Posted: 18 June
The role
Company: Dawn Meats
Job Title: Operations & Production Graduate
Location: Rathdowney Co. Laois
Reporting to: Site Operations Manager
Contract type: Full‑Time/Permanent
Role Summary
Dawn Meats is a premium meat processor and supplier of choice for a range of leading supermarket, foodservice and restaurant businesses. Established in 1980, Dawn Meats is an industry leader with annual revenues of over € 4.5bn, employing over 12,000 staff in 13 countries and exporting to over 70 countries. We are recruiting for a Operations Graduate in our Rathdowney Production site in Co. Laois. As an Operations & Production Graduate, you will be immersed in the core functions of our meat processing operations. This rotational programme is designed to give you hands‑on experience across production lines, quality assurance, supply chain, and operational efficiency. You’ll work closely with experienced professionals to learn how we deliver premium meat products while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and sustainability.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be based in our Rathdowney production facility and will:
Operate across all areas of production and operations
Support daily production activities across lamb and /or beef processing lines
Assist in monitoring and improving operational KPIs (yield, throughput, downtime, etc.)
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Logistics
Analyse production data to identify trends and recommend improvements
Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety, and environmental standards
Contribute to projects focused on automation, waste reduction, and energy efficiency
Shadow team leaders and supervisors to understand leadership and decision‑making in a fast‑paced environment
Qualifications
A recent graduate in Food Science, Agricultural Science, Agribusiness, Operations Management, or a related discipline
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
Passion for the food industry and a hands‑on approach to learning
Flexibility to work in a factory environment and adapt to shift patterns if required
Knowledge of food safety standards and production processes is a plus
What We Offer
Structured graduate development programme with mentoring and training
Exposure to all aspects of meat production and operations
Opportunities for career progression within a growing company
Competitive salary and benefits package
A supportive and inclusive work culture
#J-18808-Ljbffr
