work across a number of our UK locations both day to day and for fixed periods, which could include placements at any of our UK manufacturing sites.

•             A passion for working with and eating our food!

•             A full UK Driving Licence

What do we offer you?

•             A Competitive joining salary of £30k rising to £32k in year two

•             33 Days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays so you have the flexibility to take your holidays when you want.

•             2 Employee Volunteering Days per year

•             Online and High-street retailer discount scheme with savings on gym memberships, holidays, homeware, technology, and so much more.

•             Employee well-being and community support groups.

•             Free Financial wellbeing – mortgage calculators, budget tools and financial aid tools.

•             24/7 Access to Grocery Aid (Free Financial, Emotional and Practical Support)

In return we can offer you a place on one of the UK's leading Graduate schemes within the Food Industry. Giving you the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and experienced individuals in your sector to supercharge your own career and above all have fun along the way.

How to Apply

Ready to IGNITE your career with us? Apply now by sending your CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the scheme. Please note Interview and Assessment centre dates can not be changed, you must be able to attend on the following dates:

•             Scheme application deadline: 3rd April

•             Assessment centres: Week Commencing 13th April held in Derby. No other assessment centre dates will be available.

•             Programme Kick off: For the successful candidates our IGNITE scheme will start Week Commencing 14th September.

Don’t miss out on this chance to be a part of our exciting graduate journey and take the first step towards your rewarding career in NPD with one of the UK’s leading chilled food manufacturers.

Learn more about our company, our graduate scheme and our recruitment process at Graduates · Compleat Food Group.

The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace. We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, we ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunity’s employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed. Contact us with any questions about Diversity & Inclusion or accessibility during the application process.