RDA Technologist

About Kerry

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

About the role

Are you passionate about food industry? We are looking for a dynamic RD&A Technologist to join our R&D Team. In this role, you will ensure a standardized approach to New Packaging Introduction in our Cheestrings and spreads manufacturing facility, based in Charleville , Co Cork .

We are a leading name in the food industry and our branded portfolio spans the domestic, GB and international markets and includes brands such as Cheestrings, Strings and Things, and Smug. In addition, we are also a leading producer of B2B cheese for supply to the industrial and food service sector.

Our products, many of which are household favourites, are enjoyed by millions of people every day.

Are you ready to make a significant impact in the world of dairy and plant-based products? Here's what you'll be doing:

Key responsibilities

• Identify opportunities / lead ongoing projects to improve sustainability of packaging
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams, packaging suppliers, customers, and brand marketing to drive excellence in packaging introduction
• Conduct trials in the factory, establishing process control parameters and validating packaging standards to ensure consistency with Product Design.
• Own activities related to the introduction of new packaging into the factory using various systems (internal and customer).
• Collaborate with outside agencies and suppliers to coordinate and ensure the completion of relevant activities required as part of the artwork approval process.
• Support the delivery of Process & Profit Improvement Projects at the site level, ensuring changes are introduced in accordance with defined site capabilities, preserving product quality attributes, and meeting Food Safety and Legal requirements.
• Foster strong relationships with Marketing, Operations, and Commercial teams, ensuring customer care and adherence to our Purpose, Dairy Strategy, Vision, and Values.
• Stay updated on packaging market trends, restrictions, regulations, customer requirements, and processes.
• Present packaging samples and concepts to internal and external stakeholders

Does this sound exciting to you? Join us and be a part of a team that values collaboration and excellence!

Qualifications and skills

• BSc in food science or equivalent.
• Experience in food industry
• Experience in artwork approval, packaging development
• Project management and organisational skills: demonstrate flexibility & adaptability.
• Driven to overcome challenges and develop timely solutions.
• Numerical ability to record & analyse key process data.
• Highly organized multi-tasker, able to interpret data from multiple sources.
• Attention to detail with structured approach.
• Display tenacity, go that extra mile to achieve results and deliver excellent service.
• Able to play a key role as a high performing team