Quality Trainee

About Kerry

Kerry Group’s UK & Ireland dairy 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

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Quality Trainee in Listowel, Ireland. In this role, you will assist in developing and implementing quality control procedures and processes, maintain the Laboratory's Quality Management System, and ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards. You will collaborate with the quality team to drive continuous improvement and participate in both internal and external audits.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in developing and implementing quality control procedures and processes.
• Maintain the Laboratory's Quality Management System on a day-to-day basis.
• Document, report, and investigate any issues or deviations from quality standards.
• Collaborate with the quality team to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards.
• Participate in internal and external audits.
• Train and manage laboratory personnel.
• Meet deadlines set by the company and customers.
• Participate in validation/verification work on new test methods.
• Monitor the performance of laboratory instrumentation.
• Liaise with internal departments, customers, and external visitors.
• Manage the laboratory consumable ordering system.
• Participate in project work.
• Act as the Health & Safety coordinator for the department.
• Troubleshoot issues as they arise.

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant science discipline.
• Previous laboratory experience required.
• Knowledge of CLAS and INAB standards.
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication abilities.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective self-management and organizational capabilities.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Collaborative team player.
• High level of initiative.

What do you get in return?

• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays).
• Hybrid working pattern.
• Healthcare allowance.
• Matched pension scheme- matched ER &EE Min 2%, Max 10%.
• Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers.