MDS Ltd graduate jobs

MDS Ltd careers and training scheme

MDS offers accelerated management training for graduates interested in a fast moving career in the fresh food and produce industry.

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The Company

MDS - Management Training for Graduates in the Fresh Food and Produce Industry. MDS, formed in 1986, is a unique partnership of companies, working together to support a common goal - to attract high-calibre recruits with management potential into the fresh food and produce industry. Members range from SMEs to major multiples.

MDS is not a recruitment agency. It is a training organisation working on behalf of its member companies to provide a well-proven two-year training programme designed to cover every stage of the supply chain.

The membership, the majority of whom trade internationally, includes growers, suppliers and retailers of vegetables, salads, fruit, flowers, plants, and meat products.

The high standards of MDS are recognised by the Investor in People quality mark.

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Live Jobs

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Training & Profiles

MDS offers an accelerated two-year management training programme for graduates interested in a fast-moving career in the fresh food and produce industry.

• Four management positions in up to four different companies, with some overseas opportunities
• Comprehensive off-the-job management training
• Option to study for a Chartered Management Institute qualification
• Competitive salary
• Coaching, mentoring and support
• Excellent career prospects

Real job secondments cover every stage of the supply chain and employment opportunities are diverse, including production, procurement, sales, marketing, operations, logistics and quality assurance.

Formal training comprises 25 days spread throughout the 2 year period and represents an investment of c£7,000 in each trainee. MDS is a satellite centre for the Chartered Management Institute.

100% of MDS leavers move on to management positions, with over 80% staying within MDS member companies. Recent appointments on completion have included Organics Account Manager, Operations Manager, Supply Chain Executive and Harvest Manager. Post MDS salary expectations are over £25,000.

MDS is looking for:

• Graduates of any discipline, and especially land-based, food related, business, management, life sciences and languages graduates
• People who are self-starters, highly-motivated and keen to succeed in a fast-moving commercial environment
• Long-term career interests within the scope of management of fresh product
• Excellent interpersonal skills and leadership potential
• Flexibility and mobility - trainees do not choose their secondments and need to relocate every 6 months

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Case Studies

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Information & FAQ

How am I supported during the MS programme?

MDS staff visit trainees regularly and are always available on telephone or email. Each member company appoints a secondment manager to coach and mentor trainees. There is also a large network of trainees and former trainees available for support, many of whom now enjoy senior positions in the industry.

What does the training cover?

Formal training comprises 25 days spread throughout the 2 year period. Topics covered include communication skills, leadership, team building, financial awareness, process analysis, problem solving, business simulation, negotiation skills and employment law. The training represents an investment of c£7,000 in each trainee.

And what about the qualification?

MDS is a satellite centre for the Chartered Management Institute. Trainees have the opportunity to attain a Level 4 Diploma in Management (one third of an MBA) funded by MDS.

What do others say?

'MDS gives a breadth of experience and a wealth of contacts that have been invaluable in the last few years. I am certain my career would not have progressed quite so quickly in other circumstances, and I recommend MDS wholeheartedly.'
- Lucy Abrey, National Accounts Manager, Barfoots of Botley Ltd and former MDS trainee

'The promotion of fresh food is at the heart of a major government drive to improve the health of our nation. This is turning our industry into an even more dynamic and expanding market, full of exciting opportunities. MDS offers an ideal route form university into management, in this rapidly-changing and developing market.'
Doug Henderson, Chairman MDS

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