Progressive Young Farmer Placement

The Opportunity 

We are offering an exciting and unique one year placement programme with one of our long-term strategic suppliers for students looking to gain practical experience in our food supply chain from farm to front counter. With professional training that will prepare you with knowledge and practical expertise required to successfully work throughout the supply chain.

The role is specifically designed for full-time undergraduates studying at college or university within the UK or Ireland.

Work your way through our supply chain whilst based at a supplying company, gaining insights to every stage of the process, from farm to front counter. You will get the chance to work in diverse areas, from on the farms, to the processing facilities, logistics or even in commercial roles. No two placements are the same so different interests can be explored during your time on placement.

What will my accountabilities be?

• Gain an overview of McDonald’s, and our suppliers’ unique businesses, with attention to business management.
• Work alongside our supplier's Agriculture team, contributing to innovative projects and communicating with farm suppliers.
• Carry out specific projects to gain a better understanding of sustainability and technical efficiency within the supply chain (food processing) and on farm.

• Undertake practical farming under the supervision of a progressive farmer and experience a short period as a crew member in one of our restaurants.
• Become an ambassador for our brand and our supplier partners including attendance at industry events and potentially undertaking some communications activity.

What Team will I be a part of?

You will be employed by one of our leading McDonald’s suppliers (listed below).

This programme provides scope to follow our products from the farms we source from, through to our restaurants. You will report into a supervisor within our suppliers Agriculture team but have the opportunity to gain experiences across different parts of the supply chain.

• Arla – Dairy – Leeds
• Kerry – Dairy – Republic of Ireland
• Dawn Meats – Beef – Republic of Ireland
• OSI Pickstock – Beef – Scunthorpe and Telford
• Avara / Cargill – Chicken – Hereford
• Moy Park – Chicken – Ashbourne/Lincolnshire/Northern Ireland
• The Lakes – Eggs – Penrith
• Noble Foods – Eggs – Lincoln
• Cranswick – Pork – Hull
• McCain – Potatoes – Scarborough

What background do I need to have?

We are looking for passionate, curious, self-motivated and driven undergraduates with the ability to join a fast-paced team. Successful candidates will have good interpersonal skills and the ability to use their initiative and think innovatively to find practical solutions. A background in agriculture is not essential, people from non-farming backgrounds are celebrated within agriculture, bringing a diversity of thought enriches our supply chain, however the candidates must have a willingness to learn more about a career within the food supply chain or farming. The ability to work independently and as part of a team is paramount for this role.

Essential Criteria:

• You hold a full UK driving licence
• You are willing to relocate and/or travel within your respective business (UK & Ireland)
• You are currently undertaking the second year of study for an undergraduate degree

Application Process:

CV and cover letter submission: Please ensure you submit these on the same document. Applications close midnight on 17th November 2024. Please note applications that do not include a cover letter will not be considered.

Video submission: Videos will be submitted before proceeding to assessment

Assessment Centre: Assessment Centre will be held on 9th December 2024

Benefits include:

• A competitive industrial placement salary of £24,000
• Professional development opportunities with access to mentoring within the business
• Extensive access to the Agri-Food industry with insight into more than one business
• Flexibility to tailor the structure of the programme to aid personal development
• Excellent networking opportunities as part of a cohort within a world-renowned business
• The opportunity to visit other McDonald’s suppliers on Insight Days throughout the year

At McDonald’s we are People from all Walks of Life... 

People are at the heart of everything we do, and they make the McDonald’s experience. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture that means people can be their best authentic self in our restaurants and offices, which helps us to better serve our customers. We have a strong heritage of diversity and representation within our communities, which we are proud of. The diversity of our people, customers, Franchisees and suppliers gives us strength.

We do not tolerate inequality, injustice or discrimination of any kind.  These are hugely important issues and a brand with our reach and relevance means we have a very meaningful role to play.

We also recognise our responsibility as a large employer to continue being active in our communities, helping to develop skills and drive aspirations that will help people to be more aware of the world of work and more successful within it, whether with McDonald’s or elsewhere.”