Process Technical Manager

Tirlan; Kilkenny; Hybrid; EUR 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Holidays

Parking

Pension

TPBN1_IJ

Job summary

Tirln Tirln, a world-class food and nutrition co‑operative, seeks a Process Technical Engineer for an 18‑month fixed-term contract based at the Ballyragget site, reporting to the Site Process Technical Team Manager. You will drive plant performance improvements through process optimisation and automated systems, supporting KPI delivery across Cheese, Butter, Milk Protein, and Whey Powder production.

The role requires a third-level qualification in a related field and 3–5 years' experience in a

Qualifications

• Third-level qualification in Food Science, Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3–5 years' experience in 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.
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Process Improvement, or product development environments.

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.
• Collaborate with Quality and Production teams in the development, design, and testing of new processes.
• Analyse production data to identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements that maximise yield and reduce waste.
• Develop MES dashboards and reporting tools to streamline workflows and reporting processes.
• Monitor, trend, and report MES KPI data across key manufacturing processes.

Skills

Process Improvement & Problem Solving

Stakeholder Collaboration

Communication

Analytical Skills

Education

Third-level qualification in Food Science/Engineering

Tools

MES KPI data analysis

DMAIC methodologies

Job description

Job Description

Company description: TIRLN LIMITED

Job description: Process Technical Engineer 18 Month Fixed Term Contract

Tirln Tirln, is a world-class food and nutrition co-operative, with a diverse portfolio of quality ingredients, leading consumer and agri brands. Tirln owns leading brands such as Avonmore, Kilmeaden Cheese, Millac, Solmiko, Truly Grass Fed, Premier Milk, Wexford, 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.

Tirln 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.

Skills

• Process Improvement & Problem Solving
• Process Improvement & Problem Solving
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication

Benefits

• Paid Holidays
• Parking
• Pension
• TPBN1_IJ