Quality Assurance Lead

Kinisla Group; Coleraine; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave (excluding bank)

Health Care

Matched pension scheme

Benefits platform discounts & cashback

Job summary

Kinisla Group is seeking a Food Quality & Compliance Leader to drive on-the-floor quality standards across our operations. You will lead the Compliance Auditor and Laboratory teams, conduct audits, root-cause analyses and corrective actions, and ensure GMP and customer standards are met.

Travel to cuttings and customer meetings, plus weekend coverage for complaints, will be part of the role. A degree in a Food subject, auditing qualification, and HACCP level 3 are required, with strong

Qualifications

• Experience within a Quality management role within the Food Industry
• Education - Degree level or equivalent in a Food related subject
• Auditing qualification (internal or otherwise), proven experience of successful auditing
• HACCP Level 3
• Knowledge of Customer portals and Systems, for example SAP and Intelex
• Knowledge of CIP systems is desirable

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with company, customer, quality, safety, environmental and product standards
• Manage and develop the Compliance Auditor
• Manage and develop the Laboratory team
• Conduct audits and support root-cause analysis and corrective actions
• Complete customer standards gap analyses
• Drive continuous improvement using 8-Step Problem Solving and 1KPS tools
• Maintain quality assurance through GMP and product standards
• Support quality standards through training and coaching
• Manage customer and third‑party audits and close out findings
• Support investigations and timely closure of non‑conformances in Intelex
• Liaise with customers and suppliers
• Travel to cuttings and customer meetings as required
• Provide weekend cover for customer complaints when required
• Oversee factory hygiene standards

Skills

Quality management

Auditing

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Degree in a Food related subject

Auditing qualification

HACCP Level 3

Tools

SAP

Intelex

CIP systems

Job description

About The Role

Lead out Food Safety and Quality standards on the floor to ensure teams are engaged and high performing with a focus on problem solving and teamwork. Build trust through effective leadership and the skilled application of people management processes and open 2-way communications.

What will I be doing?

• Ensure compliance with company, customer, quality, safety, environmental and product standards
• Manage and develop the Compliance Auditor
• Manage and develop the Laboratory team
• Conduct audits and support root-cause analysis and corrective actions
• Complete customer standards gap analyses
• Drive continuous improvement using 8-Step Problem Solving and 1KPS tools
• Maintain quality assurance through GMP and product standards
• Support quality standards through training and coaching
• Manage customer and third‑party audits and close out findings
• Support investigations and timely closure of non‑conformances in Intelex
• Liaise with customers and suppliers
• Travel to cuttings and customer meetings as required
• Provide weekend cover for customer complaints when required
• Oversee factory hygiene standards

What do I need to be successful?

At Kinisla, we understand that people have very different career trajectories and experiences. In order to be successful in this role we would be looking for the right competencies and aptitudes as well as your proven track record of success in a similar role and environment.

These include:

• Experience within a Quality management role within the Food Industry
• Education - Degree level or equivalent in a Food related subject
• Auditing qualification (internal or otherwise), proven experience of successful auditing
• HACCP Level 3
• Knowledge of Customer portals and Systems, for example SAP and Intelex
• Knowledge of CIP systems is desirable

What will I get in return?

At Kinisla, we believe in giving talented, curious people the opportunity to make a difference. We work as a team, searching for the best ways to inspire food and nourish life. We are a community of innovators, working across disciplines to solve global food challenges with a fresh approach. We want you to achieve whatever you put your mind to.

We also offer:

• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
• Health Care
• Matched pension scheme
• Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers

About Kinisla

Kinisla 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, Kinisla 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, Kinisla employs over 1,700 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.

At Kinisla, 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 Kinisla 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.

Please note:

We do not accept CVs or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies where Kinisla terms of business have not been signed. Additionally, we will not consider or agree to payment of any recruiter fee under these circumstances. This also applies to CVs or candidate profiles sent directly to any Kinisla Hiring Managers.