Operations Graduate Review
at Premier Foods
Graduate Scheme
Engineering, Project Management
Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Review Submitted: November 2025
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of the Role
5/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Premier Foods?
The experience has been excellent. A well-structured 2-3 week induction period at the head office & various manufacturing sites helped the new Graduates settle in to the business. The placement roles have been excellent learning experiences with real responsibility.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
I spent 9 months as a Project Engineer during which I was able to manage multiple CAPEX projects up to £120k which gave me a great amount of responsibility. I am now part way through a 9-month placement as a Reliability Engineer through which I am leading cross-functional teams at our manufacturing sites to drive improvements to production line efficiency. It is great that with both placements I have been able to see real positive outcomes & improvements because of my work.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
I am now leading teams that are making significant changes/improvements to production lines which have driven increased OEE & reduced equipment downtime. This has only been possible because of the great levels of trust & responsibility given to the graduates that allows us to have a real impact.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
The company pension & Sharesave schemes are great opportunities to make the most of whats available with Premier Foods.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
It's great that graduates are quickly given responsibility & learn skills that will be really beneficial in future careers.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
I've been part of a range of training through Premier Foods that has been incredibly valuable. Day-to-day I am always developing critical skills like communication & management.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
Premier Foods has an excellent support structure. Graduates have 'buddies' from the previous cohort to support, line managers specific to their current placement roll, mentors who are typically high level employees that have great experience and can give real insights. We also have regular catch ups with our HR representative on a monthly basis.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
Very happy with my work-life balance.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
Premier Foods in general has a really positive atmosphere. It is noticeable in their employees that there is a real sense of ownership and they are proud of what they do. There is a real passion to drive improvement at all levels from executive to factory floor operators.
How would you rate Premier Foods initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
The Employee Resource Groups are excellent.
How would you rate Premier Foods CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Great initiatives, and the graduates can even get involved with them. For example, as a project engineer I supported the installation of a large new solar farm at one of our manufacturing sites.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Premier Foods to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I've had a great experience with Premier Foods & its a great opportunity to develop.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Premier Foods?
Have the confidence to speak up if you see an opportunity for improvement that has perhaps gone unnoticed.
