Process / EHS Specialist

Tirlán; Kilkenny; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bike to Work Scheme

Free onsite parking

Career development opportunities

Work-life balance initiatives

Sustainability and innovation focus

Job summary

Tirlán is seeking a Process & Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist to join our Kilkenny site. You will lead process optimisation and EHS initiatives, developing SOPs, training materials and risk controls while promoting a culture of Zero Harm.

Reporting to the Site Manager, you will drive improvements across production and utilities, ensuring regulatory compliance and contributing to site KPIs in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Third-level qualification in Health & Safety or related field.
• 3+ years in manufacturing, process improvement, engineering or EHS role.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments and delivering high-quality standards.
• Analytical, technical and problem-solving capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end process optimisation across production, filling, packing, utilities and materials intake.
• Act as site Process SME; provide technical support and troubleshooting.
• Standardise SOPs, process docs, logbooks and training materials.
• Drive COVA programme and KPI delivery with Production Manager.
• Lead EHS agenda: Zero Harm, audits, risk assessments and training.
• Coordinate site audits, inspections and certification programmes.

Skills

Communication & Stakeholder mgmt

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Team leadership

Education

Third-level qualification in Health & Safety, Engineering, Food Science, Manufacturing or related

Job description

Tirlán is a world-class food and nutrition co‑operative with a diverse portfolio of quality ingredients, leading consumer brands and agri brands.

Our portfolio includes trusted names such as Avonmore, Kilmeaden Cheese, Millac, Solmiko, Truly Grass Fed, Premier Milk, Wexford and GAIN Animal Nutrition.

With annual revenues exceeding €3 billion and a team of over 2,300 colleagues across Ireland, the US, MEA and China, we operate a network of 11 processing facilities and 52 agri branches. Our purpose is to nourish the world while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Role Profile

Job description:

Process & EHS Specialist Permanent | Thomas Street, Kilkenny

We have an exciting opportunity for a Process & Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist to join our team in Thomas Street, Kilkenny.

Reporting to the Site Manager and forming part of the site leadership team, the successful candidate will play a key role in driving operational excellence through process optimisation, technical support and continuous improvement initiatives across the site.

The role will lead the development and standardisation of operating procedures, training materials and process documentation, while supporting the delivery of production and performance targets. In parallel, the Process & EHS Specialist will champion the site's Environmental, Health and Safety agenda, promoting a culture of Zero Harm, ensuring regulatory compliance and supporting continuous improvement in safety and environmental performance.

This is an on-site position and offers an excellent opportunity to combine technical expertise, operational improvement and EHS leadership within a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Lead end-to-end process optimisation initiatives across production, filling and packing operations, utilities and material intake.
• Act as the site Process Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing technical support and troubleshooting across manufacturing operations.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, yield and overall operational performance.
• Develop, maintain and standardise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process documentation, logbooks and training materials.
• Drive the identification and delivery of the Thomas Street Cost and Value Optimisation (COVA) programme.
• Support the Production Manager in delivering site KPIs and operational performance targets.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives across all operational areas.

Environmental, Health & Safety

• Act as the site's EHS lead, promoting a strong culture of Zero Harm and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement site EHS programmes aligned with Tirlán's EHS strategy and business objectives.
• Develop and manage the site's EHS risk assessment programme, ensuring risks are identified, prioritised and effectively mitigated.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety and environmental legislation, standards and company policies.
• Lead EHS awareness, engagement and behavioural safety programmes across the site.
• Develop, coordinate and manage site operational and EHS training programmes, ensuring statutory and business requirements are met.
• Lead the investigation of accidents, incidents and near misses, ensuring appropriate corrective and preventative actions are implemented.
• Coordinate internal and external audits, inspections and accreditation programmes.
• Maintain compliance with relevant management systems and certifications, including ISO 14001 and Tirlán's Risk Management framework.
• Act as a visible safety leader and role model for Tirlán's values and behaviours.

Requirements

• Third-level qualification in Health & Safety, Engineering, Food Science, Manufacturing or a related discipline.
• 3 + years' experience within a manufacturing, process improvement, engineering or EHS role, ideally within the food, dairy, pharmaceutical or other regulated manufacturing sectors.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, process optimisation and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience operating within highly regulated manufacturing environments and delivering against high-quality standards.
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities and implement measurable improvements.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, technical and problem-solving capability.
• Proven ability to engage and motivate teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Results-oriented, proactive and capable of operating effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Collaborative and inclusive working environment
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Work-life balance and employee wellbeing initiatives
• Opportunity to contribute to a purpose-led organisation focused on sustainability and innovation

About Us

Through our expertise in research and development, customer insights, food safety and state-of-the-art manufacturing, we bring innovative food and nutrition solutions to customers around the world.

Our headquarters in Kilkenny serves as a collaboration hub where multifunctional teams work together to deliver sustainable growth and innovation across our business.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At Tirlán, we believe diversity drives innovation and strengthens our business. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or ethnicity.

Tirlán is a Values-Based Organisation.