Food Safety and Quality Manager

About the role

We have an exciting new opportunity for a dedicated and experienced Food Safety & Quality Manager to join our team at Kerry Dairy Ireland in Listowel. If you are passionate about ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality, this could be the role for you!

What will I be doing?

• Lead the quality agenda in area of responsibility with multi-functional team.
• Manage & deliver on agreed annual quality objectives program & quality targets.
• Define and implement hygiene, GMP and compliance standards as per Kerry Global and customer standards.
• Identification of and delivery of all relevant continuous improvement initiatives.
• Address quality issues by implementing rigorous root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Develop effective relations with customers and other external agencies as required and manage audits and other relevant agendas.
• Delivery of training to QA/QC and other functions.
• Manage Quality Systems & Standards Compliance to HACCP, applicable Global Standards, Regulatory Agencies and Accreditation Bodies.

What do I need to be successful?

In Kerry Dairy Ireland, we understand that people have very different career trajectories and experiences. In order to be successful in this role we would be looking for the right competencies and aptitudes as well as your proven track record of success in a similar role and environment. 

These include:

• Minimum of an Honours Science degree in Food Science, Pharmaceutical, Microbiology or equivalent discipline.
• Minimum of 3 Years Quality management Experience in a food manufacturing or pharmaceutical environment.
• Experience in Spray Drying & Evaporation Technologies is an advantage.
• Experience in control of facilities, equipment utilities, processing and cleaning.
• Train the trainer qualification desirable.
• Experience in Validation desirable but not essential.
• Focus on delivery of key agreed objectives and targets.
• Ability to gain deep process understanding.
• Attention to detail coupled with strong problem-solving ability.
• Team focus -strong people management and Interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.

What will I get in return?

At Kerry Dairy Ireland, we believe in giving talented, curious people the opportunity to make a difference.

We work as a team, searching for the best ways to inspire food and nourish life.

We are a community of innovators, working across disciplines to solve global food challenges with a fresh approach. We want you to achieve whatever you put your mind to.

We also offer:

• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays). 
• Health Care.
• Matched pension scheme.
• Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers.

About Kerry

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.

Get in touch today!

In Kerry Dairy Ireland 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 Dairy Ireland 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.