The challenge

Pilgrim’s Europe needed a structured approach to developing future leaders who could thrive in a complex, global business. The aim was to build key leadership behaviours, strengthen business capability and improve talent retention, while aligning development with long-term organisational goals and creating a diverse pipeline of future managers.

The solution

In partnership with Pilgrim’s Europe, Fieri designed and delivered an 18-month Graduate Trainee Programme combining leadership development, accreditation and coaching support.

The programme included:

• A bespoke leadership development curriculum aligned to a LEADERS competency framework, delivered through three week-long residential modules
• Institute of Leadership & Management accreditation, providing participants with certification on completion
• A multidisciplinary coaching team offering real-world experience, coaching and development support

The programme brought graduates together through residential modules and coaching support, creating a shared development experience while strengthening leadership capability and business understanding across the cohort.

The results

• Final residential achieved an NPS of 70
• Strengthened leadership pipelines and increased internal capability in key areas of the organisation
• Increased visibility and attractiveness of the graduate programme, driving higher early-careers application interest
• Reported learning included managing team dynamics, engaging in difficult conversations and using positive influence effectively in the workplace

The Graduate Trainee Programme received industry recognition in 2025, including:

• Best Training Initiative – Graduate Trainee Programme, Food Management Today Awards
• Best Graduate or Training Scheme (Large Business), Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards
• Training Initiative, NI Farming Life Awards