The right opportunity doesn’t just launch a career, it shapes a future.

That’s why this isn’t just another graduate programme. It’s a commitment, a catalyst, a search for the rare few who are ready to step up, stand out, and grow into something bigger.

We’re not here to fill seats or tick boxes. We’re actively scouting for the kind of talent that’s hard to find; sharp minds with great focus, ambition with integrity, and potential with purpose.

Our Graduate Career Programme is immersive, challenging, supportive, and unapologetically high-expectation. Because we believe that when you set the bar, and back people to reach it, they’ll rise to it... every time.

If you’re driven by more than just getting a foot in the door we’d like to meet you!

About this Programme | Mō tēnei hōtaka

So, where to from here? Chances are that’s a question you’ve been asking yourself as the transition from study to mahi fast approaches. Where can you continue to learn; where will you be inspired and empowered to grow? And importantly, where can you do something good – mahi that matters, something that drives and delivers positive change for the world? That’s where the Graduate Career Programme comes in. If you’re interested in kick starting a career with a global food marketing business, this start is as good as it gets. 

Think of the Graduate Career Programme like sampling different areas of the business to learn, develop, and discover where you thrive. Throughout the programme, you'll be periodically placed on ~12-month rotations within a specific business unit, taking into consideration your skills and expertise, combined with what we have identified as our own key strategic deliverable areas. There, you'll contribute to projects, be given responsibility for your own areas of delivery, and receive continuous feedback to help you make your mark on an iconic global brand. This means you’ll be making an impact from day one. Near the end of each of these rotations, we'll meet to review and discuss which other areas of Silver Fern Farms could benefit from your passion, capability, and expertise.

Throughout the programme, you’ll enjoy invaluable mentorship through both structured and informal connections; a Senior Leader Mentor, Grad Buddy, and you’ll join our GradMates group to connect, grow, and learn.

• You’ll belong here – You’ll join Silver Fern Farms with the security of a permanent role where you are set up to thrive at every step – that includes backing you with a competitive salary and benefits.

• The options are endless – Based on evolving business needs and your own interests, you can hone skills across Sales, Marketing, Product Innovation, People and Culture, Agribusiness, Sustainability, Supply Chain, Technology and Transformation, Commercial, Food Quality and Market Access, Operations, and even more!

• You take the lead – The length of our programme is flexible to meet your goals and progression; our Graduates stay on the programme for anywhere from 2 – 4 years. When you’re ready, we’ll support you in your transition from Graduate to [insert dream job here!]. 

About You | Ōu Pūkenga

You’ll be approaching the end of your tertiary studies, maybe even nearing the end of your Master’s, and thinking big and bright about everything that’s next. You’ll excel academically, display leadership qualities through work, education, or community involvement, and be completing studies in a relevant area; anything from the commerce side, from agribusiness, to sales, marketing and human resources; or science, engineering and technology. Or perhaps you’re studying food sciences and nutrition, or environment, engineering, automation… Whatever your background, you’ll be a natural innovator, always looking to solve problems and take the lead. 

If you’re armed with ambition and love to learn, you could truly go anywhere with Silver Fern Farms.  

Why Work at Silver Fern Farms? | Te Ahurea

At Silver Fern Farms we’re all about Creating Goodness from the Farms the World Needs. Creating goodness is about taking a broader view of what goodness means, how we can create it and the impact it can have. That goodness is created through the work of our People, the skill and expertise of our Farmer partners and our customers around the globe. ‘Goodness’ is also about being good to people and communities, animal welfare, and showing care and respect for the environment. 

Silver Fern Farms welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. We are proud to have a diverse and inclusive environment and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all team members and applicants. Come and create goodness together with us.

To Apply | Tono Mai

Ready to kick start your career and create goodness? Bring your energy, enthusiasm and innovative ideas and together let’s meet the future of our industry head on!

What to expect:

• NOW: Submit your application online today, you’ll need a CV and a cover letter that tells us why you’re the Future Leader we’re looking for!
• June: We’ll ask you to complete a one-way video interview online so we can learn more about you.
• July: Interviews will be held online via Microsoft Teams, where you’ll meet with two members of our People team. This is your time to show us what you’re made of!
• August: Now the fun begins… You’ll be invited to visit us at Silver Fern Farms’ Dunedin Hub where you’ll take part in interviews, challenges, and getting to know your potential future colleagues. 
• August: Following the necessary employment checks, the successful candidates will be formally offered a position on the 2026 Graduate Career Programme. 
• September: You’ll be paired up with your Grad Buddy (one of our current Graduates) who will support you as you prepare to join us. 
• Late-January 2026: You’ll join the Silver Fern Farms whānau!

Eligibility:

• You’ll currently be in your final year of study or graduated in 2024.
• You have the right to work in New Zealand.
• You’re available to begin full-time work in late-January 2026. 

Applications close 15 June 2025. You can learn more about our Graduate Career Programme on our careers website.