Quality Systems Specialist

Kerry; Byesville (OH); On-site; USD 34,440 - 37,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

PTO

401(k)

Employee Share Plan

Insurance (Life, disability, accident)

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Kerry's Byesville, Ohio facility seeks a Quality Specialist to ensure product quality, safety, and consistency while driving continuous improvement. You will work cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Food Safety, and R&D teams to identify opportunities and implement solutions.

The role requires 1–2 years QA or 5+ years manufacturing experience, QMS/CAPA proficiency, and strong data analysis.

Qualifications

• AS or BS in Food Science, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, or related field with 1–2 years of quality assurance or 5+ years of relevant experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or related manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), CAPA programs, laboratory operations, product specifications, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with root cause analysis, investigations, record reviews, and data analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and business systems such as SAP, ERP, QMS, or LIMS platforms.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate clearly across all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and continuously improve the site's Quality Management System (QMS) to support regulatory, customer, and certification compliance.
• Lead the site's Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) program, including investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and effectiveness verification.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits while helping maintain audit readiness and compliance standards.
• Manage product, raw material, and packaging specifications, including change control and documentation updates.
• Analyze quality data, trends, and KPIs to identify risks, improve process performance, and support data-driven decision making.
• Support automation, digitalization, and process improvement initiatives that enhance testing capabilities and operational efficiency.
• Investigate customer complaints, nonconformances, and quality issues to improve product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Develop reports, dashboards, and scorecards that support management reviews and continuous improvement efforts.
• Serve as a technical quality resource and support GMP, food safety, and quality culture initiatives throughout the facility

Skills

QMS

CAPA

Laboratory ops

Product specs

Manufacturing processes

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Microsoft Office

Education

Food Science / Microbiology / QA related field

Tools

SAP

ERP

QMS

LIMS

Job description

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

Our Byesville, Ohio facility is a proud part of Kerry’s Beverage division, producing fruit‑based juice mixes, syrups, extracts, and other liquid ingredients used in foods people enjoy every day. From familiar flavors like strawberry, banana, coconut, and lemon, our work supports customers around the world—while staying deeply connected to our local community.

At Kerry, you’ll find a stable, essential manufacturing environment built on safety, quality, and continuous improvement. We’re a close‑knit team that values collaboration, supports career growth, and offers opportunities to build leadership and technical skills through cross‑training. If you’re looking for a place where you can grow your career, contribute to your community, and take pride in what you make, the Byesville team is a great place to belong.

What You’ll Do:

As a Quality Specialist, you'll play a key role in ensuring the quality, safety, and consistency of our products while helping drive continuous improvement. Working cross‑functionally with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Food Safety, and R&D teams, you'll use data, problem‑solving, and quality systems expertise to identify opportunities, solve complex challenges, and improve operational performance.

Critical Responsibilities:

• Maintain and continuously improve the site's Quality Management System (QMS) to support regulatory, customer, and certification compliance.
• Lead the site's Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) program, including investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and effectiveness verification.
• Support internal, customer, and third‑party audits while helping maintain audit readiness and compliance standards.
• Manage product, raw material, and packaging specifications, including change control and documentation updates.
• Analyze quality data, trends, and KPIs to identify risks, improve process performance, and support data‑driven decision making.
• Support automation, digitalization, and process improvement initiatives that enhance testing capabilities and operational efficiency.
• Investigate customer complaints, nonconformances, and quality issues to improve product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Develop reports, dashboards, and scorecards that support management reviews and continuous improvement efforts.
• Serve as a technical quality resource and support GMP, food safety, and quality culture initiatives throughout the facility

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• AS or BS in Food Science, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, or a related field with 1–2 years of quality assurance or laboratory experience; or 5+ years of relevant experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or related manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), CAPA programs, laboratory operations, product specifications, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with root cause analysis, investigations, record reviews, and data analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and business systems such as SAP, ERP, QMS, or LIMS platforms.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and communicate clearly across all levels of the organization.

Preferred:

• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification.
• Better Process Control School certification.
• Auditing certification such as BRC Lead Auditor, ASQ Certified Quality Auditor, or similar.
• Experience supporting food safety, quality systems, and audit programs within a manufacturing environment.

What We Offer:

The hiring range for this position is $25.00 - $27.00 per hour. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay‑for‑performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. This job posting is anticipated to expire on August 17, 2026.

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).