Kepak Energy Usage Graduate Programme 2027 - Ireland

We are seeking to recruit for the 2027 Energy Usage Graduate Programme across the following Kepak locations in Ireland:

• Clonee, Co.Meath
• Ballymahon, Co.Longford
• Watergrasshill, Co.Cork
• Athleague,Co.Roscommon
• Ballybay, Co.Monaghan
• McCarrens, Cavan

Are you passionate about energy management and ready to learn? We’re looking for a Trainee Energy Efficient Manager/ Energy Graduate who is eager to grow and make a real impact in the field of sustainability.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to develop their skills and knowledge in energy management, while being supported with training and mentorship to build a successful career.

In this role, you’ll gain hands-on experience, manage energy efficiency projects, and help shape the future of energy management. We are looking for someone who is excited to learn, contribute, and grow in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Job Purpose:

To optimise energy resource management across our Midlands sites, helping us reduce consumption and improve sustainability through effective energy efficiency practices.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the Charge: Play a key role in driving energy leadership, making efficiency a priority across our sites with support and guidance from senior team members.
• Create Impact: Develop and manage a 5-year energy plan aligned with our sustainability targets (Origin Green & SBTI).
• Water Stewardship Hero: Manage the company’s Water Stewardship Strategy and ensure sustainability is at the core of our operations.
• Energy Mapping: Develop and manage site-specific energy maps to optimise energy flow and consumption.
• System Optimisation: Learn to manage and optimise our Energy Management Systems (EMS) to drive energy efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate & Report: Lead weekly site energy management meetings, and represent our Midlands sites in monthly meetings.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive incremental improvements in energy consumption, always looking for ways to enhance sustainability practices.
• Project Delivery: Support the delivery of energy and water reduction projects with measurable results.

What’s In It For You?

• Career Development: You’ll receive plenty of training and mentorship to develop your skills and advance your career in energy management.
• Real Impact: Your work will contribute directly to our decarbonisation journey and a more sustainable future.
• Innovative Culture: Join a team that values forward-thinking ideas and approaches to energy challenges.
• Continuous Growth: We’ll support your ongoing learning and provide opportunities to expand your knowledge.

This is more than just a job—it’s an exciting opportunity to grow your career while helping shape a sustainable future. Let’s build a sustainable tomorrow, today.

What We’re Looking For:

We’re looking for someone who is innovative, driven, and ready to learn. If you’re passionate about energy efficiency and sustainability, and excited about a hands-on role that will help you grow professionally, this is the perfect opportunity for you. We want someone who thrives on collaboration, enjoys solving problems, and is motivated to make a positive impact on the environment.

What You’ll Bring:

• Analytical Mindset: You enjoy working with data and uncovering opportunities for improvement.
• Communication Skills: You’re comfortable communicating clearly and confidently, whether in meetings or presentations.
• Project Management Enthusiast: You’re keen to learn how to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Tech-Savvy: Strong computer and Excel skills will be key, and you’ll receive training on digital tools to optimise energy performance.
• Attention to Detail: You take pride in your work and ensure everything is completed with precision and care.
• Energy Interest: While you may not have all the technical expertise just yet, you have an eagerness to learn and a genuine interest in energy efficiency and sustainability.

Start date: September 6th 2026

Starting Salary - €33,500 with an up to €1,500 increase at the start of Year 2 to €35,000

Read more about our programme and hear from some of our Graduates:https://www.kepak.com/careers/graduates/

Requirements

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for hardworking and ambitious Graduates, who want to learn and grow in a challenging and fast paced environment, by performing real roles as part of your rotations.

You must be mobile and willing to travel throughout the programme to undertake development activities at any of our sites in the UK and Ireland.

We will consider undergraduates from all disciplines and backgrounds.

Knowledge and Skills

•Educational Background: Open to graduates from all disciplines.

•Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people of different nationalities and backgrounds.

Personal Attributes

•Driven and Ambitious: A desire to build a long-term career in the meat industry, with aspirations to become a manager in operations.

•Eager to Learn: A proactive approach to learning, with a willingness to seek out information, ask questions, and absorb knowledge like a sponge.

•Resilience: Comfortable working in a challenging environment, including exposure to abattoirs and carcass locations.

We will be looking for alignment with our Core Values:

Responsibility – Ability to work on your own initiative and take accountability for your actions

Ambition – You will have the willingness and confidence to challenge yourself to be the best you can be and be driven to succeed

Passion for Food – this is at the heart of everything we do, you must be passionate about every aspect of our industry

Teamwork – ability to build positive relationships quickly with people from all cultures and career stages is pivotal

Benefits

• Employee Discount Scheme
• Service-Related Annual Leave
• Discounted Health Insurance
• Educational Assistance/ L&D
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee assistance programme