Laboratory Technician

About the role

We have a great opportunity for a Laboratory Technician in our Kerry site in Newmarket, Co. Cork.

This is a full-time, seasonal position lasting from February to November. The work schedule consists of four 12-hour shifts per week, with occasional weekend work.

We do not expect you to know all equipment and testing methods and training will be provided.

The planned start date for this role will be in mid-January 2026.

Where will you work?

In Kerry Newmarket we manufacture variety of dairy products, like cheeses, butters, and whey.

Due to location of the Kerry Newmarket site, you will need to be able to drive, as there is a limited public transport in the area.

What will you be doing?

The responsibilities of Laboratory Technician include:

• Microbiological and chemical analysis of products using variety of machines as Quant NIR, Delta Lactoscope, Fluorophos and more.
• Routine laboratory checks e.g. balances, incubators and fridges.
• Environmental swabbing of factory areas.
• Staff swabbing.
• Record keeping on LIMS system.
• Communicating test results to relevant teams.

You also will be trained on the CLAS Accreditation system – Kerry Newmarket Laboratory is CLAS accredited for both Micro and Chemical testing.

What do you need to be successful?

• Science based degree or equivalent.
• Experience in recordkeeping in LIMS system and conducting swabbing preferable.
• Good communicator and team player.
• Be able to work with minimal supervision after training.
• Be able and willing to do shift work.
• Eager to learn.
• Own transport is essential as accommodation is limited.

Why join us?

• Career development opportunities.
• Employee benefit platform with discounts and offers for retailers online and offline, travelling, utilities and more.
• Matched pension scheme up to 10%.
• Employee Assistance Program, supporting your emotional, physical, nutritional and financial wellbeing.
• Inspiring People - Kerry's Global Recognition Program.
• MyCommunity, have one day per year to volunteer for a worthwhile cause.
• Friendly team focused on continuous improvements and safety.
• Site events, like mental health day, world food safety day and many more

About Kerry Dairy Ireland

About the Dairy Business

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.