Kepak HR Graduate Programme 2025

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. Throughout the two-year program, you will spend time across different sites in the UK and Ireland, 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 analyzing 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.

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.

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.