2026 Research and Development Graduate Programme - Kerry Dairy Ireland

Research, Development & Application Graduate 

Start Date: September 2026 

Locations: Charleville, Listowel, Newmarket 

Contract: full time; permanent 

At Kerry Dairy Ireland, we’re proud of our heritage and passionate about our future. As a leading provider of dairy solutions across Ireland and Europe, we’re committed to nourishing lives through quality, sustainability, and innovation. We’re looking for ambitious graduates who want to make a real impact in a business that blends tradition with transformation. 

This is a permanent, full-time role that begins with a structured 12-month graduate programme. You’ll gain hands-on experience in one of our core business areas while contributing to real projects from day one. You’ll build deep functional expertise in your chosen area, supported by experienced mentors and a close-knit graduate community. 

If you’re curious, collaborative, and ready to grow your career in a purpose-driven environment, Kerry Dairy Ireland is the place to start. 

Our RDA Programme 

At Kerry Dairy Ireland, our RD&A function is deeply rooted in the practical application of dairy science and innovation. From our vertically integrated farm-to-fork model to our leading dairy brands, sustainable dairy solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers and communities. 
As an RD&A graduate, you’ll join a team that blends scientific expertise with commercial insight to develop and improve products that make a real impact. You’ll work on live projects from day one—whether that’s enhancing functionality, improving nutrition, or supporting customer innovation through tailored dairy applications. You’ll be supported by experienced mentors and encouraged to collaborate across functions like operations, supply chain, and quality 

What You Might Be Doing 

Your responsibilities may include: 

• Supporting the development and optimisation of dairy products—from concept through to commercialisation—across categories like cheese, spreads, and fermented dairy. 

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams including operations, quality, and supply chain to ensure product feasibility and manufacturing readiness. 

• Conducting bench-scale and pilot trials to improve product performance, shelf life, and sensory attributes, with a strong focus on nutrition and sustainability. 

• Applying food science principles to enhance functionality and meet evolving customer and regulatory requirements. 

• Participating in customer projects and technical requests, contributing to troubleshooting, reformulation, and scale-up activities. 

• Maintaining accurate technical documentation and formulation records to support product launches and continuous improvement. 

• Engaging with commercial teams to understand market needs and translate them into viable product solutions. 

• Building a strong understanding of Kerry Dairy Ireland’s product portfolio and its application across retail and foodservice channels. 

 
Do you have what it takes?  
 

• You’re on track for 2.1 degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biology or similar  

• You’re ambitious, curious, and can’t wait to put your talents into action.   

• You’re open minded, agile, and willing to embrace opportunities.    

• You’re a recent or soon-to-be graduate.   

• You’re fluent in English  

• You’re eligible to permanently work in Ireland   

• Flexibility to work across different sites and functions 

Submit your application only for the program of your interest. Any multiple applications will be withdrawn. 

Discover Your Future with Kerry Dairy Ireland  

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 28 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.