QC Lab Lead - Dairy Quality & Compliance

Kinisla Group; Listowel; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinisla in Listowel, Co. Kerry, is seeking a QC Laboratory Supervisor to lead the Chemistry and Microbiology labs. You will oversee daily testing, data integrity, audits, and CAPA, driving continuous improvement and safety.

Reporting to the Quality Control Manager, you will mentor a high‑performing team, manage resources and KPI monitoring, and collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science, Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology, Dairy Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a dairy, food, or beverage manufacturing laboratory environment.
• Previous supervisory, team leadership, or people management experience.
• Strong understanding of dairy chemistry, microbiology, food safety, and quality management systems.
• Knowledge of laboratory accreditation requirements and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Experience in laboratory investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action management.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to priorities and manage multiple activities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Desirable: ISO 17025 accreditation experience, SAP knowledge, dairy analytical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation of the QC laboratory, ensuring timely and accurate testing and reporting of results.
• Ensure all laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with documented procedures, GMP, GLP, food safety requirements, and Health & Safety policies.
• Lead and coordinate customer, regulatory, accreditation, and third-party audits relating to laboratory activities.
• Manage the effective closure of audit findings, non-conformances, corrective actions, and continuous improvement activities.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing laboratory team through coaching and performance management.
• Foster a culture of open communication, collaboration, engagement, and accountability.
• Oversee laboratory troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and CAPA implementation.
• Support method validation, verification, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor laboratory performance through KPIs and drive improvements in turnaround times, quality, and service levels.
• Participate in quality, hygiene, compliance, and operational performance reviews.
• Monitor laboratory consumables and reagent inventory to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Support budget management, expenditure control, and resource planning.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, R&D, Customer Care, Purchasing, and other site functions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Food Science/Analytical Chemistry/Microbiology/Dairy Science

Tools

LIMS

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Kinisla in Listowel, Co. Kerry, is seeking a QC Laboratory Supervisor to lead the Chemistry and Microbiology labs. You will oversee daily testing, data integrity, audits, and CAPA, driving continuous improvement and safety.

Reporting to the Quality Control Manager, you will mentor a high‑performing team, manage resources and KPI monitoring, and collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance.