Red meat processor Dawn Meats has announced the return of its Management Development Programme for a seventh year.
The ten-month programme is run in association with The School of Agriculture and Food Science at University College Dublin, and is open to employees of both Dawn Meats and Dunbia, the UK division of Dawn Meats.
It has been running since 2015, with a three-year break caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Dawn Meats said that so far, more than 150 managers have completed the course, with 38 taking part in 2026.
The programme is designed to support both personal and professional growth through a combination of management, leadership and sustainability modules. It includes elements of part-time study, project work, 1:1 coaching sessions and teamwork.
The processor said that as part of the programme, managers will be tasked with delivering a bespoke project that “tackles current opportunities”, with relevant members of the Dawn Meats senior leadership team to sponsor them.
“Developing strong leadership is essential for the future of the agri-food industry.”
Phillip Tallon, Dawn Meats
Philip Tallon, chief operations officer at Dawn Meats said: “Developing strong leadership is essential for the future of the agri-food industry, and this programme plays an important role in strengthening that foundation. It was a pleasure to address the new cohort on the opening day of the programme, and we look forward to seeing their personal and professional growth as they build their industry knowledge and key management skills.
“We value our partnership with UCD and remain committed to investing in the development of Dawn Meats’ and Dunbia’s future leaders.”
Professor Frank Monahan, dean of agriculture at UCD and head of the School of Agriculture and Food Science, added: “The programme is aimed at future leaders, with a focus on developing the skills needed to thrive in an agri-food industry that is increasingly complex and always evolving.
“Through a combination of academic learning, coaching and project work, participants gain the confidence and ability to engage with real-world challenges and drive innovation. We are delighted to continue to deliver this programme in collaboration with Dawn Meats and Dunbia.”
