Graduates

Applications for our 2024 intake are now open. 

Please check our careers site for available programmes.  If you don't see your area of interest, please check back or join our talent community, as we may be yet to publish details.   

Our tailored Graduate programmes offer exciting and highly rewarding opportunities for you to make the very best start to your career, whilst making a real difference across our business.

The content of the programme you join will be driven by the relevant function/business unit, however all programmes will have a rotational element and will enable you to gain a broad exposure to our business: providing you with the knowledge and experience you need for a fast-tracked career.

Following a four week induction programme, which will be a mixture of office and remote working, together with time spent at our manufacturing sites or with our retail sales teams, you'll work within the specific function/business unit you have been recruited for.

This period (which will be up to two years) includes a dynamic and structured development programme delivering a high level of autonomy and responsibility from the start, which will test your tenacity, innovation and desire to achieve results. After successful completion of the programme you can expect a first appointment to a role with significant responsibility.

From the start you'll have access to a suite of skills development courses including presentations skills, time management and communication skills, as well as sponsored professional development.

What can you expect?

  • £30,000 starting salary and attractive benefits package
  • 25 days holiday
  • Pension scheme, life assurance, employee discount scheme
  • A Business Mentor
  • 11 days of management development skills training
  • Participation in a CEO business project
  • Becoming part of a large and connected graduate community
  • Executive networking opportunities

Minimum Entry Requirements:

  • The right to work in the UK and English speaking
  • Three A Levels – minimum of 280 UCAS points gained
  • A relevant Degree (2:1 achieved or expected)
  • UK driving license, prepared to relocate / travel to other sites
  • An understanding of the UK FMCG / Retail sectors
  • Clear career aspirations
  • Commercially aware, with personal qualities in line with our values 
  • Experience of leadership roles across sports, hobbies or other interests

Nishant Chauhan

The past year at Premier has been amazing!  The people, the culture, the flexibility in working styles is what makes Premier great.  Having joined at such a turbulent time during Covid, the people at Premier have been extremely welcoming and happy to support throughout.  Despite not having met the majority of my colleagues in person due to lockdowns, I still feel like I’ve built strong relationships with my colleagues albeit being virtual.  

The flexibility in working ways has allowed me to balance my work/ social life and has allowed me to concentrate more time towards finishing my ACCA accounting qualification. Premier is very supportive of professional development and have multiple training courses and scope for future development.  These opportunities allow us to thrive to be the best we can. 

Working at Premier has allowed us to work with brands that we’ve consumed growing up! The best thing about Premier is your role is an actual role and you play a vital part in the business rather than just shadowing someone or doing ad-hoc tasks just because we’re on the graduate scheme.   It has really allowed me to work at the forefront of the business and contribute to its success whilst building my practical financial accounting experience. 

Lydia McCarthy

I joined Premier Foods on the Procurement Graduate scheme in September 2020. I have now completed a full year rotation within the Corporate Services Procurement team and have recently entered my second rotation in Packaging Procurement. Everyone has been extremely welcoming from the start and are always there to support when needed. Rotating roles has provided me with great exposure to the wider business and I have been able to get involved with interesting as well as impactful projects. No day is ever the same, which is something I really love!  

Being part of the Graduate scheme has allowed me to have a great balance of learning and development alongside the opportunity and responsibility to progress within my own role, whilst showcasing these new skills. I have also had the opportunity to study towards the CIPS professional accreditation which is already adding significant value to my work. It is also really valuable being part of the wider Graduate network which provides further insight into activities and initiatives taking place across the business as a whole.  

I have really enjoyed the scheme so far and would definitely recommend it to any Graduates considering a future career in Procurement or the Food Manufacturing industry.  

Bexlee Andrew

I applied for the commercial graduate role at Premier Foods while completing my master’s degree in marketing. The scheme was ideal for me – looking to gain workplace marketing experience while also exploring other commercial functions. As soon as I spoke to people from the business over the phone and at the assessment centre, I could tell what a friendly, welcoming culture the business has.

One of the main reasons I chose Premier Foods was because I’d been told about the opportunities to take on real responsibility as a grad and get involved with work that really makes a difference to the business. My current role in brand marketing has epitomised that, leading key projects for huge brands like Bisto and Oxo.

The chance to gain experience in different areas of the business through the rotation process is also really valuable, providing insight into how the wider business operates and making you more well-rounded come the end of the scheme!