Packaging Technologist

Kinisla Group; Listowel; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Matched pension up to 10%

Benefits platform with discounts

Employee Assistance Policy

Job summary

Kinisla is seeking a dynamic Packaging Technologist (New Product Introduction Technologist) to standardize packaging across Listowel, Co. Kerry and lead packaging introductions for new products.

You will collaborate with internal teams, suppliers, and customers to drive packaging excellence, conduct factory trials, and ensure compliance with product design and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in packaging design / food science or equivalent.
• Experience in artwork approval, packaging development would be advantageous.
• Previous experience in the food industry.
• Project management and organisational skills: demonstrate flexibility & adaptability.
• Driven to overcome challenges and develop timely solutions.
• Numerical ability to record & analyse key process data.
• Highly organized multi-tasker, able to interpret data from multiple sources.
• Attention to detail with structured approach.
• Display tenacity, go that extra mile to achieve results and deliver excellent service.
• Able to play a key role as a high performing team.
• Dairy, spreads, chilled foods experience would be advantageous.
• Driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities / support or lead ongoing projects to improve sustainability of packaging.
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams, packaging suppliers, customers, and brand marketing to drive excellence in packaging introduction.
• Conduct trials in the factory, establishing process control parameters and validating packaging standards to ensure consistency with Product Design.
• Own activities related with the introduction of new packaging into the factory using various systems (internal and customer).
• Collaborate with outside agencies and suppliers to coordinate and ensure the completion of relevant activities required as part of the artwork approval process.
• Support the delivery of Process & Profit Improvement Projects at the site level, ensuring changes are introduced in accordance with defined site capabilities, preserving product quality attributes, and meeting Food Safety and Legal requirements.
• Foster strong relationships with Marketing, Operations, and Commercial teams, ensuring customer care and adherence to our Purpose, Dairy Strategy, Vision, and Values.
• Stay updated on packaging regulations, customer requirements, and processes.
• Present packaging samples and concepts to internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Artwork approval

Food industry experience

Project management

Organisational skills

Numerical analysis

Attention to detail

Team player

Driving licence

Dairy knowledge

Education

BSc or MSc in packaging design or food science

Job description

About the Role:

We are looking for a dynamic Packaging Technologist (New Product Introduction Technologist) to join our R&D Team. In this role, you will ensure a standardized approach to Packaging in Listowel, Co. Kerry. We are a leading name in the food industry, and our portfolio includes beloved brands such as Strings and Things, Pure, Dairygold, and Charleville. Our team is composed of brilliant individuals with big ambitions. Our products, many of which are household favourites, are enjoyed by millions of people every day.

What will I be doing?

• Identify opportunities / support or lead ongoing projects to improve sustainability of packaging
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams, packaging suppliers, customers, and brand marketing to drive excellence in packaging introduction
• Conduct trials in the factory, establishing process control parameters and validating packaging standards to ensure consistency with Product Design
• Own activities related with the introduction of new packaging into the factory using various systems (internal and customer)
• Collaborate with outside agencies and suppliers to coordinate and ensure the completion of relevant activities required as part of the artwork approval process
• Support the delivery of Process & Profit Improvement Projects at the site level, ensuring changes are introduced in accordance with defined site capabilities, preserving product quality attributes, and meeting Food Safety and Legal requirements
• Foster strong relationships with Marketing, Operations, and Commercial teams, ensuring customer care and adherence to our Purpose, Dairy Strategy, Vision, and Values
• Stay updated on packaging regulations, customer requirements, and processes
• Present packaging samples and concepts to internal and external stakeholders

What do I need to be successful?

At Kinisla, we understand that people have very different career trajectories and experiences. In order to be successful in this role we would be looking for the right competencies and aptitudes as well as your proven track record of success in a similar role and environment.

These include:

• BSc or MSc in packaging design / food science or equivalent
• Experience in artwork approval, packaging development would be advantageous
• Previous experience in the food industry
• Project management and organisational skills: demonstrate flexibility & adaptability
• Driven to overcome challenges and develop timely solutions
• Numerical ability to record & analyse key process data
• Highly organized multi-tasker, able to interpret data from multiple sources
• Attention to detail with structured approach
• Display tenacity, go that extra mile to achieve results and deliver excellent service
• Able to play a key role as a high performing team
• Dairy, spreads, chilled foods experience would be advantageous
• Driving licence

What will I get in return?

At Kinisla, 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 and lead the evolution of dairy food and nutrition. We are a community of innovators, working across disciplines to solve global food challenges with a fresh approach. We want you to achieve whatever you put your mind to.

We also offer:

• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
• Matched pension scheme up to 10% Employer Contribution
• Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers
• Employee Assistance Policy

About Kinisla

Kinisla 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, Kinisla 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 28 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, Kinisla employs over 1,700 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.

Get in touch today!

At Kinisla, we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences. One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. 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 Kinisla 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.

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