Quality Systems Lead

Kerry; Runcorn; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy organization in the UK is seeking a dedicated Quality Systems Lead to enhance the quality function at its Runcorn facility. This pivotal role involves ensuring compliance with food safety standards, leading internal audits, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Ideal candidates will have a degree in food science, experience in quality roles within the food or pharmaceutical industries, and skills in overseeing Quality Management Systems. Join us to make an impact in a safe working environment with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

Benefits

Career and personal development opportunities

Industry benchmarked salary

Matched pension scheme to 10%

Life Assurance 6 x salary

Share purchase scheme

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Quality roles within food or pharmaceutical sector.
• Degree in Food Science, Technology or similar.
• Lead Auditor certified with knowledge in FSSC22000, BRCGS or similar standards.

Responsibilities

• Assess compliance with corporate and customer food safety policies.
• Guide implementation of Quality and Regulatory policies.
• Lead governance of non-conformity closures.

Skills

Quality roles in food & beverage or pharmaceutical industry

Fluency in English

Good analytical skills

Effective communication skills

Proficiency in MS Office

SAP experience

Ability to drive cross-functional projects

Education

Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field

Lead Auditor qualification

Tools

MS Office

SAP

Job description

We are looking for a dedicated Quality Systems Lead to join our team at the Runcorn Taste & Nutrition production facility. Reporting to the Quality Manager, this role is critical to enabling the quality function to operate effectively, support the QA team, and uphold the site's compliance and customer standards. The role involves a mix of office and factory floor work, with significant involvement in internal audits and cross‑functional collaboration (Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, etc.). You will also be responsible for leading the site audit programme and food safety Quality Management Systems (QMS) to ensure full compliance with the Kerry Global Standards, Food Safety and Security Programmes, Group Regulatory policies and Customer requirements.

This is a full‑time and permanent role.

Key responsibilities

• Assess compliance against defined corporate and customer policies, Food Safety / Quality, Health & Safety, Environmental Standards and product specifications through independent audit.
• Provide guidance and support to facilitate the implementation and on‑going maintenance of Quality / Regulatory policies, Pre‑Requisite Programmes (Pest Control, Internal Audit, Non‑Conformance) procedures and product specifications.
• Promote a high standard of awareness and understanding at site level of all appropriate policies, procedures and product specifications.
• Leading the governance of closure of non‑conformity to drive continuous improvement and promote a strong quality culture.
• Maintenance of the site’s Quality Management System (QMS).
• Supporting the change management process.
• Ensure readiness for external audits (e.g., FSSC22000, BRCGS, ISO, customer, regulatory, EHO inspections).
• Support development and improvement of standard operating procedures to enhance training and development programmes.

Qualifications and skills

• Proven experience in Quality roles within the food & beverage or pharmaceutical industry.
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
• Lead Auditor qualification and deep insight into FSSC22000, BRCGS or similar.
• Good analytical and communication skills, with fluency in English.
• Proficiency in MS Office (intermediate / advanced level Excel), SAP experience is a plus.
• Flexible, hands‑on, and able to drive cross‑functional projects in a changing environment.

Why apply?

• Opportunities for both career and personal development within a global organization, where your contributions can make a meaningful local impact.
• Industry benchmarked salary.
• Matched pension scheme to up to 10%.
• Life Assurance 6 x salary.
• Share purchase scheme.
• 25 days annual leave, plus relevant bank holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Our Safety purpose : “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.

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 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.

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.