QC Laboratory Supervisor

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

QC Laboratory Supervisor - Listowel

About the Role

Here at Kinisla, we're currently recruiting for a QC Laboratory Supervisor to join our team in Listowel, Co. Kerry. Reporting to the Quality Control Manager, the QC Laboratory Supervisor will be responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the Quality Control Laboratory (Chemistry and Microbiology), ensuring all testing activities are completed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with quality, food safety, customer, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.

The successful candidate will provide leadership to the laboratory team, driving a culture of quality, continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence while ensuring the highest standards of laboratory performance, data integrity, and safety.

What will I be doing?

• 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 effective coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of open communication, collaboration, engagement, and accountability.
• Oversee laboratory troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Support method validation, verification, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor laboratory performance through KPIs and drive improvements in efficiency, turnaround times, quality, and service levels.
• Participate in quality, hygiene, compliance, and operational performance reviews.
• Monitor laboratory consumables and reagent inventory to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Support budget management, expenditure control, and resource planning.
• Collaborate effectively with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, R&D, Customer Care, Purchasing, and other site functions.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure appropriate controls are implemented and maintained

What do I need to be successful?

• 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:
• Experience working within an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of SAP and quality management systems.
• Experience with dairy analytical techniques including compositional, chemical, and microbiological testing.

These also include:

• Strong leadership and decision-making capability.
• Results-oriented with excellent problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently.
• Strong team player with the ability to build positive cross-functional relationships.
• Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

About Kinisla

Kinisla is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial consumer foods presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high-quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation. From partnering with local family farms to producing world-class dairy products, we ensure every step of our value chain reflects our commitment to excellence.

With over 50 years’ experience in milk processing, dairy and nutritional technology advancement, and product innovation, we are a key stakeholder in the global food industry and creators of a strong portfolio of market leading dairy brands including Cheestrings, Charleville and Coleraine Cheese, Dairygold, Golden Cow and our new SMUG range. Our from food, for food culture and deep-rooted connection to our 2,800 milk suppliers differentiates our business and offers captivating opportunities for our customers and consumers.

Our dairy comes from some of the world’s richest grazing land and is produced by a network of Irish family farms that have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Through a combination of expertise, innovation, and sustainability, Kinisla is proud to shape the future of dairy while meeting the diverse needs of our farmers, customers, and communities.

Headquartered in Tralee, Co. Kerry, we operate multiple manufacturing facilities in the southwest of Ireland, including Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket, and Farranfore. Additionally, we manage 28 Farm & Home stores throughout the region, ensuring comprehensive coverage and service. In Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, our presence extends to key locations in Portadown, Coleraine, and Ossett.

Globally, Kinisla employs over 1,700 dedicated professionals across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and China. In 2024, we achieved a turnover of approximately €1.3 billion, reflecting our commitment to excellence and growth.

At Kinisla, we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences. One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally.

Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on the skills and competencies of the specific roles and based entirely on merit. We are committed to and value Diversity and Inclusion in all recruitment processes within Kinisla and do not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic.

Please note: We do not accept CVs or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies where Kinisla terms of business have not been signed. Additionally, we will not consider or agree to payment of any recruiter fee under these circumstances. This also applies to CVs or candidate profiles sent directly to any Kinisla Hiring Managers.