Laboratory Team Leader

Kerry; Coleraine; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discount platform

Matched pension up to 10%

Employee Assistance Program

OurShare share plan

Job summary

Kerry Coleraine is seeking a Quality Laboratory Team Leader to guide and develop a dynamic lab team in a busy manufacturing environment. You will drive quality standards, support lab investigations and collaborate with RD&A and Process Development to ensure robust testing and data integrity.

Join a global leader in taste and nutrition, committed to safety, continuous improvement and employee development, offering a rotating 12‑hour shift pattern and the chance to shape products enjoyed worldwide.

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing, quality, or laboratory environments.
• Experience with SAP and Intelex or similar systems.
• People management or team leadership experience.
• A Level in science or equivalent.
• Technical knowledge in quality, laboratory or manufacturing processes.
• Strong communication and knowledge sharing.
• Driven, proactive approach to delivering high standards.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Investigate non-conformances, complaints, hold orders and quality issues.
• Analyse laboratory samples using chemical and physical-chemical techniques; escalate out-of-spec results.
• Support SAP activities including stock blocking/unblocking and release.
• Carry out and support plant taste panels and training.
• Perform more specialised analyses under supervision as requested.
• Maintain high standards of safety, hygiene, discipline and performance in the lab.
• Ensure all product and ingredient components are tested via laboratory portals.
• Collaborate with RD&A and Process Development Technologists to retain trial samples and communicate outcomes.
• Recognise atypical analytical results and escalate appropriately.
• Maintain a clean and tidy work area.

Skills

Food manufacturing experience

SAP/Intelex knowledge

Leadership experience

Science education

Quality systems knowledge

Communication skills

Proactive problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

A Level in science

Tools

SAP

Intelex

Job description

About The Role

Join Our Kerry Family as a Quality Laboratory Team Leader

We're looking for a passionate and enthusiastic

Coleraine, Co. Londonderry.

Requisition ID 66252

Position Type FT Permanent

Workplace Arrangement

This is a full-time, permanent opportunity working a rotating pattern of 12-hour day and night shifts, giving you the chance to play a key role in a dynamic and supportive manufacturing environment. At Kerry Coleraine, we're proud to produce a wide range of delicious flavoured syrups and sauces enjoyed by consumers across the globe. Our people are at the heart of everything we do and you'll be joining a team that values quality, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

As our Quality Laboratory Team Leader, you'll have the opportunity to inspire and support your team, help maintain the highest quality standards and make a real difference to the products we create every day.

If you're looking for a role where you can grow your career, lead a great team and be part of something special, we'd love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

• Investigating non-conformances, complaints, hold orders and related quality issues with other operational functions.
• Analysing laboratory samples, including internal checks and standards, using appropriate chemical and physical-chemical techniques and escalating out-of-specification results.
• Supporting SAP activities, including blocking and unblocking stock and releasing products through the positive release procedure.
• Carrying out and supporting plant taste panels, completing relevant training.
• Carrying out more specialised analyses under supervision or as requested.
• Working to the highest standards of safety, hygiene, discipline and performance in line with laboratory procedures.
• Ensuring all required product and ingredient components are collected and submitted for testing through the relevant laboratory portals.
• Working with RD&A and Process Development Technologists on site to retain trial samples and communicate outcomes efficiently.
• Recognising atypical analytical results, including those identified by other Quality Laboratory Team Leaders, initiating check analysis when required and escalating unexpected results to the Quality Group Lead and Operations Group Lead.
• Maintaining a clean and tidy work area.

What do you need to be successful?

• Experience working in a food manufacturing, quality or laboratory environment.
• Experience using computerised systems such as SAP and Intelex, or similar systems, would be advantageous.
• Having people management or team leadership experience would be an advantage.
• A Level in science, or an equivalent.
• Technical or functional knowledge relevant to quality, laboratory or manufacturing processes.
• Able to communicate clearly and share knowledge effectively with colleagues and wider teams.
• Showing drive, determination and a proactive approach to delivering high standards.
• Demonstrating strong attention to detail and a practical approach to problem-solving.

Why Join Us?

• Career development opportunities.
• Friendly team focused on continuous improvements and safety.
• Employee benefit platform with discounts and offers for retailers online and offline, travelling, utilities and more.
• Matched pension scheme up to 10%.
• Employee Assistance Program, supporting your emotional, physical, nutritional and financial wellbeing.
• Inspiring People - Kerry's Global Recognition Program.
• OurVoice, opportunity to share your feedback on the work environment every year.
• OurShare, Kerry share plan available to all employees, with option to enroll once a year.
• MyCommunity, have one day per year to volunteer for a worthwhile cause.

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

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.