About Kerry
Kerry Dairy Ireland is not just a company; it's a vibrant farm-to-fork business that stands at the forefront of the dairy industry. With a strong consumer foods presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, we are committed to delivering high-quality dairy solutions that prioritize sustainability and innovation.
With over 50 years of experience in milk processing and product innovation, we are proud creators of market-leading dairy brands such as Cheestrings, Charleville, and Dairygold. Our deep-rooted connections with 2,800 local family farms set us apart, offering captivating opportunities for our customers and consumers alike.
Our dairy products come from some of the world’s richest grazing lands, produced by farms with one of the lowest carbon footprints globally. Through expertise and innovation, Kerry Dairy Ireland is shaping 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 across southwest Ireland and have a strong presence in Northern Ireland and the UK. Globally, we employ over 1,600 dedicated professionals and achieved a turnover of approximately €1.3 billion in 2024, reflecting our commitment to excellence and growth.
About the Role
As the NPI Lead in Portadown for Kerry Dairy Ireland, you will be at the helm of introducing new products that meet the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and innovation. Your role will involve close collaboration with various departments, including marketing, operations, and commercial teams, as well as external suppliers and agencies.
You will play a critical role in maintaining our reputation for excellence and driving forward our strategic goals. Your responsibilities will include conducting factory trials on cheese and cheese snacking products, establishing process control parameters, and validating product standards to ensure consistent product design.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage the NPI Process: Work cross-functionally as part of the R&D team to ensure a standardized approach to New Product Introduction.
* Communicate Quality Standards: Provide training to facilitate understanding and effective implementation of product quality standards.
* Organize Packaging Trials: Coordinate new packaging trials and ensure outcomes are effectively communicated to relevant stakeholders.
* Own NPI Activities: Manage the introduction of new products into the factory using various systems.
* Collaborate Across Teams: Work with internal teams, suppliers, customers, and marketing to ensure alignment.
* Coordinate Artwork Approval: Collaborate with outside agencies and suppliers to ensure completion of relevant activities.
* Support Process Improvement: Ensure changes are introduced in accordance with defined capabilities while preserving product quality and meeting food safety requirements.
* Build Relationships: Foster connections with marketing, operations, and commercial teams to ensure adherence to our Purpose and Dairy Strategy.
* Stay Informed: Maintain knowledge of market trends, regulations, and customer requirements.
* Present Samples: Showcase samples and concepts to internal and external stakeholders.
Qualifications and Skills
* BSc in Food Science: Or equivalent qualification.
* Experience in the Food Industry: Relevant experience is essential.
* Packaging Development: Experience in artwork approval and packaging development is desirable.
* Project Management Skills: Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability.
* Problem-Solving Ability: Driven to overcome challenges and develop timely solutions.
* Numerical Skills: Ability to record and analyze key process data.
* Organizational Skills: Highly organized multi-tasker, able to interpret data from multiple sources.
* Attention to Detail: A structured approach to tasks is essential.
* Tenacity: Go the extra mile to achieve results and deliver excellent service.
* Team Player: Able to play a key role as a high-performing team member.