Samples Lead

About Kerry

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.

About the role

The Research, Development & Application (RD&A) Sample Lead and Coordinator is primarily responsible for leading a team of 4, and co-ordinating and contributing to all activities related to preparation of Marinade, Seasoning, Coating and Taste samples. This role works closely with scientists and commercial teams to ensure a timely sampling process, directly influencing project delivery and business success.

In addition,  the position plays a key role in maintaining operational excellence within the RD&A facility, ensuring equipment reliability and adherence to GMP, health, and safety standards. While supporting co-ordination of general administration and deliver high levels of daily support to the RD&A team.

 

Work Location:  Bangpoo, Samutprakarn

Reporting To:    RD&A Manager - Taste

 

Key responsibilities

• Manage Salesforce Sample Queue Tasks, including but not limited to:
  • Print out sample requests and recipes.
  • Allocate tasks in the sample department.
  • Match finished samples with requests.
  • Proper samples labeling
  • Pack and dispatch samples
  • Close requests off in the SFDC sample queue

• Manage a team of four to ensure efficient sample preparation, set team KPIs, and oversee workload and overtime management.
• Organize and monitor inventory of finished products and raw materials.
• Coordinate with Commercial, Supply Chain, Operations, and RD&A teams to facilitate smooth sample preparation and submission.
• Maintain and update the RD&A raw material master list, including collection samples.
• Organize retention and recipe library which includes filing recipes, work-sheet data entry and housekeeping for retention samples.
• Finished goods, raw material, packaging ordering and maintaining stock control, when requested.
• Place purchase orders for the Sample team, including stationery, equipment repairs, consumables, lab supplies, and packaging supplies.
• Replenish and organize Taste portfolio stock.
• Handle SAP-related tasks, including GRNs and queries.
• Utilize SAP and Salesforce network systems, serving as a SAP super-user partner for commercialization.
• Ensure adherence to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, maintain records, oversee equipment upkeep, and ensure cleanliness of work areas while actively participating in quality improvement initiatives.
• Update sample department procedures 
• Provide assistance to the RD&A management team with data entry, reporting, presentation preparation, and ad-hoc administrative tasks.
• Act as the RD&A contact for health & safety, first aid, and emergency response.
• Organize and oversee pest control procedures.

 

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of three years in a similar role, including sample preparation, laboratory supervision, and sample distribution.
• Must have 2–3 years of experience in planning and team management.
• Preferably experienced in a food & beverage manufacturing environment certified under HACCP, GMP, and ISO 22000 standards.
• Knowledge of stock control data is an advantage.
• Familiarity with basic SAP functions and experience using shipping tools such as DHL, UPS, and Salesforce is beneficial