QA Group Leader

About Kerry

Kerry Group’s UK & Ireland dairy related business includes Dairy Ingredients, Dairy Nutritional Ingredients, Dairy Consumer Foods, and Agribusiness. With a revenue in excess of €1bn per year, it is one of the world’s leading dairy businesses. With our strong dairy heritage and deep-rooted connection to our 3,000 milk suppliers, right through to our portfolio of innovative and high-quality brands, the dairy business has a unique and compelling proposition for both consumers and our customers. 

Our dairy business has a diversified portfolio of dairy, nutritional ingredients and market leading dairy brands and its vertically integrated dairy processing ensures the highest quality, sustainably produced 1.2bn litres of milk for our dairy, nutritional ingredients, and consumer foods business – a key consideration among some of our largest customers across the globe.  

We have an unrivalled dairy consumer brands portfolio coupled with a track record in innovation underpinned by technology and science. We manufacture and market our own leading butter, dairy, and plant spreads brands: Dairygold, Low Low, Pure and Golden Cow. We are the largest supplier of Private Label dairy spreads, supplying all major retailers in Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe. Our cheese brands compete in children’s cheese snacks (Attack-a-Snak), natural cheese (block, slices and grated), and in processed cheese segments and our leading cheese brands include Strings & Things, Coleraine, and Charleville Cheese. Through our multi-geographical presence (UK, Ireland, and Western Europe) we have a deep consumer insight which is a key component of the business.

About the role

Here at Kerry, we're currently recruiting for a QA Group Lead on a 12 month FTC (Maternity Leave Cover) basis, for our site in Charleville, Co. Cork.

You will ideally have experience of direct reports, as you will be managing a small team of 2 x Sampling Technician's, whilst reporting into and working with the Quality Manager to ensure conformance to specifications, Laboratory equipment calibration and assist with the preparation and completion of audits. 

Key responsibilities

• Assist the Quality Manager with maintenance of sites various accreditations requirements and implementation of quality systems, special projects, reports and training needs.
• Assure product conformance to specifications and regulatory requirements by conducting systematic reviews of quality and production records.
• Batch Release, Micro results review Document Control, Internal SOP’s, Specifications, training, Internal and External audit support, Supplier interactions, CAPA and NCR management, production and process controls, Change Control, Validations, procedural review and creation.
• Achieve quality standards and adherence to GMP through management of the Quality Compliance Auditing team and process to deliver agreed product specifications as defined in quality standards and policies.
• Ensure that the internal Quality audits are carried out to verify compliance against defined standards and codes of practice.
• Accountable for managing the resolution and close out of issues, incidents which have been identified as part of the audit process.
• Managing Laboratory for the site which operates 7 days per week
• Managing, mentoring, and training staff in our quality system procedures and the general regulatory compliance requirements
• Maintain laboratory SOP and product specification reference documents to ensure QA staff is following current versions.
• Responsible for laboratory equipment calibration program, assuring accuracy and validity of records for laboratory and plant scales.

Qualifications and skills

• Experiences in a regulated Food or Pharmaceutical environment will be advantageous.
• Working knowledge of GMP, Hygiene controls and Environmental Monitoring. Validation and HACCP principals.
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving / questioning nature
• Technical aptitude
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Dedicated to driving improvement and raising standards
• Team player.
• Previous SAP experience an advantage

What's in it for me?

Opportunity for career development, matched pension scheme to up to 10% and access to an employee assistance program and employee benefit platform. 

In Kerry we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences.

One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life.

One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together.

We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally.

​Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on the skills and competencies of the specific roles and based entirely on merit. We are committed to and value Diversity and Inclusion in all recruitment processes within Kerry and do not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic.

Get in touch today- we look forward to meeting you!