Quality assurance technician

Pernod Ricard’s Gold Brand Unit is the Group’s Aged Spirits & Champagne division, bringing together the prestigious portfolios of Irish Distillers, Chivas Brothers, Martell Mumm Perrier‑Jouët and North American Distillers. With a global team operating across over 40 sites, and brands spanning Irish, Scotch and American Whisk(e)y, Cognac, Champagne and wine, the division unites exceptional craftsmanship and deep expertise across iconic terroirs in Ireland, Scotland, France and North America. Its portfolio, rooted in heritage and provenance, embodies Pernod Ricard’s commitment to excellence from Premium to Ultra‑Prestige, delivering some of the world’s most celebrated and enduring spirits and champagnes.
About Us
Irish Distillers, a Pernod Ricard company, is a producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys and Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits. Irish Distillers is part of Pernod Ricard’s Aged Spirits and Champagne business, a division which brings together an exceptional and prestigious portfolio of whisk(e)y, cognac and champagne brands. Led by Jameson, our Irish whiskeys are driving the success of the category globally. Jameson, crafted for smoothness at the Midleton Distillery, is the world’s bestselling Irish whiskey, a top 3 international whiskey brand and a top 10 international spirits brand*. Our Midleton Distillery whiskeys are exported to 130+ markets around the world. We employ over 800 people across our operations in Cork, Dublin and Northern Ireland
The Role
We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Quality Assurance Technician to join our high-performing Quality Team at Midleton Distillery. This role plays a key part in ensuring the quality and consistency of raw materials, intermediates, final products, byproducts, and utilities, through laboratory analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
This is a hands‑on, lab-based role ideal for someone with a strong eye for detail, who thrives in a fast-paced production environment, takes ownership of their work, and is driven by high standards in documentation and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities

Conduct laboratory analysis in line with established procedures across a range of production materials, including cereals, intermediates, by-products, spirits, water, utilities, and wastewater streams
Champion food safety culture, including developing and delivering food safety moments, promoting awareness and education through regular conversations, toolbox talks, and practical examples that help employees understand food safety risks
Support site quality and food safety systems (ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000), including:
Maintaining documentation and records
Verifying PRPs and operational controls
Supporting internal and external audits and closure of corrective actions
Support supplier audits, including raw material suppliers - ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and specification requirements
Support the maintenance of site quality and food safety systems and certifications (ISO 9001, FSSC 22000 and FEMAS), including:
Review and updating of quality and food safety documentation and records
Verification of food safety pre‑requisite programmes (PRPs) and operational controls
Supporting internal audits, audit preparation, and follow‑up of corrective actions and continuous improvement activities
Lead or support laboratory and plant investigations, using data and trial outputs to drive root cause analysis and continuous improvement
Ensure all Health & Safety procedures are adhered to within the laboratory environment, prioritising safety at all times
Accurately record, review, and trend test results, escalating and investigating non‑conformances where required
Own and oversee laboratory documentation control, ensuring all procedures, SOPs, and records are accurate, up to date, and audit‑ready
Write, review, and continuously improve laboratory documentation and SOPs
Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for quality documentation and document control systems
Maintain strong alignment with Quality Management System (QMS) requirements, including change control and compliance standards
Use of quality and laboratory systems, including:
Entropy system – develop into site SME and primary support contact
LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)
Perform calibration, troubleshooting, and validation/verification of laboratory instruments
Oversee the laboratory calibration programme, ensuring:
All equipment is calibrated in accordance with defined schedules
Records are complete, accurate, and audit‑ready
Maintain full oversight of laboratory equipment and asset control
Liaise with external providers for servicing and calibration activities
Prepare clear test reports, KPI reporting, and trend analysis
Present data insights to support production and site performance
Collaborate cross‑functionally with Production, H&S, Environmental, Maintenance, and Training teams
Participate in ongoing continuous improvement initiatives
Third‑level qualification in Science, Food Science, or a related discipline
Previous laboratory experience within an ISO, BRC, or GMP‑regulated environment
Strong knowledge or practical experience of Quality Management Systems (QMS)
Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000 / BRC, and ISO 14001 (or equivalent standards)
Experience with LIMS systems and laboratory data management
Experience with document control systems (e.g., Entropy) or ability to develop SME‑level expertise
Demonstrated experience in documentation control and audit readiness
Experience in equipment calibration, asset control, and compliance tracking
Strong scientific and analytical capability
Experience in data trending, reporting, and interpretation
Strong organisational and time management skills in a fast‑paced environment
Proficiency in IT systems relevant to laboratory and quality operations
A subject matter expert in quality documentation and systems, with strong ownership and accountability
Highly detail‑oriented, with a strong focus on compliance and audit readiness
Proactive and self‑motivated, with the ability to work independently and take initiative
Passionate about food safety culture and continuous improvement
Strong problem‑solving mindset, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
Organised and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously
Technically curious, with a desire to develop expertise in systems such as LIMS and Entropy
Disciplined and thorough in documenting procedures, results, and investigations
A strong team player with excellent communication and collaboration skills
Flexible and adaptable to support operational and shift‑based requirements

Working Pattern
This role operates on a rotating shift schedule, including evenings and weekends.
Typical shift patterns include:

07:00 – 15:30
08:00 – 16:30
11:00 – 19:30

What we offer
We understand our people are our special ingredient and at different points, employees require different supports at different stages of their working lives. Our benefits, perks and programmes look to support your employee journey. We want to make you feel recognised and valued for your contribution to our shared success. Some of offerings include;

Profit share; - An annual profit share scheme to reward your contribution to the company’s success.
Allowance; an annual allowance to spend on our portfolio of products and merchandise, for you to enjoy responsibly.
People Development: We enable continuous development for our people at every stage of their careers through our people development, online learning, and leadership training programmes.
Family leave: fully paid maternity, parent and paternity leave, allowing you spend precious time with your new family member
Parental Support: Our ‘Reconnect’ programme includes access to a workplace parenting coach, a phased return to work and a supportive environment for new parents
Health & Wellbeing; Our Wellbeing Programme “THRIVE” supports employees across the three main pillars: Life, Body and Mind
Charity Days: up to 2 days paid leave every year to volunteer at a charity of their choice

At Irish Distillers, we know that great spirits are crafted by blending unique ingredients, and we believe the same is true for people. We actively welcome individuals from all walks of life, and warmly welcome those with diverse religious backgrounds, ethnicities , members of the Irish Travelling community, genders, abilities, and identities. It’s the mix of our experiences, voices, and cultures that gives us our true character.
Learn more about working with Irish Distillers, a Pernod Ricard Company – www.irishdistillers.ie/careers
#J-18808-Ljbffr