Sustainability Graduate – 2.5-Year Fixed Term
Graduate Programme | Starting February 2026
At Tegel, we do not just launch careers — we help shape the future of New Zealand’s food industry.
Since launching our Graduate Programme in 2020, we have built a proven pathway for emerging talent. Over 90% of our graduates have progressed into ongoing roles across our business, working on real initiatives that matter. If you are passionate about sustainability and want to make a tangible impact from day one, this could be your opportunity.
Why Tegel?
As New Zealand’s leading poultry producer, we have been feeding Kiwi families since 1961. With more than 2,000 people across farms, production sites, and offices nationwide, sustainability sits at the heart of how we operate — from animal welfare and environmental stewardship to responsible sourcing and community impact.
The Programme
This 2.5-year fixed-term Sustainability Graduate role, commencing mid-February 2026, is designed to build capability, confidence, and commercial insight. You will work on real sustainability initiatives that support Tegel’s goals to:
- Maintain and continually improve high standards of animal welfare. This will involve focusing on our farms so you’ll need to visit our chicken farms.
- Reduce waste and improve resource efficiency across our operations. Across Tegel’s 9 large sites, we are working to find alternative solutions to landfill. This involves networking and researching to find solutions, then collaborating and getting your hands dirty as changes are tested at site.
- Measure, manage and reduce emissions across our value chain. To do this, we need to become very sharp at capturing our data. 2026 will be our third year, so there is room for improvements.
- Strengthen our positive contribution to communities and the environment. We do a lot in this space, but don’t talk about it. It would be great to capture this so we can understand more about the value we are creating and consider where to next.
What You will Get
- Structured rotations and exposure to sustainability initiatives across the value chain
- Bi-monthly Graduate Development Days with practical learning and guest speakers
- A dedicated Mentor and Buddy to support your development.
- Meaningful projects that contribute to Tegel’s sustainability strategy
- Graduate social events — because connection matters
About You
You are curious, values-driven, and motivated to make a difference. You enjoy collaborating with others, thinking critically, and translating ideas into action. This will be a big learning curve as you will be thrown straight into it. We’ll need you to spend time with the team at our processing site in Henderson working on waste and finding the balance between production and environmental priorities.
You will ideally:
- Have graduated within the last 24 months.
- Have sustainability, environmental science, or a related discipline. But most importantly, enjoy truly collaborating with people and have a passion for caring for our environment.
- Bring some relevant work or internship experience (preferred but not essential)
- Have strong communication skills and a proactive mindseta and and enjoy finding mutually beneficial solutions.
What is in It for You?
- Get paid while learning through real, hands-on experience.
- Medical and life insurance benefits
- Staff discounts on Tegel products
- Free parking at all Tegel sites, including our Newmarket head office.
Please note:
- Applications without a CV and academic transcript will not be considered.
- You must already have the legal right to work in New Zealand.
Ready to help shape a more sustainable future? Apply now and start your career with purpose at Tegel.
Do not delay submitting your application as we will be reviewing them on an ongoing basis & reserve the right to close the applications as soon as we find the right fit!
Job Details
Reference #17785
Posted on 13 Jan 2026
Closes on 14 Feb 2026 10:55
Location(s)
Expertise Operations
Job level(s) Graduate
Work type(s) Fixed term full-time