Do you know somebody looking to accelerate your career in the food and drink industry?

Bord Bia and UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School are inviting applicants for its latest Talent Academy programmes for ambitious executives keen to accelerate their career in Ireland’s food and drink industry. Twenty places are available across its popular Origin Green Ambassador (MSc Business Sustainability) and Supply Chain and Account Management (MSc Supply Chain & Account Management) programmes. Each offers a fully funded masters at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, a tax-free bursary (€28,000 - €30,000 per 12 months), plus all tuition fees are covered. The programme guarantees placements at the headquarters of some of the world’s leading global brands.

According to Michael Murphy, Organisation & Industry Talent Director, Bord Bia, the programmes address two of the most topical and critically important areas for the development of Ireland’s food and drink industry at home and abroad.  “Whether it’s the reliability of supply or the ethical sourcing of ingredients, the supply chain is under increased focus as we all become more curious and cautious about where our food comes from. Likewise, business sustainability has never been more important for Ireland’s emerging and growing food companies. Our Origin Green Ambassador programme is about helping to identify sustainability best practices and optimal strategic planning, for example, with our programme participants bringing new thinking to their industry placements.”

The full-time programmes (18 months and 23 months in duration) offer a combination of real-world and academic learning, blending block release modules and continuous project work. The ideal candidates will have a minimum of three years’ work experience, though not necessarily within the food industry itself. “We are really looking for people with a keen interest in the retail or food industry, people who are ambitious for themselves and for the industry,” said Michael Murphy. The closing date has now been extended until 7 June 2021.

The Bord Bia Talent Academy was established with UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School to help identify and develop future leaders for Ireland’s hugely successful food and drink industry. It comprises five programmes, some of which have been running for over 10 years, which focus on nurturing executives in areas of sales, marketing, consumer insights and innovation, as well as business sustainability and supply chain and account management.

Further information and application details are available at bordbia.ie/about/talent-academy/