targetjobs UK
Management Trainee Autumn 2026
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Kick-start your career in the food and fresh produce industry with MDS
Applications now open for our Autumn or October 2026 intake.
Looking for a fast-track route into leadership and management?
The MDS graduate scheme offers driven graduates the opportunity to step straight into real-world roles across the food, fresh produce, agriculture and horticulture sectors. From day one, you’ll receive structured training, a full salary and expert guidance from our team, empowering you to take charge of your success.
Over two years, you’ll work in up to four secondments (each lasting 6–12 months) within some of the UK’s leading food and agriculture businesses.
These secondments will give you hands-on experience across a variety of disciplines; you might find yourself coordinating a harvest with a major grower in one secondment and then leading a business-critical project with a national retailer in the next.
Wherever you go, you’ll be making a real impact – our Trainees are known for delivering results and driving innovation.
Why choose MDS?
- Gain a Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification, accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
- Be employed by MDS, with a salary of £26,000 in year one, rising to £28,000 in year two
- Relocation allowance of up to £1000 per year
- Benefit from mentoring and coaching to help you reach your full potential
- Join a network of over 500 MDS alumni, many now in senior roles across the industry
- Benefit from excellent career prospects – 100% of trainees to date have received a job offer upon completing the programme
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What makes a great candidate
We typically look for a 2:1 or above, but if you have strong industry experience, we would still like to hear from you. More importantly, we want to see:
- Leadership potential – the ability to inspire others, take initiative, and make things happen
- Resilience and motivation – a solid work ethic and a drive to succeed
- Adaptability – the confidence to relocate and thrive in new roles and environments every 6 months
- A practical mindset – the ability to solve problems and work independently
- Passion for the food and agriculture industry – enthusiasm for making a difference in a fast-moving, vital sector
To Apply, You Must
- Successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK by the time the programme starts, and for the duration of the programme (two years)
- Be able to relocate across the UK (and potentially overseas, though this is optional) for each secondment
- Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to your own vehicle by the time you start the programme, as many secondments are in rural areas where public transport is not a viable option
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
This is more than a graduate job – it’s a launchpad for your leadership career in an industry that’s essential, innovative, and full of opportunity.
Ready to apply?
MDS recruits over 60 graduates each year, with programme intakes in April and October. Applications are open year-round via our website, and we review candidates on a rolling basis.
The Application Process Is Straightforward And Supportive
- Online application - no testing, and takes around 30-40 minutes to complete
- Telephone interview - a chance to tell us more about you and your motivations
- Main Interview – we explore your answers against core competencies
- Virtual Assessment Centre - meet the team, take part in group tasks, and show your potential
If you’re ready to join a network of future leaders and fast-track your career in a thriving industry, apply now!
Application deadline: Continuous recruitment
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location