Quality Specialist

Kerry Group plc; Coleraine; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Quality Specialist to enhance food safety and quality compliance at their Coleraine site. This exciting role involves collaborating with various teams to ensure high hygiene standards and regulatory adherence. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in food science or a related field, with a focus on problem-solving and attention to detail. Join a forward-thinking company committed to sustainability and innovation in the dairy industry, and take your career to the next level in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Science, Food Science, Biochemistry or equivalent.
• HACCP Training and Food manufacturing experience required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct food safety risk assessments and manage hygiene standards.
• Set testing methods and confirm results for customer compliance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Numerical ability

Education

Qualification in Science

Food Science

Biochemistry

Tools

MS Office

Job description

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Requisition ID:58612
Position Type:FT Permanent
Workplace Arrangement:

We have a great opportunity for a Quality Specialist to join us, at our site in Coleraine.

This is an exciting role, working within the quality team and alongside the wider supply chain, production and lab teams on site to ensure food safety, quality and regulatory compliance.

It would suit someone with previous quality experience, looking for an opportunity to develop their career further.

Hours of Work -Typically, Monday – Friday.There is a requirement for flexibility to cover weekend hours as required and project specific requirements.

About Kerry Dairy Ireland

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.

What you'll be doing

You will be responsible for the process verification and control of non-conformity overarching processes. This includes but is not limited to:

• Conductingfood safety risk assessments
• Delivery of high standards of plant hygiene which will include, training, hygiene verification & validation
• Manage food safety aspects of projects such as equipment modification/relocation and optimizing operational efficiencies.
• Set the standards for testing methods
• Confirm results on internal systems to ensure customer compliance
• Process and equipment verification.

The role also involves the following overarching QSHE processes:

• FSQ Processes, HACCP, Standards, Templates
• Regional FSQ KPI Setting & Execution
• Employee Engagement Process
• Equipment inspections
• Risk Management/Compliance Assurance
• Quality Internal audits
• Monthly Hygiene Audits
• Training to include – sampling techniques/best practice, swabbing techniques & ATP
• Technical support to include – Positive release and support and cover for colleagues within the department

What you can bring to the role

• A relevant qualification in Science, Food Science, Biochemistry or equivalent
• HACCP Training
• Food manufacturing experience
• Attention to detail coupled with strong problem solving ability
• Team focus -strong Interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in the use of MS Office tools
• A demonstrated numerical ability to record, interpret and analyse key process data
• Ability to adapt to a fast paced environment with changing requirements
• Internal auditing experience would be beneficial
• Experience of working with retailers would be beneficial

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.

Please note: We do not accept CVs or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies where Kerry 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 Hiring Managers .