Leadership and Management Scheme - Career Changers
Our Leadership and Management scheme was developed to equip people for a fruitful career in the fast-paced food industry. Hardworking, highly motivated individuals will relish the challenge of these 18-24 month programmes. Successful candidates become MDS associates, working towards a formal Level 3 Supply Chain Leader or Level 5 leadership and management qualification accredited by the Chartered Management Institute. This modular training prepares you for future leadership positions and is supported by mentoring to help you reach your potential.
Each MDS associate also undertakes a series of placements in Member businesses, in roles that give real responsibility from the start. MDS Members represent all aspects of the food, fresh produce, horticulture and agriculture supply chain, from growers to supermarkets. Your placements will each last for 6-12 and will cover a range of different functions, from marketing to operations, HR to business planning. You may be asked to complete a specific project for one business, whilst for another, you may find yourself running a packing plant.
As our Members are based around the UK (and some overseas), you are highly likely to be asked to relocate for each placement.
At the end of each programme, our Members are invited to make offers of permanent roles to our associates, which usually results in every individual securing employment. MDS alumni now number over 500 and hold senior positions in many leading businesses. We keep in touch with our alumni through regular updates and networking opportunities.
This is a fast-paced industry in which salaries are rising quickly. Trainees are employed by MDS at £25,000 per annum, rising to £26,000 after the first year. If you are hard-working and motivated, then a career in food industry operations could be very rewarding.
* Relocation allowance - up to £1,000 per year
* Chartered Management Institute approved qualification
* Dedicated mentoring
* 28 days holiday
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
* Interest free starter loan
* Regularly review the cost of living and amend salaries accordingly
* Accredited by ‘Great Place To Work’
What we are looking for
To be considered for MDS, you will need to demonstrate that you have relevant experience and transferrable skills. These skills do not have to be gained in an academic institution, they can be through work or other activities you have undertaken. The important thing is that we can see your potential.
To apply, you must be prepared and able to relocate every six months. Each application is reviewed independently, and the offer of employment will be subject to appropriate right-to-work checks. A range of our Member companies are based in rural locations some Trainees may be required to travel, it is the Trainee’s responsibility to ensure they have the appropriate means to travel for work.
Any
Additional job details
Location UK wide
Contract, dates and working times Fixed term
Full-time
How to apply
Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Prospects until 31 October 2024
Don't forget to mention Prospects to employers when you contact them.
The Fresh Produce and Food industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the country and MDS nurtures talented graduates to become future leaders in this innovative, diverse, and sustainable industry.
MDS is a non-for-profit organisation that was set up in 1986 by a group of forward-thinking growers concerned about the shortage of skilled managers within the industry. Our current membership stands at over 60 businesses which continues to grow year on year. The collaboration of MDS and industry leading businesses has fast-tracked the career of over 500 graduates.
MDS offers a unique challenge beyond other graduate schemes. The two-year programme is a rotation of up to four roles in a variety of businesses. MDS match trainees to placements to give each person the broadest possible opportunity and experience. This allows trainees to proactively explore their strengths, motivation, and ideal fit without making a long-term commitment to one role or business.
MDS is a training and development programme which is inclusive of all degree disciplines and experience. Our trainees demonstrate strong leadership potential and are highly motivated and hardworking. MDS not only offers roles with real responsibility, but a Level 5 qualification accredited by the Chartered Management Institute in Leadership and Management.
The value of a trainee is emphasised by the support given throughout their development. A trainee has access to an experienced mentor to support all different aspects of the programme and to help trainees reach their full potential. This potential is reflected in recent statics, showing that MDS has a 98% retention rate for trainees completing the graduate scheme and 100% of MDS trainees, who complete the programme, are offered full time employment in the industry.
Roles are varied and cover all aspects of the food and fresh produce supply chain, below are some examples of secondments:
Commercial
A client/customer facing role, that requires multitasking and a high level of coordination. Developing effective business networks with internal and external stakeholders. Supporting the commercial performance, adhering to processes, handling of data with analysis. Previous secondment roles: Corporate Produce Assistant, Junior Commercial Manager, E-Commerce Growth Executive.
Operations
Plan, coordinate and improve processes across a variety of business functions. High level of technical input, data gathering and reporting that drives growth with strategy support. Previous secondment roles: Operations Supervisor, Site Trainer, Operational Excellence Support.
Procurement
Directly involved in the sourcing and purchasing of products and services. Sourcing suppliers, contract drafting, negotiation and managing suppliers through the whole procurement process. Previous secondment roles: Assistant Procurement Manager, Corporate Produce Assistant.
Project / research / trials
Initiate projects, carry out planning by setting goals and objectives. Track work to be completed, set deadlines and delegate tasks. Implement any necessary changes throughout the process. Recording of data and analysis.
Previous secondment roles: Junior Project Manager, Change Champion, Development Technologist.
Farm
Organising and participating in the daily harvesting and analysis. Implement the monitoring of the UK agronomy/field practices, trials and data collection plan for existing crops and new varieties. Previous secondment roles: Deputy Harvest Manager, Planting Manager, Harvest Planner.
Marketing
Coordination and contribution towards a marketing strategy/campaign. Marketing a product or service. Using a variety of communication platforms internal and external to the business. Previous secondment roles: Digital Marketing, Marketing Officer, Communications Specialist.
Technical
Ensure quality of the product is the correct specification and quality for clients. Following strict food safety requirements and protocol. Monitor staff operations. Previous secondment roles: Quality Control, Fruit Technologist, Quality and Assurance Account Manager.
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