Quality Compliance & Sanitation Lead

About the role

We have a great opportunity for a Quality Compliance & Sanitation Lead to join us, at our site in Portadown.

Requisition : 63775
Position Type: FT Permanent

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.

• Support the Technical Manager in delivering the site’s quality and food safety strategy
• Lead and motivate the Quality Assurance team, promoting problem‑solving and teamwork
• Drive internal auditing, prepare the site for external audits, and close out non‑conformances
• Ensure compliance with BRCGS, HACCP, GMP, customer requirements, and internal standards
• Own the site sanitation monitoring programmes - which will include the EMP system and hygiene team, ensuring that KPIs are met
• Lead investigations into hygiene, contamination, and quality incidents
• Work closely with the Quality Systems & Regulatory Specialist to reduce complaints and support continuous improvement
• Provide on‑the‑floor technical support and act as a subject‑matter expert across the business
• Support NPD trials and change management
• Lead, coach, and develop your team, embedding a strong quality and LEAN culture

• Experience in a technical, quality, or food safety role within manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of GMP, hygiene standards, and audit requirements
• Experience with BRCGS or similar audit schemes
• Confident leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop others
• Excellent communication, organisation, and problem‑solving abilities
• A proactive mindset with strong problem‑solving and continuous improvement capability
• HACCP Level 3/4, Food Safety, Internal Auditor qualifications

At Kerry Dairy Ireland, we believe in giving talented, curious people the opportunity to make a difference. We work as a team, searching for the best ways to inspire food and nourish life.

We are a community of innovators, working across disciplines to solve global food challenges with a fresh approach. We want you to achieve whatever you put your mind to.

We also offer

• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
• Hybrid working
• Health Care
• Matched pension scheme
• Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers.

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