We are looking for a dedicated Quality Systems Lead to join our team at the Runcorn Taste & Nutrition production facility. Reporting to the Quality Manager, this role is critical to enabling the quality function to operate effectively, support the QA team, and uphold the site's compliance and customer standards. The role involves a mix of office and factory floor work, with significant involvement in internal audits and cross-functional collaboration (Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, etc.). You will also be responsible for leading the site audit programme and food safety Quality Management Systems (QMS) to ensure full compliance with the Kerry Global Standards, Food Safety and Security Programmes, Group Regulatory policies and Customer requirements.
This is a full-time and permanent role.
Key responsibilities
1. Assess compliance against defined corporate and customer policies, Food Safety/Quality, Health & Safety, Environmental Standards and product specifications through independent audit.
2. Provide guidance and support to facilitate the implementation and on-going maintenance of Quality / Regulatory policies, Pre-Requisite Programmes (Pest Control, Internal Audit, Non-Conformance) procedures and product specifications.
3. Promote a high standard of awareness and understanding at site level of all appropriate policies, procedures and product specifications.
4. Leading the governance of closure of non-conformity to drive continuous improvement and promote a strong quality culture
5. Maintenance of the site’s Quality Management System (QMS)
6. Supporting the change management process
7. Ensure readiness for external audits (e.g., FSSC22000, BRCGS, ISO, customer, regulatory, EHO inspections)
8. Support development and improvement of standard operating procedures to enhance training and development programmes.
Qualifications and skills
9. Proven experience in Quality roles within the food & beverage or pharmaceutical industry
10. Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field
11. Lead Auditor qualification and deep insight into FSSC22000, BRCGS or similar
12. Good analytical and communication skills, with fluency in English
13. Proficiency in MS Office (intermediate/advanced level Excel), SAP experience is a plus.
14. Flexible, hands-on, and able to drive cross-functional projects in a changing environment.
About Kerry Dairy Ireland
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.
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.
Our Safety purpose: “we work together in a caring culture where everybody goes home safe every day”. We are committed to providing a safe working environment and ensuring that all safety protocols are strictly followed. Join us in creating a workplace where safety is everyone's responsibility.
Why apply?
15. Opportunities for both career and personal development within a global organization, where your contributions can make a meaningful local impact
16. Industry benchmarked salary
17. Matched pension scheme to up to 10%.
18. Lise Assurance 6 x salary
19. Share purchase scheme
20. 25 days annual leave, plus relevant bank holidays
21. Employee Assistance Program.
Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name. Recruiter: #LI-SR1
Posting Type: LI Please note also: We do not accept CVs or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies where terms of business have not been signed. Additionally, we will not consider or agree to payment of any recruiter fee under these circumstances. This also applies to CVs or candidate profiles sent directly to any Kerry Hiring Managers. In the event that speculative CVs or candidate profiles are submitted by recruitment agencies, we reserve the right to contact these candidates directly and consider them for current or future vacancies without any financial obligation to the recruitment agency.