Sustainability Lead

About Kerry Dairy Ireland

Kerry Dairy Ireland is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial consumer foods division 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.

About the role

The Sustainability Lead will intrinsically support Kerry Dairy Ireland’s sustainability function by providing technical support, coordinating sustainability workstreams, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations, and acting as a key contact for both internal and external stakeholders. 

Key responsibilities

• Sustainability Workstream Coordination:
  • Track and monitor progress across Kerry Dairy Ireland’s sustainability workstreams, ensuring alignment with targets and timelines.
  • Collaborate with sustainability champions across the organisation to drive progress on key initiatives, including carbon reduction, water stewardship, biodiversity, and waste management.
• Stakeholder Communication:
  • Act as a central point of contact for sustainability-related queries from internal teams, customers, and external stakeholders.
  • Work with the sustainability team and champions to prepare and deliver updates on sustainability achievements and progress with Kerry’s customers and partners.
• Compliance & Regulation:
  • Assist in monitoring and implementing compliance with relevant Irish and EU sustainability regulations, including emissions targets, CSRD and Origin Green requirements.
  • Support the business in ensuring that all regulatory and customer-driven sustainability commitments are met.
• Data Collection & Reporting:
  • Support the collation, analysis, and management of sustainability data, ensuring accuracy and alignment with Kerry Dairy Ireland’s reporting standards.
  • Contribute to the preparation of annual sustainability reports and other required submissions for customers and regulators.
• Knowledge Sharing, Innovation & Support:
  • Help facilitate sustainability workshops, training sessions, and regular updates for employees, customers, and stakeholders in the Kerry Dairy Ireland supply chain.
  • Stay informed about emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory developments in sustainability to support Kerry’s goals.
     

Qualifications and skills

• Education & Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in environmental/Food/Agricultural Science, or a related field. Equivalent experience will also be considered.
  • Knowledge of sustainability reporting frameworks (e.g., Origin Green) and EU sustainability regulations.
• Experience:
  • Up to 2 years’ experience in a sustainability or environmental role, ideally in agriculture, food production, or a related industry.
  • Familiarity with data management and reporting tools is an advantage.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Strong organisational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, particularly in engaging with diverse stakeholders.
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and create meaningful insights.
  • Passionate about sustainability, with a strong desire to make a difference in the Irish dairy sector.
  • Eager to learn and grow in a sustainability-focused role.
     

Why Join Kerry Dairy Ireland?

• Join a market leader in the Irish dairy industry, with a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation.
• Gain hands-on experience in sustainability projects that have a real impact on the environment and the future of the dairy industry in Ireland.
• Be part of a supportive and forward-thinking team that values your contributions and invests in your development.
• Enjoy competitive compensation, opportunities for growth, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in one of Ireland’s most important industries.