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We are the leading provider of fresh prepared food (FPF) and put the customer at the heart of what we do.
About 19,000 colleagues operate from 46 sites to develop and produce innovative FPF for a wide variety of occasions and budgets.
Our customers include all the well-known UK grocery retailers as well as some of the world’s best-known international food brands.
Our deep understanding of consumers’ changing needs enables us to create innovative products for our customers around the world.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Fast-paced industry, always new things going on. No two days the same. Good teamwork.
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Multiple placements throughout the scheme which gives me exposure to different sites, people, sectors and area of accounts.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Good opportunities for progression, lots of focus on developlement
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Lots of responsibility, good training opportunities & no two days are the same.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Getting to know your team & seeing development within it - group or individual.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Working environment, culture, management, progression opportunities, learning and development intiatives
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
No day is the same, constantly new challenges and hurdles to overcome.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
- Great group of graduates alongside you across different departments, opportunities to make friends & social aspects
- Given responsibility from early on but you are also given the chance to soak up and learn as much as you can
- Exposure to the business as a whole and great networking opportunities
What are the best and worst things about your job?
No day is the same, I am given a lot of responsibility early on in my career, I can see my work having an effect on the company, it is very interesting and good fun, my team are AMAZING and I genuinely feel like I fit this role
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Being able to work in a great team with chefs who have such a passion for food. Being able to work with food on a daily basis and see your products on the shelf.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Fast-paced and challenging
Good team work
What are the best and worst things about your job?
You have loads of opportunities to learn as you move between different sites across the scheme.
The scheme offers really good training programmes including Fieri leadership training which includes outdoor challenges.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Progression opportunities, being given high level of responsibility from Day One, Company culture and the Staff Shop!
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What are the best and worst things about your job?
It is a very fast paced environment, so there are always new challenges and situations that allow you to develop.
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What are the best and worst things about your job?
My team, The high stress and fast paced environment. It gets you in a hard working mood and keeps you there.
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What are the best and worst things about your job?
Working in all sectors of the business and working with amazing knowledgeable people
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What are the best and worst things about your job?
Working in a supportive team with a great manager and having the opportunity to influence my development.
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What are the best and worst things about your job?
My team is great and the role has lots of opportunities
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Accelerated progression in terms of responsibilities and tasks.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The variety of the day job.
The challenges and opportunities to learn and progress
What are the best and worst things about your job?
No two days are the same, constantly working on new opportunities.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The team environment and support throughout the company.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The variety of jobs and day to day tasks.
The interactions and opportunities.
Levels of responsibility and team work.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
- Every day is different, providing new challenges and opportunities to learn
- Working environment
- Fast-paced
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Learning so much and the people I get to interact with every day.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Every day is different. There will be a new issue to deal with and you will have to work with your team to come up with a plan to solve this issue/problem. It is then very satisfying when this issue is resolved or another problem is prevented from happening.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Great team, great support system at many levels, many training opportunities
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Versatile
Levels of responsibility
Getting to talk to a number of different people
Helpful workforce
Laidback culture
What are the best and worst things about your job?
It's a very busy environment meaning that everything is changing and there is always something to be doing.
It's very exciting, and the wider team have so much knowledge you can build on, and understand your area of spend more.
I speak to UK and Spanish colleagues and suppliers on a daily basis and often find myself solving problems for our site, whether material shortages, quality issues etc.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
- It incorporates communications with all departments and areas of the business.
- The day to day tasks can also be quite varied.
- It incorporates lots of teamwork.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Variety - every day is different.
Experience - placed in a role and given responsibility from the first day.
People - very friendly and supportive team.
Learning Opportunities - attended a range of courses and training days from PPA, GIA to ethical awareness.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
- The training offered to you as a graduate.
- High levels of responsibility given to you from Day 1.
- Opportunities to visit numerous sites across the country.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
The people I work with
The opportunities available
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Working closely with people and causing change.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Have the chance to work in a different cultural environment in the UK as an Asian.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Every day is different. Lots of different aspects to the job role, both hands-on and sat at a desk. Lots of opportunities to get out of the office, into the kitchen, meet the customer etc.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
It's really good to communicate with different people and learn from them. Nice environment and good colleagues. Company also gives us a lot of space to learn and improve.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Daily variety in my workload
Being given responsibility from the offset and being able to run my own projects
My colleagues and office environment
Training opportunities
Opportunity to take control of my own timetable and visit other sites when I see fit.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Getting to experience so much different training which can benefit you both internally and externally.
Getting to move around to different roles and sites to experience different ways of working and deep dive into different sectors with the technical function.
Getting the chance to have personal projects and being able to demonstrate the benefits to the business.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Good colleagues, shift pattern, New Engineer apprentice pay scheme , College course in Birmingham get to meet new people.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The opportunity to make spreadsheets then analyse the data as well as the flexibility in the friendly work environment.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Best thing about my job is that you have different obstacles everyday
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The best things are being given the training opportunities.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Every day is a challenge.
Learning new things about Bakkavor machinery and how to fix them in time manner.
Helping out site services.
Being multi skilled has a lot of opportunities and jobs are different everyday.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
learn new skills everyday. Friendly colleagues. Supportive management.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
colleagues and opportunities to help people
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Time Management and Collaboration with my colleagues
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
4 on 4 off shift pattern
Great management team
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Everyday is different in engineering, love learning and fixing stuff, causes a good feeling.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
People are friendly and willing to help me learn and improve
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Being able to learn a new product / skill everyday to make my job easier and better.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Every day is different
Great training from colleagues
Development from within the company
Getting involved and hands on
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Great team
Good Salary
Working environment is safe and friendly
always an ability to be trained on something new
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Support from colleagues, something new everyday, never gets boring.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Learning new skills .
Networking with others inside and outside the business.
Spending time in different departments.
Receiving a qualification.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
The independency over the role i have been given
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Career progression, experience and personal development opportunities.
Understanding manager and supportive team.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
the company has a high turnover (revenue, staff, parts, contractors, etc) so there is a lot to learn.
some very skilful people work here or visit.
no significant changes occur - same routine daily.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
room for growth
location
some colleges are very approachable
company's ethics
support
Pay is ok
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Great work environment
Lots of opportunities to progress
Range of career paths
What are the best and worst things about your job?
The people I work with
The constant learning and challenges
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Feeling trusted to make decisions and work through issues on my own, but knowing there's support from my team if needed.
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I like the shift pattern, 4 on 4 off.
The staff and management
the opportunities
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Constantly learning. My colleagues. The support I am given. Opportunities. Enjoy/have interest in the field I work in.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
i get to work with my hands and no 2 days are the same
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The Shift allows you to have 4 days off.
You get to be part of the biggest fresh food producer in the UK and work in the largest deserts factory in the UK.
Seeing new products come to market, as well as existing ones be produced to a high quality.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
I like the fact I get to come into work everyday to work wit a really good team of people , there is never a dull day when we're all together.
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I work within a great team who can always offer support to one another.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The work load, responsibility and people around me
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The best thing about my job would be the colleagues, management and support around me. I enjoy working as I am surrounded by positive, like minded people who are always open to help and aid me when necessary.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
That I will have a chance to progress as far as I want and I am surronded with support
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What are the best and worst things about your job?
Flexibility in how I work, and the training provided.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
You are given responsibility from day 1 but always have support and advice when needed. This can be intense at first but it allows you to grow and gain so much confidence in a short amount of time.
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What are the best and worst things about your job?
Working with other people and being part of a team. Having a lot of support and being given responsibility and being trusted in my work.
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What are the best and worst things about your job?
The endless amount of jobs that need doing so your always busy
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What are the best and worst things about your job?
Getting responsibility to do tasks and projects
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What are the best and worst things about your job?
Creativity
The team i work with
Location
Hours
Busy working days
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What are the best and worst things about your job?
Team mates and manager
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What are the best and worst things about your job?
I meet new people everyday.
My team are lovely and welcoming
Great career opportunities and gaining skills and knowledge
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Get to learn and be paid for something i want to do as a career.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
It is a very sociable role and there is lots to learn and get involved in. There is also so many different things within the role that I didn't realise was part of Health and Safety.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
There is always something different to do day in and day out.
I have learnt something new every day I have been here for the last 3 months.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Being part of a valued team, who work together and communicate well. We all value each other, and are valued by the wider team. We all encourage each other and are willing to help.
As an apprentice I feel welcome, and able to further my learning comfortably, but it is also great that you learn a lot just from your team, whether it is quirks of the job role, their past experiences, or information directly related to your course.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
The role I am in has many step ups and the team around me are always trying to take me to the next step and achieve the most out of this apprenticeship as possible.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
the best thing about my job is the colleagues I work with and the amount of support and training they provide.
secondly is the amount of different scenarios and job that we go to, this could range from faulty motors to blades being damaged and etc.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
The engineering team are very helpful when on a job and when on a break down they give you as many opportunites as possible to work on the breakdown either with them or alone.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
love being able to use tools and have a hands on job
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The problem solving and creative thought required to bring a product to life and eventually see it on a shelf ready for consumers to try
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Challenging work and the responsibilities that i am given.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
It's fun and there's something to do every day.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
working with my hands and every day is different
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Working as a team to solve problems and learning day to day
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Being able to concentrate on my work whilst still maintaining a friendly working environment
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The opportunities to progress in engineering and the people who I work with
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
challenging work and always learning new things.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Good team members.
Wide variety of job accountabilities (no two days are the same).
Very rewarding when you see a product you've helped to develop on the shelf.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
I love applying my university knowledge to real-world problems and solving them.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The colleagues I work with & staff around the rest of the company are all really lovely, I had such a warm welcome and felt like I fit right in.
The actual work I do is something I have wanted to do for a long time, so when you are working towards the thing you've always wanted, it's not really a chore.
The work environment here is amazing, it's super relaxed so as long as you complete your work and meet deadlines, then there are no problems at all.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Every day is different, keeps the job Interesting.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
- opportunities for training
- friendly colleagues
- every day is different
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Based on 57 reviews
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Based on 90 reviews
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Average start time: 08:30
Average end time: 17:00
Average number of working hours: 8.5
Based on 147 reviews
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Application Advice:
Convey genuine interest in the food industry. Any relevant experience or transferable skills.
Interview Advice:
Know the values. Research the industry and 'hot topics'/current affairs.
Technical Graduate, Technical at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Be aware of the four values of the company. Apply these to everything you do throughout the application. Read-up on everything food related, whether that be manufacturing, retail, or specific products. Having context to the industry in any perspective will be beneficial.
Interview Advice:
Show enthusiasm throughout. On an assessment day you're being monitored even when tasks aren't occuring. Although a short interview (more focus on group exercises/ presentations), most of the questions were competency questions. Giving examples of past experiences to show how you'd be the best candidate for the role.
Management Accountant, Finance at Bakkavor Group PLCInterview Advice:
Make sure you know what is happening in the food industry, be able to speak about this
Commercial Graduate, Commercial at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Tailor it to Bakkavor and think transferable skills in what you do currently / have done.
Interview Advice:
Show the companys values in the way you are and present yourself. Be professional and work with your team to show collaboration.
Quality Supervisor, Technical at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Research not only the company but also the industry you will be working in. Connect with current employees to see if you would fit in the company. Match your skills to the company values and ambitions
Interview Advice:
Be yourself! Be clear, be aware of time limits in group tasks, stay calm during presentations, be supportive of the other candiates
Commercial Graduate, Commercial at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Work experience helps; international experience will make you stand out
Interview Advice:
Learn about the industry as they will ask industry based questions
Make sure you know the company values
Application Advice:
Try to stand out from the crowd. Bakkavor get thousands of applications so really show them why they should employ you.
Interview Advice:
Relax and show your passion for your subject & food.
Interview questions were based around the company values so be sure to learn these & show they fit with you, giving examples.
Manufacturing Graduate, Manufacturing at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Do your research.
Interview Advice:
Be prepared to think on the spot and don't be scared to disagree in a constructive way with the arguments others are making.
Be passionate and engaging and don't forget to try and have fun.
Application Advice:
Research the company and industry beforehand, show a willingness to learn, be prepared to be flexible e.g. in location, practice maths and literacy tests beforehand
Interview Advice:
Be yourself, research the Bakkavor values and show how you have represented these within your past experience, demonstrate knowledge of the company and industry
Human Resources Graduate, Human Resources at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Make sure you show them why food interests you.
Any experience in the FMCG industry.
Skills developed that are relevant to the role.
Interview Advice:
Learn the values - these are very important to Bakkavor.
They are looking for leaders so try to show that you have the skills required.
Don't be afraid to do/say something different even if others do not agree with you at the assessment centre.
Technical Graduate, Technical at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Be open and honest but show the company what skills you have learnt so far at University & Placement and how they can be suited to Bakkavor as a company and manufacturing. There are a number of steps involved in the application process, take time on each of these and don't rush or feel under pressure.
Interview Advice:
Be prepared, it is likely you will be given work to do prior to the interview day. Take time on this - it will show when you have put the work in and that you are keen to work at Bakkavor. If you are in any group tasks make sure you are heard but also listen to others within the group.
Food Technology Graduate, Central Technica; at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Be yourself, understand what environment you will work in and how you would communicate with those people (i.e. factory workers, limited English etc) be clear concise and confident
Interview Advice:
Be yourself, understand what environment you will work in and how you would communicate with those people (i.e. factory workers, limited English etc) be clear concise and confident
Quality Systems Manager, Technical/Quality at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Review the Bakkavor website and values a lot to ensure your answers and opinions are in line with the values of the company. Become a foodie - know the trends, know the categories we work within.
Interview Advice:
Again, refer always to the values - make sure you have an example of a strength and weakness in relation to the values. Be really passionate about food and an open mind for the interview - you need to be flexible for the role. I was asked my favourite shop and product so have ideas in mind for all questions!!
Development Technologist, Development at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Make sure your CV is up to date and has relevant experience
Interview Advice:
Learn the key values and have examples for each on how you have demonstrated them
Financial Planning and Business Partner (Ops), Finance at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Ensure you know the company values and can give examples of how you have shown these values in the work you have done previously.
Interview Advice:
My interview was a 2 day assessment centre so be prepared for multiple different challenges including an unprepared presentation, piece of group work and 2 face to face interviews.
Technologist, Technical at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice: Do in-depth research on the company before any interview/assessment day as its a complicated business to understand and any knowledge will help you stand out during the recruitment process.
Interview Advice: Ensure you know what the Bakkavor Values are and how you have displayed them during your previous work and life experiences.
HR Graduate, Human Resources at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice: To show your interest in the industry and Bakkavor, and add examples of previous work/voluntary/university experience to support this. It's important to mention the values and how they match your own values and also link them to your experiences.
Interview Advice: Be passionate about why you want to work in the industry and Bakkavor in particular. Have some questions ready, whether it be specially about the role, or the company, or the scheme, to show your interest.
Buyer, Procurement at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice: Be enthusiastic and include everything. Sell yourself.
Interview Advice: Be concise. Enthusiastic and prove that you are a friendly and approachable person.
Manufacturing Graduate – Section Leader, Manufacturing at Bakkavor Group PLCInterview Advice: Read up on the industry and our values!
HR Graduate, HR at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice: Research the company and look at reviews
Interview Advice: Morals of the company and values
Manufacturing graduate, C.I. at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice: Look at company values & apply these to your interview answers.
Interview Advice: Be a true representation of yourself. Prepare prepare prepare!
Manufacturing Graduate, Manufacturing at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Take your time
Interview Advice:
Learn the company values
HRBP – Reward, HR at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Research is key. You need to know the company and you need to know the industry. What big announcements have the company recently released? What are the biggest challenges within the industry? All of these questions you'll be expected to have a good level of understanding on.
Overall, you need to show that you're actually interested in the specific role, and it's not just another graduate role that you happened to stumble upon. If you have a passion for food that's a great start though.
Interview Advice:
The assessment day is very intense, but again preparation is key in terms of knowledge and physical rest for the big day.
The interview itself is more of a competency interview. The interviewers will link all the questions to Bakkavor's values and you'll be expected to talk about examples of how you show these values.
Make your examples varied. e.g previous work, school, university, hobbies, personal life etc.
Just remember even if you believe the interview didn't go well, it doesn't matter because there's so many other elements to the day including, English, Maths and Logic competencies tests, group discussions, and presentations.
Assistant Management Accountant, Finance at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
There are several stages, but stick with it! Make sure you aim to meet Bakkavors values as they are incredibly important to the company.
Interview Advice:
Confidence, preparation and values!
Graduate Food Developer, Development at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Do research and ensure the company are right for you and the program is.
Interview Advice:
Be yourself as it will ensure that you will fit into the companies values correctly.
Development Technologist Graduate, Development at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Understand the company values, try and state your skills in ways that would allow you to meet the values.
Interview Advice:
Understand the company values, try and state your skills in ways that would allow you to meet the values.
try and use as many examples that could related to food industry or team work
Application Advice:
Be open to everything, don’t be afraid to try new things.
Interview Advice:
Show that you can be a leader of a team as well as a great individual. Focus on company values.
Shift Manager, Operations at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Be honest and true to yourself - they can see a front at the interview and it won't get you the job.
A placement year is beneficial.
Interview Advice:
Be honest and confident in your own abilities - you would not have got to this stage if you weren't meant to.
Management Accountant, Finance at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Be yourself, apply your skills and experiences throughout life: be it outside of work, at university, sports /hobbies and apply the skills you used to overcome issues and apply to questions that are asked.
Interview Advice:
Be prepared to work around your experiences and relate them back to the question.
Always use the STAR Format to structure your answers and ensure they stay relevant to the question and you don't ramble on
Application Advice:
- Research the company (find out who they supply for, what products etc)
- Carefully read about what each graduate scheme is about and pick the one you feel you would fit best in
Interview Advice:
- Keep calm and answer all questions confidently
- Be familiar with what typically goes on in the food industry
Application Advice:
Practise the tests, get university to check through your CV. Prepare for the video interview and think about the current climate of the food industry and economics of the country!
Interview Advice:
Be yourself, spend a lot of time preparing (as for any interview) because if you know what you want to say easily it helps with any nerves. Be inquisitive! Read some personal development books on leadership.
AMS Manufacturing Graduate Section Leader, Manufacturing at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Put a lot of time and effort into the application as you need to stand out as there is such a large amount of people applying.
Interview Advice:
Ensure you know a lot about the company's values as this is a large part of the interview. The interview process is very intense so come as prepared as possible.
Quality Auditor, Technical at Bakkavor Group PLCInterview Advice:
Be yourself - have a love for food and the company
Commercial Graduate (AMS Scheme), Commercial at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Take the time to read through questions and be truthful
Prepare for a video interview
Interview Advice:
Learn the six company values and think of examples where you have demonstrated these values
Socialise with the other candidates (if applicable)
If required to do a group task make sure your input is meaningful and purposeful - don't talk just to be noticed by assessors
Application Advice:
Be yourself and show your passion for food and the wider food manufacturing/FMCG market.
Understand our values, and how you can actively say you have demonstrated these.
Highlight things you have seen in the news on Bakkavor or the industry to show you are interested and keep up to date.
Interview Advice:
2 types of interview - 1 based on values and 1 based on the functional area/your personality types.
It is important to have examples related to values or skills you have developed and make sure they are clear.
On the functional area questions, do some research on the area and understand what they do.
Application Advice:
Give yourself time to write and rewrite multiple draft applications.
Interview Advice:
Get to know the other candidates when you first arrive as it will help you relax, help during the group tasks and it's always interesting to speak to people about their experience of other job applications and assessment centres.
Technical Analyst, Technical at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Make sure you are aware of the values and mention how you would fit into the company.
Interview Advice:
Learn the values and consider examples of when you have demonstrated them.
HR Co-ordinator, Human Resources at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Show a clear understanding or appreciation of the food industry - particularly with issues surrounding vegan accreditation, allergen categorisation and listeria.
Interview Advice:
Be yourself and be confident, however, you are not expected to have all the answers. Recruiters are looking for people that have the ability to learn, and are coachable.
Know the business you are applying for - company values, number of employees, global presence etc. are all things available on the internet for free on company websites.
Manufacturing Graduate, Salads at Bakkavor Group PLCInterview Advice:
Make sure you understand the company's value, culture and the role you're going to apply for.
Make yourself fully prepared before the interview.
Application Advice:
Although the application process is lengthy, each stage is there for a reason. Make sure you refer back to the Bakkavor values in the initial computer stages and focus on the psychometric tests. Mention previous experience and showcase your passion for food.
Interview Advice:
Be yourself! The assessors are not there to trick you. Make sure you refer back to the Bakkavor values and make sure you've done your research beforehand. Look up Bakkavor in the news, and be aware of current affairs in the food industry.
Development Technologist – Accelerated Management Graduate, New Product Development at Bakkavor Group PLCInterview Advice:
Research the values
Why you want to work in the food industry
Why HR
What can you bring to the role
Application Advice:
Be yourself, be approachable. Be aware that if you're factory based you will need to be able to speak to people from various walks of life so you need to show that.
QA, Technical at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Apply as early as you can.
Interview Advice:
Show your passion for the food industry.
Group Project & Development Graduate, Development at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Research into the company and its capabilities.
Interview Advice:
Be eager, keen and approachable.
Development Technologist, Development at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Before your application, please spend more time getting to know the company and the role such as the values and the job description.
Interview Advice:
Just be yourself and confident!
Asia Innovation Graduate, Development at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Research the company and the role fully prior to applying.
Ensure that you would be happy relocating as this is integral to getting the most out of the scheme.
Interview Advice:
Make sure to prepare examples of how you demonstrate the company values - this will help you show how you are a good fit to the company, as well as helping you see if you would enjoy working here.
As much as the interview is about Bakkavor seeing if you are a good team fit, it is also about you seeing if you want to work there - so make sure to ask lots of questions.
HR Graduate, Human Resources at Bakkavor Group PLCApplication Advice:
Have examples of how you have demonstrated the company values during previous work you have done, whether this is university or placement work experiences.
Interview Advice:
Be honest about how you want to progress whether this be quickly or whether you want to take a longer path but experience more roles.
Be prepared to be put under pressure and be asked questions you may not have an answer too.
Process Technologist, Technical at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Good progression and opportunities for graduates.
Worst:
Low pay and poor benefits compared to other companies.
Technical Graduate, Technical at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Same as previous question.
Management Accountant, Finance at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Great people, lots of opportunity
Worst:
Locations are remote
Commercial Graduate, Commercial at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Training opportunities & vast locations to be based at.
Worst:
Company culture can differ across sites and is not always the same as would be expected.
Quality Supervisor, Technical at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
They view their values with such importance
Worst:
Can be slow to progress with innovative work methods
Commercial Graduate, Commercial at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Opportunities
Worst:
Some managers still have an old fashioned management style.
Manufacturing Graduate, Manufacturing at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
The size means there are lots of opportunities.
Worst:
You have to push very hard for those opportunities.
HR Graduate, Human Resources at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Learning and development opportunities, welfare support, culture, benefits/rewards
Worst:
Treatment of weekly staff, management's attitude towards HR as a function, struggle to adapt to change, location
Human Resources Graduate, Human Resources at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Good culture and people.
Worst:
Pay can be low for the amount of responsibility.
Technical Graduate, Technical at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
- They are committed to your development and allow you time out of your day to day roles to complete training and development.
- Lots of opportunities to work across different categories/roles and move across departments if you wanted to.
- The food industry and particularly the chilled/fresh categories are fast paced and exciting
Worst:
- Location of sites aren't in the most exciting towns/cities that often big graduate roles are but this brings different opportunities as well as travelling to different sites.
Food Technology Graduate, Central Technica; at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
It is supportive, has good morals and ethics, it supports young people in their career and focuses a lot on charity
Worst:
Nothing
Commercial and Sales Graduate, Commercial at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Good rate of pay, close to home
Worst:
High pressure, fast paced
Quality Systems Manager, Technical/Quality at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
We make a load of different products across lots of sites - being able to visit and understand the other businesses is brilliant for development.
Worst:
Little fish in a big pond.
Development Technologist, Development at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Ethical employer
High salaries
Best: Company culture, supportive colleagues, training and development emphasis, giving responsibility from Day One, looking after its employees.
Worst: Location of certain factory sites.
HR Graduate, Human Resources at Bakkavor Group PLCBest: As a graduate, you are given an insight into many different parts of the business to aid your understanding. This is critical when working in a large company. We work in a constantly environment, so learning to adapt quickly, managing your time an priorities and working as a team is something you pick up really quickly. They have a culture of supporting others,
Worst: As it is a fast paced environment, it can be hard to stay on track with 1 project as you may be required to do something else. The key is being able to prioritise and manage your time well.
Buyer, Procurement at Bakkavor Group PLCBest: Progression opportunities and available support
Worst: Shift work. If you are signing up to a manufacturing role you need to be ready to accept early waking up times and long hours.
Manufacturing Graduate – Section Leader, Manufacturing at Bakkavor Group PLCBest: Cares about staff
Worst: Attitude of some employees
Manufacturing graduate, C.I. at Bakkavor Group PLCBest: Inclusive and diverse
Worst: Location options
Manufacturing Graduate, Manufacturing at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Lots of opportunites
Worst:
Bad at communication
HRBP – Reward, HR at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
This brilliant support network that runs right through the company.
Worst:
N/A - I've only been here 2 months and haven't identified anything yet
Assistant Management Accountant, Finance at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Values
Development Technologist Graduate, Development at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Plenty of room to progress and move around to different sites.
CI- Coorindator, Manufacturing at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Career progression and focus on development.
Worst:
Challenges around convincing older staff for change.
Shift Manager, Operations at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Competitive salaries
Worst:
Work/Life/Study balance can be difficult sometimes
Management Accountant, Finance at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
The exposure that graduates that receive to higher management
The variety in day to day tasks and problem solving opportunities
Worst:
Locations
Section Manager, Operations/Manufacturing at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
- Good working environment
- Development opportunities
- Management early on in your career
Best:
Interesting and learn a lot
Worst:
Locations
AMS Manufacturing Graduate Section Leader, Manufacturing at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
We are put on a lot of training courses to help further our career development. There is the drive to work with other sites in the company to gain best practise and learn from each other.
Quality Auditor, Technical at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Big company lots of opportunity
Worst:
Each site different to the next as growth was through acquisition
Commercial Graduate (AMS Scheme), Commercial at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
The size means there are always networking opportunities
Celebrate work force by hosting conferences/team meals etc
Travel opportunities
Nice Head Office
Worst:
Lack of visibility/interaction with senior people
UK Locations
Different systems/process at different sites due to majority being acquired over the years
Best:
They live by the values, which helps as it is very fast passed.
They are extremely supportive, whether a work or other issue.
Actively develop all employees through training. This can be job specific or general
Worst:
It can be hard to understand how all the different sites work and the relevant information they need.
Can be extremely busy, so you don't feel like you have managed to get through your to do list.
Best:
International opportunities. Clear and strategic commercial goals. Investment in training and opportunities to progress and learn.
Technical Analyst, Technical at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
There are a lot of very good people - both good at their jobs and genuinely nice people to work with.
Worst:
Communication could be improved - expected to be flexible on location but the location is unknown until 4 months before the date.
Manufacturing Graduate, Salads at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Good set of values
Supportive network
Room for career progression
Worst:
N/A
Development Technologist – Accelerated Management Graduate, New Product Development at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
people
line manager
Worst:
overreaction to situations
communication
Best:
Lots of sites means more oppurtunity
Worst:
No good benefits ie shares pensions
QA, Technical at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Lots of additions, you can buy extra holiday days, health care etc
Also lots of training opportunities if you are interested in them
Worst:
Can feel a little impersonal sometimes
Development Technologist, Development at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
company encourages us to learn and give as many supports as they can
Worst:
N/A
Asia Innovation Graduate, Development at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Progression opportunities
Friendly atmosphere
Training opportunities
Staff Shop
Worst:
Current location
HR Graduate, Human Resources at Bakkavor Group PLCBest:
Loads of different job role opportunities
Loads of different factory types which produce different products allowing you to have a broad range of knowledge
Loads of people with vast knowledge in the industry which you can learn from
The team in charge of the graduates are very approachable and proactive in helping you
All the training opportunities including fieri leadership training
Worst:
All the sites are typically spread far apart meaning that you could be the only graduate at your site or area which can leave you feeling on your own at times
Process Technologist, Technical at Bakkavor Group PLC
Experts from the best companies in the UK share their experience and advice on how to boss the interview process
Jazz Panesar is a Digital and Technology Apprentice at Severn Trent. Read Jazz’s story here.