Quality Control Technician

Kerry Group plc; Portadown; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global food manufacturer is seeking a Quality Control Technician to support production processes and ensure compliance with food safety standards. This fixed-term position in Portadown, Northern Ireland, runs until the end of August 2026 and involves conducting inspections, supporting audits, and collaborating across departments for quality improvement. Ideal candidates will have experience in food manufacturing and a solid understanding of food safety standards.

Benefits

25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)

Access to employee development platform and Udemy resources

Benefits platform with discounts and cashback

Qualifications

• Experience in a food manufacturing or quality control environment.
• Solid understanding of food safety standards and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with laboratory testing methods and equipment.
• Competence in using Microsoft Office and quality management systems (e.g., SAP, QMS).

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine inspections and monitor production processes.
• Support the technical team by conducting audits and data reporting.
• Contribute to ongoing quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

Experience in a food manufacturing or quality control environment

Solid understanding of food safety standards and regulatory compliance

Familiarity with laboratory testing methods and equipment

Competence in using Microsoft Office and quality management systems (e.g., SAP, QMS)

Job description

About the role

This is a fixed-term, onsite position based in Portadown, Northern Ireland, running until the end of August 2026, with the potential for extension.

The site specialises in the production of cheese blocks, sliced cheese, and grated cheese bags.

Quality Control Technician — responsibilities

• As a Quality Control Technician, you will support the technical team by conducting routine inspections, monitoring production processes, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
• You’ll assist with audits, equipment calibrations, data reporting, and documentation management.
• The role involves cross-functional collaboration to uphold site standards and contribute to quality improvement initiatives.
• Play a key role in maintaining product integrity and food safety standards.
• Conduct routine inspections and monitor production processes.
• Support the technical team with problem-solving on the factory floor.
• Assist with equipment calibrations and preparation for external audits.
• Carry out internal audits including glass & perspex, pest control, and temperature checks.
• Trend and report data, including results from the daily Taste Panel.
• Manage samples, traceability documentation, and ensure technical records are audit-ready.
• Collaborate with all departments to uphold site standards.
• Contribute to ongoing quality improvement initiatives across the site.
• Perform other day-to-day tasks as requested to support quality and technical operations.

Qualifications and skills

• Experience in a food manufacturing or quality control environment.
• Solid understanding of food safety standards and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with laboratory testing methods and equipment.
• Competence in using Microsoft Office and quality management systems (e.g., SAP, QMS).

What we offer

• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays).
• Access to our employee development platform and Udemy learning resources.
• Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback at major retailers.
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment with opportunities for career growth.

Kerry is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Consistent with our policy of providing equality of opportunity for all, we are required to seek particular information from applicants. As part of your application you will be asked to answer a short number of questions. This information will be held separate to your application and treated in the strictest of confidence.

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. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.