Produce Accelerated Management Scheme
- Name:
- Gary
- University attended:
- University of Ulster
- Degree obtained:
- BSc (Hons) in Food Technology Management, PgDip in Biotechnology
- Joined Scheme:
- 1999
Gary joined Bakkavör on the Produce Accelerated Management Scheme and is currently the Site Operations Manager for Bourne Salads. The Produce AMS appealed to Gary, initially, because of the opportunity to gain experience in different areas within the business, whilst adding real value in real jobs.
Bakkavör is without doubt an exciting place to work, and nowhere more so than in our Produce business, the single biggest market we operate in. The need to outperform our competitors, delight our customers and consumers and continually be ahead of the market by innovation fits with, and draws on, all of the Bakkavör core values.
The Bakkavör Produce Accelerated Management Scheme provides valuable insight into all aspects of the Fresh Produce businesses across Europe.
The scheme is designed to be dynamic and flexible - typically three to four placements spread over a period of two years within different departments and business units.
The Bakkavör AMS offers the opportunity to broaden your horizons, work overseas, learn new languages and experience different cultures. It gives you the chance to gain experience in roles that are outside your comfort zone, test your ability and provides the freedom to develop a career that is right for you.
Whatever your situation the AMS gives you experience of the needs and challenges within Bakkavör and how the business works together as one team with the aim of becoming the best fresh prepared food and produce company wherever we operate.
Real work from day one
I joined Bakkavör in 1999 and began my first placement in Bourne Salads. My role as Technical Projects Manager allowed me to work on quality improvement, shelf life extension, systems development and other innovation driven initiatives.
My second and longest placement was with Bakkavör Iberia in Spain as Trial Factory Manager. My role was to manage a 'prep at source' small trial factory and I was allowed to contribute to the design and build of the facility.
My final placement was at Bourne Salads but this time in a Commercial Role. This gave me the opportunity to look at promotional mechanics, marketing tools and gain experience of relationship management.
Real responsibility for graduates
The experience and knowledge gained from the scheme has been invaluable and has enabled me to successfully undertake a number of roles. I have been a Technical Manager, Procurement Manager, Operations Manager as well as a Site Operations Manager on 2 sites within our produce businesses.
Adding value to the business
The Produce Accelerated Management Scheme is of fundamental importance and as such commands a great deal of attention from senior levels within our business. The scheme provides a foundation to all the key elements within Produce, with particular emphasis and focus afforded to safety, grower relationships and credentials, new product development and manufacturing. Covering the full supply chain gives us confidence that we can front customers with a sound base knowledge in what remains a specialist area.
There is a proven track record of success and development from the scheme, and our focus will continue as we see our Managers and Leaders being developed for the future-true succession planning from within.