Closing soon
Closing soon

We are looking for motivated undergraduates who have a keen desire to gain experience within the Development Team at Bakkavor, working with chefs, process and operational teams and other developers bringing new products and new recipes to market. This is a 12-month placement aimed at those who elect to complete a year-in-industry as part of their degree. There are opportunities to return to Bakkavor once you have completed your undergraduate degree. Come and discover what Bakkavor has to offer!

What we do?

We're probably the biggest name you've never heard of. You've almost certainly eaten our food - you just didn't realize it! As global leaders in the fresh prepared food industry with over 16,000 employees, we create innovative products, including meals, soups, dips, salads, desserts, pizzas and bread for customers including Tesco, M&S, Sainsbury's and Waitrose in the UK.

About this role

  • If you share our passion for great food, you'll receive ample opportunities, development, and guidance to help you learn and grow throughout your placement.
  • You'll gain skills in various areas, including critical path management, ingredient sourcing, costings, couriers, product benchmarking, trends, and actual product development alongside a chef team. Please note that this role is office-based, not kitchen-based.
  • This entry-level placement is ideal for those currently studying a food-related degree, with the aim of entering the field upon graduation.

About you

The most important qualities we seek are a motivated attitude to develop your skills and a strong desire to progress within the food industry. To be considered for this placement, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Undergraduate currently studying a food, nutrition or hospitality-related degree, with a passion for food (must be mid degree, not mid masters)
  • Experience working as part of a team
  • Existing right to work in the UK (we are unable to sponsor visas for this placement)
  • A clear motivation to learn more about the food industry
  • A desire to learn how Development teams aid a business success and drive engaging and valued partnerships with our customers
  • The ability to apply practical ideas and demonstrate adaptability
  • A curiosity to explore, learn, and show initiative
  • Attention to detail
  • A full UK driver’s license and own transport is preferred, as some of our locations and suppliers are not always readily accessible by public transport

All placements are subject to successful right to work checks, and eligibility to work in the UK.

During the Development Placement you will receive career experience, skills & responsibility

  • You will work with an experienced line manager who will conduct regular performance reviews and support you through a skills checklist to ensure your development. 
  • Assuming everything progresses as planned, Bakkavor will assist you in identifying the right career opportunities upon completing your degree. This could include direct entry roles or positions within our Graduate or Apprentice programmes.
  • From day one, you will take ownership for your work area and personal development, with comprehensive on-the-job training provided.

Proud to be Bakkavor

At Bakkavor, we have pride. And purpose. From our Icelandic origins we have grown to be the leading provider of fresh prepared food in the UK. And we continue to expand, in the US and China. Our world is fast-paced, exciting and energetic. And that’s just how we like it. We have drive. Ambition. Motivation. We are food heroes, who keep the supply chain moving despite challenging times. We work hard. We are resilient. We solve problems together. And we deliver for our customers. Our passion brings joy through the food we produce – and the communities we work in. Our values are extremely important to us, they drive the way we do business – they are what make Bakkavor different to everyone else.