• What does a Finance Leadership Graduate do?

As a finance leadership graduate, I undertake 3 placements across Pilgrims Europe sites where I gain experience in site, central and commercial finance. I create reports and analyse data to understand where our sites are gaining and losing money and undertake leadership training to develop my future management skills.

• How did you end up in this job?

I applied for this role whilst studying my master’s degree and attended an assessment centre at one of our sites in Kings Lynn. My maths degree and experience in organising events was a good match for the role and so I started in September 2024 by relocating to Bristol for my first placement!

• What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing this career?

My advice would be that there are lots of great opportunities in food, across a variety of different sectors. The food industry is the largest industry in the UK and will always be needed to put food on our tables. Learning about different companies and where they sit in the food production process will give you great knowledge and a better idea of the career you would like to pursue.

• What’s the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is gaining an insight into the food industry and learning more about our production processes that help feed the UK! I enjoy seeing trends in our data and using them to help improve our production and make a real difference.

• Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

In 5 years, I hope to be in a permanent role, whether that’s in finance or another related field! I’m interested in multiple different areas, such as exports and sustainability. Hopefully I can be using all the skills I’ve gained from my rotations, alongside my training from the institute of leadership, to successfully lead a team and make a real difference to our business.