R&D Project Manager

Kinisla Group; Charleville; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Matched pension 10%

Benefits platform

Employee Assistance Policy

Job summary

Kinisla is seeking an experienced R&D Project Manager to lead the design, development and scale-up of dairy-focused products and processes. You will coordinate cross-functional teams across R&D, Operations, Quality and Commercial to translate ideas into scalable solutions with clear milestones and governance.

You will drive project plans, manage risks and stakeholders, ensuring rigorous handovers and successful commercialisation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional projects in food/FMCG/manufacturing.
• A recognised project management qualification (PMP/PRINCE2) or equivalent.
• Strong track record delivering multi-workstream projects with competing priorities.
• Excellent planning, governance, risk management and financial awareness.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate complex info into actions.
• Strong communication and relationship-building across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Structured, pragmatic approach with resilience to changing environments.
• Experience in R&D, new product development, scale-up or product commercialisation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple strategic R&D and innovation projects from initiation to completion.
• Build integrated project plans covering resources, budgets, risks, dependencies, milestones.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across R&D, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Commercial, Finance and external partners.
• Facilitate governance meetings and provide concise reporting to stakeholders.
• Identify risks early and drive mitigation actions with clear recommendations.
• Manage scope, timing and resources through disciplined assessment and decisions.
• Ensure project documentation supports handover, scale-up and commercialisation.
• Embed consistent tools, standards and ways of working across the portfolio.
• Build trusted relationships and foster accountability, collaboration and constructive challenge.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Governance

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Financial awareness

R&D/NP development

Education

PM qualification (PMP/PRINCE2)

Job description

About the Role:

Kinisla is seeking an experienced R&D Project Manager to lead complex, high-impact projects across our R&D portfolio. This is an opportunity to work at the heart of a science-led food business, bringing structure, pace and clarity to programmes that translate technical ideas into scalable products, processes and commercial value. You will partner with senior leaders, technical specialists and cross-functional teams to turn ambition into delivery. From project mobilisation through implementation and close-out, you will establish clear plans, manage dependencies and risks, support timely decisions and keep stakeholders aligned.

What will I be doing?

• Lead multiple strategic R&D and innovation projects from initiation to completion, ensuring clear scope, governance, milestones and accountabilities.
• Build and maintain integrated project plans covering resources, budgets, risks, interdependencies and critical paths.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across R&D, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Commercial, Finance and external partners.
• Facilitate effective governance meetings and provide concise, transparent reporting to key stakeholders.
• Identify risks and delivery barriers early, drive mitigation actions and upscale issues with clear recommendations.
• Manage changes to scope, timing and resources through disciplined assessment and decision-making.
• Ensure technical learning, decisions and project documentation are captured to support robust handover, scale-up and commercialisation.
• Strengthen project management capability by embedding consistent tools, standards and ways of working across the portfolio.
• Build trusted relationships and create an environment of accountability, collaboration and constructive challenge.

What do I need to be successful?

At Kinisla, we understand that people have very different career trajectories and experiences. In order to be successful in this role we would be looking for the right competencies and aptitudes as well as your proven track record of success in a similar role and environment.

These include:

• Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional projects in the food, FMCG, manufacturing or a related technical environment.
• A recognised project management qualification, such as PMP, PRINCE2 or an equivalent professional credential.
• A strong record of delivering projects with multiple workstreams, stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Excellent planning, governance, risk management and financial awareness.
• The confidence to influence senior stakeholders, challenge constructively and translate complex information into clear actions.
• Strong communication, facilitation and relationship-building skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
• A structured, pragmatic and adaptable approach, with the resilience to maintain momentum in a changing environment.
• Experience of R&D, new product development, factory scale-up or product commercialisation would be a distinct advantage.

What will I get in return?

At Kinisla, we believe in giving talented, curious people the opportunity to make a difference. We work as a team, searching for the best ways to inspire and lead the evolution of dairy food and nutrition. We are a community of innovators, working across disciplines to solve global food challenges with a fresh approach. We want you to achieve whatever you put your mind to.

We also offer:

• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays).
• Matched pension scheme up to 10% Employer Contribution.
• Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers.
• Employee Assistance Policy.

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.