Process Technical Manager

Tirlán; Ireland; Hybrid; EUR 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Tirlán, based in Ballyragget, Ireland, seeks a Process Technical Engineer to drive plant performance through development and improvement of manufacturing processes and automated systems. You will support Operations in achieving site KPIs and contribute to improvement projects across the facility.

The Ballyragget site handles Cheese, Butter, Milk Protein and Whey Powder production, with a focus on safety, data-driven decision making and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Third-level qualification in Food Science, Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in monitoring MES KPI data, reporting, analysis and performance trending.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process improvement environments.

Responsibilities

• Promote and implement best-practice Health & Safety policies and procedures across the site.
• Provide technical support in troubleshooting day-to-day process issues, working closely with Process Technical and Production teams.
• Collaborate with Quality and Production teams in prioritisation, development, design, and testing of new processes.
• Analyse production data to identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements that maximise yield and reduce waste.
• Demonstrate knowledge of DMAIC and apply to process equipment performance.
• Develop MES dashboards and reporting tools to streamline workflows and reporting processes.
• Identify and participate in projects focused on innovation, continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Skills

Data analysis

MES dashboards

DMAIC methodologies

Lean Six Sigma

Problem solving

IT skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Third-level qualification in Food Science/Engineering

Tools

MES

Job description

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

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 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.