About Kerry Dairy Ireland
Kerry Dairy Ireland is a vertically integrated, farm-to-fork business with a strong consumer foods presence and a leading dairy and nutritional ingredients division. We deliver high-quality dairy solutions with a clear focus on sustainability, innovation and operational excellence.
With over 50 years of expertise in dairy processing, food technology and product innovation, we are a key player in the global food industry. Our portfolio includes market-leading brands such as Cheestrings, Charleville and Coleraine Cheese, Dairygold, Golden Cow and SMUG.
Our milk is sourced from Irish family farms, known for having one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Through deep-rooted partnerships, scientific know-how, and a commitment to excellence, we deliver sustainable dairy that meets the evolving needs of customers and consumers worldwide.
Headquartered in Tralee, we operate multiple manufacturing sites across Ireland, including Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket and Farranfore. Internationally, our presence extends to the UK, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Germany and China. In 2024, Kerry Dairy Ireland achieved a turnover of approximately €1.3 billion.
At Kerry Dairy Ireland, we foster a culture of care, safety and continuous improvement. We empower our teams to make an impact and grow through meaningful work in an inclusive environment.
About the role
We are currently seeking a QHSE Laboratory Supervisor to join our team in Listowel. Reporting to the Quality Manager, you will lead daily lab operations and ensure all activities meet our Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) standards.
You’ll be responsible for lab team performance, compliance with procedures, and supporting continuous improvement across quality and safety systems. This is a great opportunity for someone ready to take the next step in their leadership journey within a high-performance quality environment.
Your responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day running of the laboratory, ensuring safe, accurate and compliant testing practices
- Supervise and support lab analysts, promoting a culture of ownership, safety and continuous improvement
- Monitor and report lab performance and quality KPIs
- Oversee calibration, validation and maintenance of lab equipment and instruments
- Ensure adherence to QHSE policies and standard operating procedures
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Production, Engineering, RD&A, and Customer Care
- Coordinate training and onboarding of new team members in collaboration with HR
- Prepare for and participate in customer, certification and regulatory audits
- Drive resolution of non-conformances and audit findings, including CAPA follow-up
- Optimise lab inventory and support budget control
- Conduct HACCP and in-process monitoring to verify compliance with product standards
- Support site-wide quality, hygiene and compliance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives
What you will bring
- Degree in Analytical Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology or a related discipline
- 2–3 years of industry experience, preferably in dairy or food manufacturing
- Proven leadership and team coordination experience in a lab or technical environment
- Solid understanding of food safety, QMS, GMP and HACCP principles
- Familiarity with lab systems such as LIMS and ERP platforms (SAP preferred)
- Strong communication, problem-solving and organisational skills
- High attention to detail and a commitment to quality and compliance
- Proactive and collaborative approach to managing day-to-day challenges
What We Offer
- 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
- Private healthcare plan
- Matched pension scheme
- Access to our employee benefits platform with retail discounts and cashback offers
- Career development opportunities across our global organisation
- A safety-first, inclusive workplace that values your voice and your potential
Interested? Let’s Talk.
At Kerry Dairy Ireland, we value the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our colleagues. We’re one team, committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can bring their best self to work.
If you're ready to lead in a role that blends quality, safety and leadership, apply today and help us shape the future of sustainable dairy. If you have any questions, don't hassitate to contact our Talent Acquisition Partner, Rianne Visser: [email protected]
Please note: We do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies unless a signed agreement is in place. Any unsolicited submissions will not be considered and no fees will be paid.
