Graduate Programme 2027

You've put in the hard yards at university. Now it's time to start building your career.

Alliance Group is one of New Zealand's largest red meat processors, with operations across both the North and South Islands and customers in more than 65 countries.

We're looking for graduates who are keen to learn, willing to get stuck in and excited by the opportunity to work in New Zealand's food and export sector. If you're curious, ambitious, adaptable, and ready to get stuck in, this could be the opportunity that launches your career.

Through our two-year Graduate Programme, you'll gain hands-on experience across our processing operations, work alongside experienced leaders, and contribute to projects that support the future success of the business.

About us

Alliance produces premium grass-fed lamb, beef and venison for customers in more than 65 countries.

With processing sites across New Zealand and as part of the Dawn Meats Group, headquartered in Ireland, we offer graduates the opportunity to build a career within a New Zealand agribusiness that is connected to global markets and customers. The programme provides a pathway into a range of long-term career opportunities across our operations, commercial, engineering and corporate teams.

The future of Alliance depends on great people. That's why we're investing in the next generation, providing graduates with the experience, support and opportunities to build successful careers within our business.

The Role

We're looking for Graduates to join our 2027 Graduate Programme. This two-year fixed-term programme is designed to provide hands-on experience, broad business exposure and opportunities for professional development.

In the first year, our graduates will be based at one of the following Alliance processing facilities at Lorneville, Pukeuri, or Dannevirke. In this year you'll gain a deep understanding of our processing operations, learning how our business works from the ground up. You'll spend time on the plant, working alongside experienced leaders and teams while developing a practical understanding of our products, processes and people.

In your second year, you'll transition into project-based work, applying your operational knowledge to business improvement initiatives and strategic projects that make a real difference across the organisation.

Throughout the programme, you'll gain exposure to operational, commercial, engineering and corporate functions while building valuable relationships across the business. You'll bring your own ideas, learn from experienced people across the business and continue developing the skills needed for a successful career.

Our plants are located in regional New Zealand, giving graduates the opportunity to gain valuable experience, take on real responsibility and become part of close-knit communities.

About you

We're looking for future leaders who are willing to get hands-on and excited by the opportunity to make an impact.

You may be nearing completion of your degree or have graduated within the last two years.

You'll bring:

• Curiosity and a genuine desire to learn
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving capability
• Initiative, adaptability and resilience
• The confidence to contribute ideas and challenge thinking constructively
• The ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people
• An interest in New Zealand's food production, agriculture, manufacturing, export or commercial sectors
• Openness to feedback and continuous learning

Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys working with people and is excited by the opportunity to grow within a dynamic and evolving business.

What's in it for you?

You'll play an active role in the business from day one, gaining practical experience, taking on meaningful work and learning from experienced people across Alliance.

As part of the Alliance Graduate Programme, you'll receive:

• An extra week's annual leave
• A competitive graduate salary
• Structured learning and development opportunities
• Exposure to senior leaders across the business
• Dedicated support from managers, mentors and our HR team
• The chance to contribute to projects that deliver real outcomes for the business
• The opportunity to secure a permanent role at the completion of the programme or apply for an international talent exchange

You'll also kick things off with an induction programme where you'll meet fellow graduates, connect with leaders from across the business and build relationships that will support you throughout the programme.

The Graduate Programme is designed to provide a pathway into long-term career opportunities at Alliance. Many of our leaders started their careers in operational roles and have gone on to build successful careers across our processing, commercial and corporate teams.

Please indicate in your cover letter which location is your preference and whether you are willing and able to relocate for this opportunity.

Please note that health and safety is our number one priority. As part of our recruitment process, a pre-employment medical and drug test will be required.

If you have any questions about the role or the Alliance Graduate Programme, please contact hr@alliance.co.nz.

Applications close on Sunday 18 October 2026.