PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE. Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 6000 staff worldwide. With 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully owned production facilities. We’re on a mission to become the world’s most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.
JOB SUMMARY:
The 2027 Portwest Graduate Programme is a two-year structured development journey. In Year 1, you will rotate through five core commercial departments and complete a dedicated warehouse rotation in selected warehouse sites. In Year 2, you will progress to a focused 10-12 month placement, either in an international Portwest location or within an HQ team.
Each rotation will include defined responsibilities, practical tasks and projects, giving you the opportunity to contribute from the outset and build a broad understanding of how our teams work together.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support live departmental projects and complete defined deliverables during each rotation.
- Analyse information, identify opportunities and present practical recommendations.
- Collaborate with teams across HQ, markets and operational locations.
- Learn how customer, commercial and operational decisions connect across the business.
- Take ownership of tasks, maintain clear handovers, and share learning with the next graduate entering the rotation.
- Build an understanding of warehouse operations through hands-on exposure in selected warehouse sites.
- Build a deep understanding of global markets, their unique needs, and Portwest’s overall strategy.
- Take part in structured technical and leadership training as part of your professional development.
REQUIREMENTS:
- A recent graduate (within last 2 years), or someone due to graduate before the programme begins, from a relevant degree discipline within business studies, commerce or similiar.
- A genuine interest in building a career in an international commercial business.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Curiosity, initiative and a willingness to learn across different functions.
- Commercial awareness and confidence working with information, priorities and deadlines.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to build effective working relationships.
- Adaptability and confidence in a changing, fast-paced environment.
- A willingness and ability to consider international opportunities.
- Additional language skills are welcome and may be advantageous for certain placements.
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COMPANY AWARDS
- Great Place To Work 2024
- Private Irish Business of the year – Export Industry Awards 2025
- Gold Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2026
Applicants must have a right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction.
Portwest is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, veteran status, family status, disability status or membership of a minority group.
Skills Required
- Recent graduate within the last two years, or due to graduate before the programme begins, with a relevant degree
- Genuine interest in building a career in an international commercial business
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Curiosity, initiative, and willingness to learn across different functions
- Commercial awareness and confidence working with information, priorities, and deadlines
- Collaborative approach and ability to build effective working relationships
- Adaptability and confidence in a changing, fast-paced environment
- Willingness and ability to consider international opportunities
- Additional language skills
- Right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction
What We Do
Formed in 1904, Portwest is firmly established as a leader in the design and manufacture of high quality Workwear, Footwear and PPE. Excellent quality, very competitive pricing and large stock holding ensures we offer a market leading service to all our customers. With distribution throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and the USA, supported by factories in the Far East our unique collection of safety apparel and PPE protects people all over the world in many diverse industries and situations. Service highlights Our stock levels are at an all-time high and our innovative operations ensure all orders are picked, packed and ready for dispatch accurately and on-time. With over 1500 individual product lines, Portwest are truly a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all safety apparel and PPE requirements. Contact Us For contact details on your nearest Portwest office please visit: https://www.portwest.com/contacts Portwest Headquarters: Portwest House IDA Industrial Park Westport Co Mayo F28 FY88 Ireland Tel: +353 98 26411 Email: [email protected]
