Process Technical Manager

Tirlán; Ballyragget; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Tirlán, a leading dairy and food co-operative, is hiring a Process Technical Engineer for Ballyragget on a fixed-term basis. You will drive plant performance by developing and improving manufacturing processes and automated systems, supporting KPI delivery, and leading operational excellence projects across the facility.

The role requires 3–5 years in food manufacturing, a relevant degree, and strong data analytics with MES KPI expertise.

Qualifications

• Third-level qualification in Food Science, Engineering, Process Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3–5 years' experience in a food manufacturing, dairy processing, pharmaceutical, or similar process-driven environment.
• Experience monitoring MES KPI data, reporting, analysis and performance trending.
• Strong ability to interpret data to identify opportunities and improvements.
• Proven troubleshooting skills with root-cause identification and corrective actions.
• Strong information management and analytical capabilities.
• Highly motivated, self-driven with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or process improvement environments.
• Six Sigma qualification or certification would be a distinct advantage.

Responsibilities

• Promote and implement best-practice Health & Safety policies across the site.
• Provide technical support in troubleshooting day-to-day process issues with Process Technical and Production teams.
• Collaborate with Quality and Production teams on development, design and testing of new processes.
• Analyze production data to identify inefficiencies and implement yield-improving improvements.
• Apply DMAIC methodologies to characterisation and optimisation of process equipment.
• Plan, implement and evaluate agreed process changes with Production teams.
• Develop MES dashboards and reporting tools to streamline workflows and reporting.
• Identify and participate in projects focused on innovation, continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Monitor, trend and report MES KPI data across key manufacturing processes.
• Use data-driven insights to recommend performance improvements.
• Troubleshoot process issues and identify opportunities to enhance plant performance.

Skills

Process engineering

MES data analysis

Lean Six Sigma

DMAIC

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or Engineering

Tools

MES dashboards

Data analytics

Job description

Job description:

Process Technical Engineer

18 Month Fixed Term Contract

Tirlán

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

Tirlán owns leading brands such as Avonmore, Kilmeaden Cheese, Millac, Solmiko, Truly Grass Fed, Premier Milk, Wexford, mymilkman.ie and GAIN Animal Nutrition.

We nurture a talented team across Ireland, the US, MEA and China, delivering annual revenues of over €3 billion, and circa 2 000 people to manage our network of 11 processing plants and 52 agri branches. Our purpose is to nourish the world, while safeguarding our environment for future generations.

Role Profile

Based in Ballyragget and reporting to the Site Process Technical Team Manager, the Process Technical Engineer is responsible for driving the optimisation of plant performance through the continuous development and improvement of manufacturing processes and automated systems.

The successful candidate will support Plant Operations teams in the delivery of key site KPIs while contributing to process improvement initiatives and operational excellence projects across the facility.

The Ballyragget site includes a range of manufacturing operations, including Cheese, Butter, Milk Protein, and Whey Powder Production.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote and implement best-practice Health & Safety policies and procedures across the site.
• Provide technical support in troubleshooting day-to-day process and operational issues, working closely with the Process Technical and Production teams.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including Quality and Production teams, in the prioritisation, development, design, and testing of new and enhanced processes.
• Analyse production data to identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements that maximise yield, reduce waste, and improve overall performance.
• Demonstrate a strong working knowledge of DMAIC methodologies and apply these tools to the characterisation, optimisation, and troubleshooting of process equipment and technology performance.
• Work closely with Production teams to plan, implement, and evaluate agreed process changes.
• Develop MES dashboards and reporting tools to streamline workflows, optimise reporting processes, and reduce reliance on manual data collection and analysis.
• Proactively identify and participate in projects focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Monitor, trend, and report MES KPI data across key manufacturing processes.
• Utilise data-driven insights to recommend and support performance improvement initiatives.
• Troubleshoot process issues and identify opportunities to enhance plant performance, operational efficiency, and KPI achievement.

Requirements

• Third-level qualification in Food Science, Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3-5 years' experience within a food manufacturing, dairy processing, pharmaceutical, or similar process-driven manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience in monitoring MES KPI data, including reporting, analysis, and performance trending.
• Strong ability to interpret and utilise data to identify opportunities and recommend performance improvements.
• Proven troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Strong information management and analytical capabilities.
• Highly motivated and self-driven, with excellent interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Proactive and innovative problem-solving ability, supported by strong analytical and IT skills.
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Process Improvement, or product development environments.
• Six Sigma qualification or certification would be a distinct advantage.

About us

Through our expertise in research and development, customer insights, food safetyand state-of-the-art manufacturing we bring innovative food and nutrition solutions to a global market. Our new and vibrant headquarters in Kilkenny City operates as a collaboration hub where multi-functional teams come together in a hybrid work environment.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We believe in the value of difference. We know that different perspectives, life experience and backgrounds can drive innovation and deliver growth.

We welcome people from all walks of life without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, or disability status.

Join our Talent Pool

Considering a new career in Tirlán but this isn’t the role for you? Join our talent community and sign up for job notifications at www.tirlan.com/careers

Tirlán is a Values Based Organisation

Profile description

Based in Ballyragget and reporting to the Site Process Technical Team Manager, the Process Technical Engineer is responsible for driving the optimisation of plant performance through the continuous development and improvement of manufacturing processes and automated systems.

The successful candidate will support Plant Operations teams in the delivery of key site KPIs while contributing to process improvement initiatives and operational excellence projects across the facility.

The Ballyragget site includes a range of manufacturing operations, including Cheese, Butter, Milk Protein, and Whey Powder Production.