Job description
Fast-track your career in the food and fresh produce industry with MDS. Apply now for our Spring 2025 or October 2025 intake and gain unique practical experience and coaching, empowering you to lead the future of the industry.
The MDS Leadership and Management scheme offers an exciting opportunity for people wishing to start a second career. Whatever your age or background, if you have completed several years in a role that gave you leadership or managerial experience, then we would be interested in talking to you.
The Leadership and Management scheme is one of three MDS programmes that equip people for a fruitful career in the fast-paced food industry. Hardworking, highly motivated individuals will relish the challenge of this two-year programme. Successful candidates become MDS Trainees, working towards a formal Level 5 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 Trainee also undertakes a series of secondments 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.
Each secondment will last for six months or a year and will cover a range of different functions, from marketing to operations, HR to business planning.
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 Trainees, 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 £26,000 per annum, rising to £28,000 in year two. If you are looking for a second career, then you may just find it in the food industry.
Benefits
- Tax free relocation allowance of £500 for each relocation making it a potential £1000 extra per year
- Chartered Management Institute approved qualification
- Dedicated mentoring
- 28 days holiday
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Interest free starter loan
Trainees benefit from up to four secondments with many being in rural locations, please be aware that public transport is not usually a viable option. All trainees will be responsible for their travel arrangements relating to their secondment and the inability to achieve this may result in a secondment not being able to be offered.
What we are looking for
To be considered for MDS, you will need to demonstrate that you have relevant experience and transferrable skills. We do not expect Trainees to be educated to degree level, but we do look for people with the potential to succeed in a leadership role.
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.
To apply, you must be eligible to work in the UK and be prepared and able to relocate every six months.
Accepted degree subjects
Any
Additional job details
- Number of vacancies
- 60+
- Location
- UK wide
- Salary
- £26,000
- Contract, dates and working times
- Fixed term
Full-time
How to apply
You can apply at any time through our website, and we interview for positions throughout the year.
There are three stages of the application process:
- Website Application – no testing, it takes around 30/40 minutes to complete
- Telephone Interview
- Virtual Assessment Centre
If you are ready to become part of a network of future leaders on the fast track to career success, click 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.
Closing date: Continuous recruitment