Quality Compliance and Process Improvement Specialist

Kerry Inc.; Ossett; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food safety firm in the UK seeks an experienced auditor to ensure compliance with retailer codes and uphold food safety standards. The role involves conducting audits, managing compliance documentation, and leading projects focused on hygiene optimization. Ideal candidates will have at least 3 years of experience in FMCG, relevant certifications, and strong auditing skills. This full-time position includes generous benefits and 25 days of annual leave.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Health Care

Matched pension scheme

Discounts and cashback on major retailers

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in FMCG with strong knowledge of UK retailer standards.
• Experience with technical projects such as CIP validation and hygiene improvement.
• Food Hygiene Qualification (Level 3 minimum).

Responsibilities

• Conduct internal audits in line with UK retailer codes of practice.
• Lead CIP validation and optimisation projects.
• Prepare and deliver weekly compliance reports to senior management.

Skills

Auditing and compliance

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Food Science or related discipline

Level 3 HACCP certification

Recognised Auditor Qualification

Job description

To ensure full compliance with UK retailer codes of practice, food safety standards, and internal quality systems, whilst driving technical process improvements across the site. This role combines auditing responsibilities with technical project leadership, focusing on hygiene optimisation, CIP validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Conduct internal audits in line with UK retailer codes of practice and BRCGS standards.
• Maintain accurate compliance documentation and ensure timely closure of non‑conformances (NCRs).
• Support external audits and customer visits, ensuring full readiness and compliance.
• Provide deputy support for the Compliance & Audit Lead when required.

Technical & Process Improvement

• Lead CIP (Clean‑in‑Place) validation and optimisation projects to enhance hygiene and operational efficiency.
• Review and improve testing protocols for microbiological and chemical verification.
• Support root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for NCRs and customer complaints.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across production and quality systems, with a focus on food safety and operational excellence.
• Initiate and lead improvement projects based on audit outcomes, KPI trends, and risk assessments.

Food Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to HACCP, TACCP, and VACCP principles.
• Participate in risk assessments and vulnerability studies.
• Provide technical guidance to production teams on food safety and hygiene standards.

Reporting & Communication

• Prepare and deliver weekly compliance and improvement reports to senior management.
• Monitor and analyse KPIs related to compliance, hygiene, and process efficiency, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate effectively with Supply Chain, Production, and Technical teams to support shared quality objectives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in FMCG with strong knowledge of UK retailer standards.
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
• Level 3 HACCP certification (Level 4 desirable). TACCP & VACCP training.
• Recognised Auditor Qualification (e.g., Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor). Strong understanding of BRCGS and retailer codes of practice.
• Proven experience in technical projects such as CIP validation and hygiene improvement. Food Hygiene Qualification (Level 3 minimum, Level 4 desirable).

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent auditing and compliance skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability.
• Project management experience in technical/quality improvement.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Company Information

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.

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.

We do not accept CVs or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies where Kerry Dairy Ireland 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 Kerry Dairy Ireland Hiring Managers. Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non‑Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews.

At Kerry Dairy Ireland, 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 want you to achieve whatever you put your mind to. We also offer a supportive environment.

Benefits

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