Join Our Team at Kerry Dairy Ireland!
Are you ready to make a significant impact in the world of dairy? At Kerry Dairy Ireland, we pride ourselves on being a leading player in the dairy industry, with a rich heritage and a commitment to sustainability. Our diverse divisions, from Agribusiness to Dairy Consumer Foods, serve as a testament to our dedication to quality and innovation. With a revenue exceeding €1.3 billion annually, we are not just a company; we are a community of over 3,000 farmers and milk suppliers, united by a passion for dairy.
Our Dairy Consumer Foods division is home to beloved brands like Strings & Things, Dairygold, and Charleville. We are also the largest supplier of Private Label Dairy spreads in the UK, serving major retailers across the UK, Ireland, and parts of mainland Europe.
About the Role
As our Senior Innovation Manager, you will be at the forefront of our innovation journey. Your mission? To identify consumer trends, develop exciting new product ideas, and bring winning innovations to market. Collaborating with cross-functional teams in insight, marketing, R&D, and category management, you will build a robust innovation pipeline that drives growth and strengthens our brand position in the competitive dairy landscape.
This role will focus on leading innovation for our drive brands, including the iconic Strings & Things and our market-leading Irish brands, Dairygold and Charleville, both of which are #1 in their categories in the Republic of Ireland. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring these brands remain innovative, relevant, and future-ready.
Key Responsibilities
* Opportunity Identification: Proactively identify and evaluate emerging consumer needs, market gaps, and technological advancements within the UK dairy market.
* Idea Generation & Concept Development: Lead ideation sessions to generate a robust pipeline of innovative product and process concepts.
* Concept Validation & Feasibility: Collaborate with insight teams to design and execute research assessing consumer appeal and market potential.
* Project Leadership & Management: Lead cross-functional teams through all stages of the innovation process, ensuring timely and quality project delivery.
* Strategy Development & Execution: Develop and own a 3–5 year innovation pipeline aligned with brand strategy and business objectives.
* Continuous Improvement: Monitor performance of launched innovations and identify learnings for ongoing enhancement.
* Culture Building: Champion a culture of innovation, encouraging creativity and experimentation within the organization.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders across various departments.
Qualifications and Skills
* Degree qualified
* 5+ years of experience in Innovation or NPD roles within FMCG
* Curiosity and interest in consumer behavior and trends shaping the future of food
* Enterprising spirit with experience in identifying new revenue streams
* Commercial mindset with the ability to translate insights into growth opportunities
* Strong influence skills to engage with all levels of the organization
* Commitment to key behaviors: Think Bigger, Prioritize the Priorities, and Make it Happen, aligned with our Kerry values
Why Join Us?
At Kerry, we believe in fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment. Here’s what you can expect:
* Growth Opportunities: We are committed to your professional development and career advancement.
* Flexible Working Conditions: We understand the importance of work-life balance.
* Innovative Culture: Be part of a team that encourages creativity and forward-thinking.
Join us in shaping the future of dairy! We look forward to welcoming you to our team.