A robust strategy and good planning are key to business success. However, aligned to this is the need for good people. The truism that you’re only as good as your people, exists because it is in fact the case.
Traditionally Bord Bia looks to provide marketing supports for Irish food, drink and horticulture sector, but somewhat lesser known is their commitment to talent development. Bord Bia runs an initiative called the Bord Bia Talent Academy, a commercial and academic partnership that looks to hothouse and nurture future talent. In essence the aim is to “mould and develop executive talent that can seamlessly plug into a wide range of roles in the sector” says Tom Tully, industry talent manager at Bord Bia.
We are aware that our sector undersells itself in terms of the unique career opportunities it offers
“The food and drink sector is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, and employer. Its importance to the economy can’t be over-stated. The sector has a long, proud tradition, but as it competes with other thriving industries in Ireland, we know we must remain fresh and inventive to attract the best talent” Tully says. “The aim of the Bord Bia Talent Academy is to be the facilitator, the conduit, that brings this new capability and culture change to the agri-food sector, by introducing, for example, new talent from other sectors and backgrounds, who can bring a diverse range of thinking.”
“We are aware that our sector undersells itself in terms of the unique career opportunities it offers and that is something we are keen to address. In recent months, Covid-19 has shone a light on just how important food and food supply is to everybody. We all have an opinion on food, and in the current sustainability focused world, it’s a sector where you can really find a meaningful purpose.”
Bord Bia’s Talent Academy
The Talent Academy currently works with two university partners – UCD Michael Smurfit Business School and Dublin City University Business School. The formula is one based on bringing together the best of academic thinking, with the practical real-world experience of working in the sector. Each participant earns a fully funded Masters qualification and invaluable industry experience as they pass through the academy doors. Participants also receive a monthly paid bursary to sustain this period of self-investment in their future.
We believe Bord Bia's talent programmes will provide much needed support to the industry as it looks to expand
Five programmes make up the suite of opportunities on offer, with skill focuses ranging from sustainability, marketing and sales to supply chain, consumer insights and innovation. Last year, Bord Bia had close to 80 participants involved in its Talent Academy initiative, representing the Irish food, drink and horticulture sector in more than 14 countries and increasing Bord Bia’s footprint in the Asian region in particular.
Michael Murphy talent and human resources director at Bord Bia says: “Each programme is a unique offering, with different work placement models employed. The experience you gain can range from working in Bord Bia offices around the world for more recent graduates, to spending time placed with international companies such as Unilever, McDonalds, Nestle, Tesco or Mars, for those a little further advanced in their careers. In light of Brexit and the current economic challenges, we believe Bord Bia’s talent programmes will provide much needed support to the industry as it looks to expand and diversify into new markets around the world.”
Apply Now
Bord Bia is currently looking for applications for two of its Talent Academy programmes.
The first is Bord Bia's International Graduate programme, a 23-month postgraduate programme in partnership with UCD Michael Smurfit Business School. Participants who have recently graduated from college could receive a fully funded Masters in International Business while availing of a work placement in one of Bord Bia's 15 offices. Thirty plus places are likely to be on offer and more details are available at:bordbia.ie/talentacademy.
Bord Bia is also currently looking to recruit for its Marketing Fellowship, aimed at those with three plus years work experience. Again a fully funded Masters is gained from UCD Michael Smurfit Business School. Participants are based in international markets and work on behalf of Irish food and drink companies.
[ https://www.bordbia.ie/talentacademy/Opens in new window ]
Other Opportunities
[ Bord Bia International Graduate: (23 months)Opens in new window ]
Early in career programme combining work experience and lectures/training. No experience required, suitable for newly graduated students from primary degrees / backgrounds in Agri Food, Business, Marketing and Languages. Students are placed in any of Bord Bia’s 15 offices.
- Bursary circa €25,000
- Audience: Early in career, from any background
Marketing Fellowship / Masters in International Marketing: (18 months)
The Bord Bia Marketing Fellowship is aimed at those with two to three years’ experience, and with a sales and marketing background. Students are based in overseas markets to work with Irish companies on specific business development opportunities and researching new market potential. This programme combines experiential work experience in international markets, on a paid bursary, while also gaining an International Marketing Masters from UCD Michael Smurfit Business School.
- Bursary circa €25,000
- Audience: two to three years previous experience
[ Masters in Supply Chain & Procurement: (18 months)Opens in new window ]
This programme is limited to 10 students per year. The successful students are placed in supply chain and sourcing roles in the UK, France and the US. Placements have included Tesco, M&S, Sainsburys and Sodexo and students are typically placed in supplier auditing, sourcing and buying roles. Through this programme, Bord Bia aim to build beneficial trade relationships and provide valuable insights to Irish suppliers in a post Brexit reality.
- Bursary circa €30,000
- Audience: three to five years previous work experience, with some level of supply chain knowledge and an account management/sales background
- Next intake: 2021
[ Origin Green Ambassadors / Masters in Business Sustainability: (23 months)Opens in new window ]
Students complete international work placements with some of the largest brands in the world including Unilever, Nestle, Danone, Starbucks and Amazon. The programme is limited to 10 placements, and aimed at those with three to four years’ experience and an interest in sustainability. Ambassadors receive a Masters in Business Sustainability from UCD Michael Smurfit Business School.
- Bursary circa €30,000
- Audience: three to four years previous work experience, from any background
- Next Intake: 2021
[ Masters in Insights & Innovation (Food): (18 months)Opens in new window ]
This Masters programme, run in conjunction with Dublin City University, develops individuals who gain skills in consumer insights, design thinking, entrepreneurship, leadership and brand marketing. Participants are placed with Irish food and drink companies in innovation, consumer or brand marketing roles.
- Bursary circa €20,000
- Audience: three to five years previous work experience. Typically from Culinary Arts, Communications, Marketing or Advertising background.
- Next intake: 2022