Ornua opens applications for graduate scheme

The programme is designed to train recent graduates in a way that allows them to harness their skills in the context of the food manufacturing sector.

With a range of permanent positions available, candidates possessing an interest in IT, supply chain and logistics, manufacturing and engineering, sales and marketing, sustainability, finance, commercial, quality, communications and operations have been encouraged to apply.

In addition to structured rotations across multiple disciplines, successful applicants will receive classroom and self-directed learning modules and skill development in the areas of teamwork, self-awareness, self-confidence, interpersonal and communication skills, as well as guided mentorship from senior team members.

Applications close 28 October

First launched in 2016, there are positions available in Ireland, the UK, North America, Germany, Spain and Saudi Arabia. Applications are now open but are due to close Friday 28 October 2023.

Ornua plans for successful candidates to take up their roles in Autumn 2024.

Headquartered in Dublin, Ornua markets and sells dairy products on behalf of its members, which include Irish dairy processors and farmers. With annual sales of more than €3.4bn (£2.94bn), the firm employs more than 3,000 members of staff around the world.

Key initiative for attracting talent

Chief people officer at Ornua, Majella Darcy, said that the firm was “delighted​” to open up the applications for a programme that can bring such benefits to both the firm and the applicants.

“[It] is a key initiative for the business in supporting our commitment to attracting and developing early career talent,” ​Darcy said.

With 10 business units and 16 production facilities established since Ornua was founded in 1961, Darcy explained that the business remains committed to growth and as such wants to foster a culture of “professional development” ​among all employees.

She continued: “Through our graduate programme, we leverage extensive industry knowledge and expertise within the business to nurture the careers of the next generation of leaders in the Irish and global food industry.”​

In other news, workers at a Brown Brothers factory in Scotland have voted in favour of an improved financial package following several rounds of industrial action​​.