ASSISTANT QUALITY MANAGER
About Us
Killowen Farm is a family business based in Co. Wexford. Renowned for its creamy taste, Killowen Farm yogurt combines the freshest milk from the Dunne family's own dairy herd with the highest quality fruit, sourced from local growers.
Known primarily for its premium layered and stirred fruit yogurts, Killowen Farm has also recently added a range of award-winning Cream Cheese products to its range.
At Killowen Farm, our people are family. We foster a supportive and collaborative working environment where employees are respected, trained, and encouraged to develop their skills. Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of experience, you'll find opportunities to grow with us.
Role Purpose
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Assistant/Deputy Quality Manager to join our team at our yogurt manufacturing facility. This individual will play a critical role in supporting the Quality Manager in overseeing all aspects of quality assurance, food safety, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will have strong auditing experience, a solid background in food manufacturing, and the leadership potential to serve as the Quality Manager's successor in the future.
Key Responsibilities:
* Assist in the management and continuous improvement of Food Safety & Quality Management System in compliance with relevant standards (e.g., BRCGS, various customer standards (Tesco, Lidl, Musgrave, Aldi, M&S))
* Lead and manage internal audit programs to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and company standards.
* Coordinate third-party audits, including preparation, hosting, and follow-up on corrective actions.
* Support and mentor the QA team, providing guidance and training on quality procedures, policies, and food safety.
* Collaborate with Production, R&D, and Maintenance teams to resolve quality issues, conduct root cause analyses, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
* Maintain product specifications and ensure raw material and finished product testing meets regulatory and company standards.
* Review and analyse quality data, trends, and KPIs to drive continuous improvement.
* Act as a deputy in the absence of the Quality Manager.
* Contribute to strategic planning and departmental goal setting as a key member of the quality leadership team.
* Prepare for future succession into the Quality Manager role through ongoing leadership development and cross-functional collaboration.
Requirements:
* Bachelor's degree in food science, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, or a related field.
* Minimum 3-5 years of experience in food manufacturing quality assurance, with a strong emphasis on audit management.
* In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations and standards (e.g., BRCGS, HACCP, GMP).
* Certified Internal Auditor (preferred) or significant auditing experience.
* Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
* Proven leadership ability and a desire to grow into a senior management role.
* Experience in dairy or cultured products (preferred but not required).
What We Offer:
* Competitive salary and benefits package.
* Opportunities for professional growth and development.
* A supportive team environment within a growing and dynamic business.
* The chance to play a key role in maintaining and enhancing product quality in a growing company
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
* On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Enniscorthy, CO. Wexford: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work Location: In person