About the role
We have a great opportunity for a Quality Assurance Manager to join us at our site in Charleville. The QA Manager provides site leadership to lead and manage the quality assurance function, ensuring that all dairy products meet regulatory standards, customer requirements, and company quality objectives. Responsible for implementing and maintaining quality systems, food safety programs, and continuous improvement initiatives. This is a Monday – Friday role, with the requirement to work 1 in 6 weekends. Due to the location, applicants must be able to drive and have their own transport to site.
What You'll Be Doing
* Develop, implement, and maintain quality management systems (QMS) in line with ISO, HACCP, FSSC 22000, or other relevant standards.
* Ensure compliance with local and international food safety regulations and statutory requirements (FDA, FSSAI, EU, etc.).
* Conduct regular audits (internal, supplier, and third-party) and implement corrective actions.
* Oversee the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Hygiene Practices (GHP), and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP).
* Ensure effective monitoring of Critical Control Points (CCPs) in production processes.
* Lead food safety team meetings and coordinate annual reviews of HACCP plans.
* Establish and monitor specifications for raw materials, in-process, and finished products.
* Lead sensory evaluations, shelf-life studies, and product release decisions.
* Investigate and resolve customer complaints and implement preventive measures.
* Lead, train, and develop QA/QC teams to maintain high standards of food safety and product quality.
* Conduct regular training sessions on quality standards, hygiene, and food safety practices for production and warehouse teams.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects, wastage, and customer complaints.
* Analyze quality data, prepare reports for management, and propose action plans to meet quality KPIs.
* Collaborate with R&D, Production, and Supply Chain to ensure smooth new product development (NPD) and process validation.
* Maintain all quality-related documentation as per regulatory and certification body requirements.
* Ensure timely preparation and submission of reports, certificates of analysis (COAs), and compliance records.
What You Can Bring To The Role
* A Masters degree or equivalent in food science, dairy or microbiology.
* Previous experience within a similar role, ideally within the dairy industry, however, experience within the food manufacturing industry would also be beneficial.
* Strong knowledge of dairy processing, microbiology, and food safety regulations.
* Expertise in HACCP, ISO 22000/FSSC 22000, and other food safety standards.
* Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to handle audits and inspections effectively.
* Experience with the department of agriculture.
* GMP requirements knowledge
What we can offer
* 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
* Hybrid working
* Health Care
* Matched pension scheme
* Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers.
Get in touch today!
In Kerry Dairy Ireland we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences. One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally.
Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on the skills and competencies of the specific roles and based entirely on merit. We are committed to and value Diversity and Inclusion in all recruitment processes within Kerry and do not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic.
Kerry is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We may collect information from applicants as part of the process. This information will be held separate from your application and treated in confidence. Be aware of scams and note Kerry will not solicit candidates through non-Kerry email addresses or video chat rooms for interviews. Kerry will not ask you to pay any money in the hiring process, except for reimbursable travel expenses.
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