R&D Scientist

Kerry Group plc; Listowel; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food company in Listowel is seeking an experienced R&D Scientist to join its dairy and nutritional ingredients team. This position involves developing innovative dairy products, managing customer relationships, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and 3-5 years of experience in the dairy or food industry, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Dynamic team environment

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in R&D within the dairy or broader food industry.
• Experience with dairy-based nutritional and functional ingredients.
• Familiarity with EU/FDA regulations and labeling.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new dairy products from concept to commercialization.
• Manage customer relationships and solutions to drive growth.
• Conduct formulation trials and pilot plant testing.

Skills

Dairy science expertise

Food technology knowledge

Analytical techniques

Project management

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Knowledge of regulatory requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Dairy Technology

Tools

Digital tools for formulation

Job description

Kerry Dairy Ireland is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a substantial consumer foods division and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high-quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation.

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.

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, Kerry Dairy Ireland is proud to shape the future of dairy while meeting the diverse needs of our farmers, customers, and communities.

About the role

This role will be based in Listowel and will report to the Senior R&D Manager. We are seeking a passionate and experienced R&D Scientist to join our R&D dairy and Nutritional Ingredients team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in dairy science, food technology, or related fields, with proven experience in developing and optimising dairy products.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the development of new dairy products from concept to commercialisation.
• Building strong customer relationships, deliver customer centric solutions and managing customer opportunities to drive business growth.
• Conduct formulation trials, pilot plant testing, and scale-up activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Quality, Regulatory, and Operations.
• Apply scientific principles to improve texture, taste, shelf-life, and nutritional profile of dairy products.
• Monitor industry trends, consumer insights, and emerging technologies to identify innovation opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and internal quality standards.
• Managing projects end to end while working cross functionally with commercial, RDA and Regulatory Teams.
• Document and present findings, project updates, and technical reports to stakeholders.
• Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing.

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Technology, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in R&D within the dairy or broader food industry.
• Strong understanding of dairy ingredients, processing technologies, and product development.
• Experience with analytical techniques and sensory evaluation.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements (e.g., EU/FDA labeling, nutritional claims).
• Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Project management and organizational skills
• Experience with dairy based nutritional and functional ingredients.
• Proven track record in product development and commercialization of new products
• Familiarity with digital tools for formulation and data analysis.
• Exposure to sustainability initiatives in food production.
• Full driving licence

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of reimagining dairy globally.
• Work on impactful projects that promote health, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction.
• Competitive salary, benefits, and professional development opportunities.