About Kerry
Kerry Dairy Ireland is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial consumer foods presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high-quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation. From partnering with local family farms to producing world-class dairy products, we ensure every step of our value chain reflects our commitment to excellence.
With over 50 years' experience in milk processing, dairy and nutritional technology advancement, and product innovation, we are a key stakeholder in the global food industry and creators of a strong portfolio of market leading dairy brands including Cheestrings, Charleville and Coleraine Cheese, Dairygold, Golden Cow and our new SMUG range. Our from food, for food culture and deep-rooted connection to our 2,800 milk suppliers differentiates our business and offers captivating opportunities for our customers and consumers.
Our dairy comes from some of the world's richest grazing land and is produced by a network of Irish family farms that have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Through a combination of expertise, innovation, and sustainability, Kerry Dairy Ireland is proud to shape the future of dairy while meeting the diverse needs of our farmers, customers, and communities.
Headquartered in Tralee, Co. Kerry, we operate multiple manufacturing facilities in the southwest of Ireland, including Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket, and Farranfore. Additionally, we manage 29 Farm & Home stores throughout the region, ensuring comprehensive coverage and service. In Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, our presence extends to key locations in Portadown, Coleraine, and Ossett.
Globally, Kerry Dairy Ireland employs over 1,600 dedicated professionals across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and China. In 2024, we achieved a turnover of approximately €1.3 billion, reflecting our commitment to excellence and growth.
Our Safety purpose At Kerry, we work together in a caring culture where everybody goes home safe every day. We are committed to providing a safe working environment and ensuring that all safety protocols are strictly followed. Join us in creating a workplace where safety is everyone's responsibility.
About the role
We are currently recruiting for a QA Group Lead to join the team at our site in Charleville dairy processing plant in Co. Cork.
You will ideally have experience of direct reports, as you will be managing a small team of 2 x Sampling Technician's, whilst reporting into and working with the Quality Manager to ensure conformance to specifications, Laboratory equipment calibration and assist with the preparation and completion of audits.
Key responsibilities
* Assist the Quality Manager with maintenance of sites various accreditations requirements and implementation of quality systems, special projects, reports and training needs.
* Assure product conformance to specifications and regulatory requirements by conducting systematic reviews of quality and production records.
* Batch Release, Micro results review Document Control, Internal SOP's, Specifications, training, Internal and External audit support, Supplier interactions, CAPA and NCR management, production and process controls, Change Control, Validations, procedural review and creation.
* Achieve quality standards and adherence to GMP through management of the Quality Compliance Auditing team and process to deliver agreed product specifications as defined in quality standards and policies.
* Ensure that the internal Quality audits are carried out to verify compliance against defined standards and codes of practice.
* Accountable for managing the resolution and close out of issues, incidents which have been identified as part of the audit process.
* Managing Laboratory for the site which operates 7 days per week
* Managing, mentoring, and training staff in our quality system procedures and the general regulatory compliance requirements
* Maintain laboratory SOP and product specification reference documents to ensure QA staff is following current versions.
* Responsible for laboratory equipment calibration program, assuring accuracy and validity of records for laboratory and plant scales.
Qualifications and skills
* Experiences in a regulated Food or Pharmaceutical environment will be advantageous.
* Working knowledge of GMP, Hygiene controls and Environmental Monitoring. Validation and HACCP principals.
* Attention to detail
* Problem solving / questioning nature
* Technical aptitude
* Strong interpersonal skills
* Ability to work on own initiative
* Dedicated to driving improvement and raising standards
* Team player.
* Previous SAP experience an advantage
Why join Kerry
You'll work in a collaborative and inclusive environment with opportunities for career growth and prersonal development. The package on offer includes
* 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
* Matched pension scheme up to 10%
* Life Assurance
* Healthcare Allowance
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback at major retailers
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. One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. 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.