Process Technical Manager

Tirlán; Ballyragget; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Tirlán, based in Ballyragget, is seeking a Process Technical Engineer for an 18-month fixed-term contract. You will drive plant performance through continuous improvement of manufacturing processes and automated systems, while supporting site KPIs with operations teams.

You will develop MES dashboards, apply DMAIC methods, and work with Production to implement changes that maximise yield and minimise waste across Cheese, Butter, Milk Protein, and Whey Powder operations.

Qualifications

• Require a third-level qualification in Food Science, Engineering, Process Engineering or related discipline.
• 3–5 years in a food manufacturing, dairy processing or similar process-driven environment.
• Experience monitoring MES KPI data, reporting, analysis and performance trending.
• Ability to interpret data to identify opportunities and recommend improvements.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and capability to implement effective solutions.
• Solid information management and analytical capabilities.
• Self-driven with strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or process improvement experience; Six Sigma cert is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Promote and implement Health & Safety policies across the site.
• Provide technical support for day-to-day process issues with Process Technical and Production teams.
• Collaborate with Quality and Production to develop, test and implement new processes.
• Analyse production data to identify inefficiencies and drive improvements to yield and waste.
• Apply DMAIC methodologies to troubleshooting and optimization of process equipment.
• Plan, implement and evaluate approved process changes with Production.
• Develop MES dashboards and reporting tools to streamline workflows.
• Identify and participate in innovation and operational excellence projects.
• Monitor MES KPI data and report trends across key processes.
• Use data-driven insights to support performance improvement initiatives.

Skills

MES KPI analysis

Data-driven decisions

Troubleshooting

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Education

Third-level qualification in Food Science/Engineering

Tools

MES software

Excel

Statistical tools

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.

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.