Nature's Best is seeking a knowledgeable and motivated Raw Material Specialist to join our team. This role is perfect for someone passionate about ensuring the highest standards of food quality and safety by working closely with our growers, suppliers, and internal production teams. You'll bring valuable field knowledge to the factory, helping us deliver fresh, healthy products to our customers every day.
About Nature's Best – The Fresh Food Experts
Nature's Best is a proudly Irish, second-generation family-owned business based in Drogheda. We produce over 200 fresh, healthy, and convenient food products for Ireland's major retailers — including leafy salads, coleslaws, dips, stir-fries, prepared vegetables, noodles, pasta salads, and grain salads. We also supply large-scale catering customers.
Key Responsibilities
* Collaborate with growers to ensure the highest quality crops are produced for Nature's Best.
* Act as the key contact on the ground when supply or quality issues arise.
* Ensure all pesticide usage complies with regulatory limits and company standards.
* Serve as the link between Nature's Best and our supply base.
* Conduct supplier visits and audits as needed.
* Support and train on-site quality and production teams using your technical expertise.
* Provide QA and production teams across all shifts with guidance on raw material specifications, quality issues, and best practices.
* Communicate clearly with suppliers and customers about any potential supply or quality concerns.
* Support project and marketing plans in alignment with business objectives.
Qualifications and Requirements
* A professional qualification in Agriculture, Food Science, or a related discipline.
* Strong technical knowledge of the fresh produce sector.
* Good understanding of retail quality and safety standards.
* Excellent ability to build relationships with suppliers, growers, and customers.
* Proven skills in planning, time management, and meeting deadlines.
* Ability to multitask effectively while maintaining high-quality standards in a fast-paced environment.
* Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
* Friendly and professional personality with a focus on customer service and continuous improvement.
* Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work independently when required.
* Full, clean driver's licence.
* Willingness to travel internationally — primarily (but not limited to) the UK, Spain, and Italy — sometimes at short notice.
Why Join Nature's Best?
At Nature's Best, you'll be part of a company that values quality, innovation, and growth. We offer a supportive environment where your knowledge and initiative directly contribute to maintaining the highest standards in food production.
If you're ready to take on this exciting opportunity and play a vital role in bringing the best from field to factory, apply today
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
* Bike to work scheme
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person