Operations Quality Manager Whey PlantFixed Term ContractTirlánTirlán, is a world-class food and nutrition co-operative, with a diverse portfolio of quality ingredients, leading consumer and agri brands.Tirlán owns leading brands such as Avonmore, Kilmeaden Cheese, Millac, Solmiko, Truly Grass Fed, Premier Milk, Wexford, and GAIN Animal Nutrition.We nurture a talented team across Ireland, the US, MEA and China, delivering annual revenues of over €3 billion, and over 2,300 people to manage our network of 11 processing plants and 52 agri branches. Our purpose is to nourish the world, while safeguarding our environment for future generations.Reporting to the Whey Plant Manager, Ballyragget, the overall purpose of this role is to drive the elimination of defects against Whey Plants quality standard across all functions. This is a lead role in driving a 'right first time' culture and performance in the Whey plant by ensuring that Tirlán's Ballyragget Whey processes and operations meet customer requirements. The role will involve collaboration with all functions to continuously improve performance to quality standard and to drive all CAPA (corrective and preventative actions) to timely completion.Key ResponsibilitiesLeading Quality Management activities across Plant OperationsAudit quality practices and processes within the plant focusing on the prevention of deviationsOwnership of plant CAPA process including assignment of effective RCA's (root cause actions) for all process deviations to the appropriate owners and driving these action owners to deliver robust CAPA to agreed timelines. Deviations include:-Plant eventsOut of specification QC in-process and finished product resultsCustomer complaintsAudit actions both internal and externalOPRP deviationsDrive the daily evaluation of quality targets and standards and work with function heads to ensure systems are in place to deliver zero defects to the Whey Plant standard.Lead role in the daily review of QC data to establish trends and eliminate OOS issues before they arise. Key responsibility to ensure the quality and production teams are fully aligned on all in process and finished product specifications.Ensure employees are trained to the correct standard to carry out their full range of duties in Quality Assurance, Quality control and Food SafetyOversee CCP's & QCP's verificationAssure process alerts and run times aligned with Product specification deliveryCustomer audit supportDrive Environmental standard compliance through cleaning programme management and enabling zoning complianceDirect & collaborate with cleaning team lead to deliver hygiene & environmental standards.Support GMP knowledge development and action/impact insight for all operations support personnel (operations, maintenance, contractor and cleaning personnel)Quality communication development aligned with embedding a quality focussed culture in plantWork closely with other business units in Tirlán in delivering quality processes with respect to customers, production and suppliersKey Requirements:Degree in Science, Engineering or equivalent ideally.Experience in a large Dairy, Food or Pharmaceutical company with relevant experience in Quality Assurance, Food Safety & Process Improvement in an operational environmentAptitude for operational processes, working with cross- functional teams, Lean and continuous improvementExperience in Auditing and facilitating Corrective Action, preferably in a Dairy / Food production environmentDemonstrate high technical ability and attention to detail to do the job at a high level of accomplishmentComputer literate (Microsoft Office suite & a working knowledge of SAP). Working knowledge of IQS/MES an advantageStrong communications with multi-functional stakeholdersKnowledge of Dairy products, processes and recipes an advantagePossesses motivational skills oriented towards encouraging people's best performance possibleAbout usThrough our expertise in research and development, customer insights, food safety and state-of-the-art manufacturing we bring innovative food and nutrition solutions to a global market. Our new and vibrant headquarters in Kilkenny City operates as a collaboration hub where multi-functional teams come together in a hybrid work environment.Commitment to Diversity & InclusionWe believe in the value of difference. We know that different perspectives, life experience and backgrounds can drive innovation and deliver growth.We welcome people from all walks of life without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, or disability status.Join our Talent PoolConsidering a new career in Tirlán but this isn't the role for you? Join our talent community and sign up for job notifications at Tirlán is a Values Based Organisation