KDI EHS Lead

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 EHS Lead for our KDI arm of the business on a full time, permanent basis. Our KDI business currently encompasses sites across the South of Ireland, Northern Ireland and West Yorkshire, in the UK.

As EHS Lead you will be responsible for defining EHS requirements and standards for the business. Ensuring EHS standards are maintained according to related regulatory agencies and are also responsible for educating key stakeholders on industry EHS best practices, and coaching on EHS issues from manufacturing plants. You will be accountable for assuring all aspects of plant performance relative to people safety and environmental regulatory requirements and objectives / initiatives.

We are seeking someone who can support us in achieving our initiatives, in driving the performance of EHS against KPI's – which include, but not limited to TRI, LIFE, ProSafe, ISO 14001 certification, Zero Waste to Landfill and SMETA targets.

The ideal candidate will have experience in leading EHS cultural change across a large, multifaceted business and be able to effectively implement messaging from 'shop floor' upwards, to consistently strengthen our 'Safety First, Quality Always' ethos across the group. 

Key responsibilities

• Monitor and interpret EHS regulatory changes, and develop strategies for implementation.
• Collating regional KPIs and review progress against Global KPIs.
• Provide support to region by serving as a subject matter expert & assisting facilities with inspections, communications and other interactions with regulatory agencies.
• Support strategies for EHS programs, including targeted/site-specific goals and initiatives, and monitor performance/progress
• Coach leaders on appropriate, proactive and preventative techniques to mitigate EHS risks to the business.
• Work closely with the EHS Sub-Regional, Plant Managers and site management teams to foster an environment of engagement and empowerment, communication and training.
• Support manufacturing facilities in obtaining and maintaining the necessary environmental permits and plans related to waste (hazardous & non-hazardous), air, waste water, stormwater, oil, & hazardous materials. Conduct internal compliance reviews.
• Support the implementation and maintenance of the ISO 14001, Zero Waste to Landfill and SMETA Certification(s) for plants in the region.
• Support Engineering teams in driving sustainability improvements and efficiency of operations.
• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives related to compliance, carbon, energy, water, and waste.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with manufacturing teams and provide guidance support, review and negotiation on federal, state, &  local agencies communications & reports.

Qualifications and skills

• Degree (at minimum) in Quality, H&S, Environment or Engineering related discipline
• Mastery in audit/risk assessment and behavioural safety
• Experience in a senior/ management role (including multi-location)   
• Food Industry / Manufacturing – evidence of high HSE standards essential
• Able to demonstrate previous experience of dealing with senior leadership stakeholders / implementing 'safety culture' throughout a multifaceted business. 

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.

We look forward to speaking with you!