Assistant Technical Manager- Source

Hollybank Trustees Ltd; Saint Margaret’s; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount

Subsidized canteen

Free on-site parking with EV chargers

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

Keelings, a 100% Irish-owned family business, is seeking a category manager to oversee product quality, safety and legality from supplier to customer. This role focuses on building robust supplier relationships, ensuring compliance, and driving sustainability across the supply base.

You will collaborate with internal teams to maintain technical data and systems (SEDEX, ETI, retailer platforms) and contribute to continuous improvement in quality management, ethics, and environmental impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Experience in supplier quality and compliance is desirable.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop strong relationships with suppliers and growers.
• Conduct supplier risk assessments, audits, and KPI management.
• Ensure robust systems for product quality, safety and legality.
• Maintain due diligence with suppliers to meet customer/legal needs.
• Report non-conformances and drive supplier improvements.
• Drive sustainability across the supply base.
• Collaborate with internal teams on quality/compliance.
• Maintain technical data and systems (SEDEX, ETI, retailer platforms).

Skills

Relationship management

Auditing

Communication

Planning & Organising

Confidentiality

Initiative

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SEDEX

ETI

Supplier portals

Job description

Location: On site / Sandyhill, St Margaret's, Co. Dublin, Ireland
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: FMCG | Technical
Salary: Negotiable salary

About Keelings

Keelings is a 100% Irish-owned family business passionate about fresh produce. Operating across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, we grow, source, and supply top-quality fruit and vegetables. Our success is built on innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships — powered by our dedicated people.

Purpose of the Role

Join Keelings! You will be part of a passionate team of people and a growing business. Come on the journey with us where you will grow and develop and truly feel a sense of belonging. At Keelings, we don't just grow quality fresh produce, we also nurture people and their professional development. The Keelings family always employ the best people for the job, the key to our success is the quality of the people we employ.

To category manage all aspects of product quality, safety and legality from the supplier base to the customer.

To liaise and consult with other departments in on all aspects of food quality, legality and safety within the

category through training and generation of information and to maintain all technical management systems,

To ensure the business is compliant on ethical and environmental issues.

Our Strategic Priorities

Better Food - We make our products better and inspire more people to enjoy produce.

People - We support our people to learn, be at their best, contribute and deliver on their commitments, using One Keelings' standards.

Better Ways - Every year we improve our competitiveness, efficiency and delivery through insight, technology and One Keelings.

Better World - We improve our environmental and social impact to make a positive difference in our world.

Partnerships - Working with Keelings creates value and long-term relationships with our customers & suppliers.

Growth - We invest in and deliver insight led, focused, profitable growth into the future.

Keelings Values

• People Matter - We support and treat each other in a clear, fair and respectful way. We all learn, develop and encourage everyone to contribute
• Teamwork - We inspire and help each other to deliver our ambitions together as One Keelings
• Integrity - We do the right thing and deliver on our commitments
• Passion for Achievement - We motivate ourselves and each other to achieve our ambitions with energy, knowledge and courage. We are always striving to be better.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Support development of strong relationships with suppliers and growers.
• Conduct supplier risk assessments, audits, and manage supplier KPIs.
• Ensure robust systems for product quality, safety, and legality.
• Maintain supplier/grower due diligence to meet customer and legal requirements.
• Report non-conformance issues and coordinate supplier improvement plans.
• Drive sustainability within the supply base

Internal Collaboration & Systems

• Liaise with internal departments to ensure best practices in quality and compliance.
• Contribute to training and information-sharing initiatives.
• Maintain technical data and systems (SEDEX, ETI, retailer platforms).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Customer QSL
• Reduction in Net Waste

Key Skills & Knowledge

• Positive attitude and eagerness to learn
• Strong team player and effective communicator
• Proactive, flexible, and adaptable
• Excellent planning and organisational abilities
• High standards of confidentiality and discretion
• Self-starter with good initiative

Education & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree is highly desirable

Staff discount at Keelings Farm Shop and subsidized canteen

Free On-site parking with access to electric chargers

Wellness Initiatives such as wellness week

Inclusion & Diversity Statement

In Keelings we value all perspectives and knowledge that our colleagues bring to our business. We are committed to forming a diverse and inclusive team where all can share their unique experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all cultures and backgrounds and are dedicated to forming an environment of inclusiveness and diversity where all can thoroughly feel a sense of belonging.