Laboratory (Sampling) Technician

About the role

We have great opportunity for a Laboratory (Sampling) Technician in our Kerry site in Charleville, Co. Cork.

This is a part time role, to cover Plant 1 & Plant 2 labs at weekends, including bank holidays. Working hours are 06:00 – 15:00. Overtime is available.

You will help to ensure, that our products continue to meet the highest quality standards and delighting our customers, working within the team and reporting to a Quality Manager.

Where will you work?

The food ingredients products we  manufacture at our Kerry Charleville site include skim milk powder for the infant and nutritional sector, functional dairy ingredients for the confectionary industry and a range of cheese powders for the savoury snack market. In addition the factory produces a range of tailor made cheese solution products for customers across Europe.

What will you do?

• In process product chemical testing of samples according to documented procedures paying attention to sample preparation & control to prevent cross contamination of samples and temperature controls.
• Maintaining accurate and clearly documented testing records to ensure traceability.
• Adhering to regulations & policies set down in place around GMP, hygiene, health & safety.
• Chemical analysis: pH, fats, salt, moisture.
• Raw material collection & analysis.
• Preparation and executing Environmental swabbing within the production area.
• Carrying out required temperature checks in the production area.
• Managing shelflife samples.
• Managing samples to go external lab for micro testing.
• Carrying out adhoc duties as required.
• Entering test results into SAP.

What do you need to be successful?

• Accuracy & high level of attention to detail.
• Able to manage workload and time efficiently.
• Ability to work independently & off own initiative without supervision.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to problem solve independently.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent understanding of computers & ability to work independently on computers.
• Ability to quickly learn & understand how to use computer programmes.
• Must be available for weekends & occasional Mon-Fri cover.
• Preferably hold a full driver's licence.

Why join us?

• Career development opportunities.
• Employee benefit platform with discounts and offers for retailers online and offline, travelling, utilities and more.
• Matched pension scheme up to 10%.
• Employee Assistance Program, supporting your emotional, physical, nutritional and financial wellbeing.
• Inspiring People - Kerry's Global Recognition Program.
• MyCommunity, have one day per year to volunteer for a worthwhile cause.
• Friendly team focused on continuous improvements and safety.
• Site events, like mental health day, world food safety day and many more

About the Dairy Business

Kerry Dairy Ireland is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial retail 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, 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.