R&D Scientist

Kerry; Listowel; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy company in Listowel seeks an experienced R&D Scientist to innovate and improve dairy products. The role involves product development, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate has a degree in Food Science, 3-5 years of R&D experience, and strong communication and project management skills. This position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience in R&D within the dairy or broader food industry.
• Strong understanding of dairy ingredients and processing technologies.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for food labeling.

Responsibilities

• Develop new dairy products from concept to commercialization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for product development.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

Skills

Dairy science

Food technology

Project management

Analytical techniques

Communication skills

Education

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

Job description

About Kerry Dairy Ireland

Kerry Dairy Ireland is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial consumer foods division 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, Kerry Dairy Ireland 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 29 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, Kerry Dairy Ireland employs over 1,600 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.

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. This role will focus on driving innovation, improving product quality, and supporting sustainability and nutritional goals across our dairy portfolio. The ideal candidate should have excellent technical, organizational, numerical, project management and interpersonal skills. Dynamic, self-driven and capable of working on your own initiative is a key attribute for this role. Ability to function as part of a multi-disciplinary team (sales, business development, long term R&D, operations, supply chain, quality, regulatory and customers) is also important.

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
• Strong Innovation mindset
• Excellent communication 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.