Costa Graduate Program - HR Graduate

We’re Costa. Australia’s leading grower, packer and marketer of premium quality fresh fruit and vegetables. From our farms to your door, we nurture our fruit and vegetables every step of the journey. We have operations in more than 60 rural and regional communities across Australia and in China and Morocco. Our produce includes avocados, bananas, berries, citrus, grapes, mushrooms and tomatoes.

We're seeking enthusiastic graduates from a range of disciplines to join Costa as part of our 2025 Graduate intake! 

About Costa’s Graduate Programs and Roles

All graduates joining the ’25 intake automatically enrol in a development program, which aims to train and develop leaders of the future. As a cohort, you will be provided with hands-on and educational experience across the Costa Group. The program also offers unprecedented access to senior leaders to mentor and guide your course work.  

The three options for graduate roles are as follows: 

·       Rotational Graduate Program Positions: 18-month duration, comprised of 3 x 6-month rotations in 3 different produce categories at different locations.

·       Category Graduate Program Positions: 12-18 month duration, comprised of different experiences and/or rotations within one function or produce category.

·       Specialised Graduate Positions: these are ongoing graduate positions in some of the key talent growing hubs in our organisation.

We welcome applications for multiple of the positions available. You can indicate these preferences in your application.

About this position

The HR Graduate is a Category Graduate Program position over the course of 12 months. As a graduate in this program, you are likely to gain a broad level of experience within Costa’s HR Function, whilst being provided with the opportunity to explore specific areas of specialty or focus.

Upon successful completion of the Program, the successful candidate is likely to be well positioned to take on a permanent position in one of our Operational HR roles, supporting a particular produce category.

In this role, you are likely to support the business in the complete employee lifecycle, i.e. from recruitment, onboarding, preparation of employee documentation such as contracts, job descriptions, supporting performance, payroll and remuneration processes. You are likely to work closely alongside broader HR team to provide HR advice on the interpretation of policies, procedures and employment legislation, and support the management and resolution of ER issues, escalating complex or high-risk issues as needed. You are likely to be involved in learning and development, assist in the collation, reporting and analysis of HR data and get involved in and help organise engagement activities.

As a HR Graduate, you will be working closely with a range of experienced members in our HR and payroll departments. You will be experiencing one or more rotations throughout this program which are likely to cover different (regional) locations across Australia.

Your Opportunity

• Benefit from a structured leadership and development training program
• Gain access to managers and Costa executives
• Play a central role in producing premium quality fruit and vegetables
• Exposure to networks across the industry

We care for our people

Successful applicants will receive a fixed-term 12-month contract with a competitive salary.

If applicable, subsidised accommodation will be arranged by the company prior to commencement. During and upon the completion of the Graduate Program you will be eligible to apply for permanent roles which may arise within Costa.

People are the heart of Costa. Our employees enjoy some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry. From competitive pay to health, well-being, and further learning and development opportunities. No matter the role, you’ll always benefit from a caring environment that encourages and supports you to thrive, grow and connect.

About you

To qualify for the HR Graduate position, you must:

• Be in your final year or recently finished a Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in Human Resources, psychology or equivalent.
• Have excellent communication skills
• Hold a driver’s licence
• Have your own personal reliable transport 
• Be ready and willing to relocate and work in different sites during the program, most of which are regional locations.
• Be ready, willing, and available to commence the program on 10 February 2025.

Program Timing and Process

Applications for the 2025 Graduate Intake close on 15 August 2024. The selection process will consist of video submissions, psychometric assessments and (virtual) interviews. 

More information about the Costa Graduate Programs and Position is available here: https://costagroup.com.au/grow-your-career/graduateprogram/