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About Kerry

Kerry Group’s UK & Ireland dairy related business includes Dairy Ingredients, Dairy Nutritional Ingredients, Dairy Consumer Foods, and Agribusiness. With a revenue in excess of €1bn per year, it is one of the world’s leading dairy businesses. With our strong dairy heritage and deep-rooted connection to our 3,000 milk suppliers, right through to our portfolio of innovative and high-quality brands, the dairy business has a unique and compelling proposition for both consumers and our customers.

Our dairy business has a diversified portfolio of dairy, nutritional ingredients and market leading dairy brands and its vertically integrated dairy processing ensures the highest quality, sustainably produced 1.2bn litres of milk for our dairy, nutritional ingredients, and consumer foods business – a key consideration among some of our largest customers across the globe.

We have an unrivalled dairy consumer brands portfolio coupled with a track record in innovation underpinned by technology and science. We manufacture and market our own leading butter, dairy, and plant spreads brands: Dairygold, Low Low, Pure and Golden Cow. We are the largest supplier of Private Label dairy spreads, supplying all major retailers in Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe. Our cheese brands compete in children’s cheese snacks (Attack-a-Snak), natural cheese (block, slices and grated), and in processed cheese segments and our leading cheese brands include Strings & Things, Coleraine, and Charleville Cheese. Through our multi-geographical presence (UK, Ireland, and Western Europe) we have a deep consumer insight which is a key component of the business.

About the role

Here at Kerry, we are currently looking to welcome an enthusiastic and tenacious Quality Systems Group Lead onsite in Portadown. NI on a permanent basis. The role is full time, Monday to Friday 8:30am-5pm (finishing at 4pm on Friday).

Key responsibilities

Lead the Quality Systems team to ensure they are engaged and high performing with a focus on problem solving and team work. Build trust through effective leadership and the skilled application of people management processes and open 2 way communications.

Following standard procedures:

• Recruit and select the right team members.
• Induct new members into the team.
• Build team skills through skills assessment, training, feedback and support.
• Manage on-going performance of direct reports.
• Identify those who have the interest and ability to progress into bigger or different roles and facilitate this through agreed procedures.
• Manage grievance and disciplinary issues as required with the support of HR as necessary.

• Standard Confirmation Check that standards set within the Quality function are adhered to through layered confirmation
• Facilitate Continuous Improvement Continuously improve standards set by facilitating and executing 8 Step Practical Problem Solving and other appropriate KPS methodologies within the Technical function and as required within the Production Stream.
• Manage the Quality Systems Team Maintain product quality and safety through management of the Quality Systems Team ensuring Standards are defined for quality assurance processes, operational practices and product quality.
• Develop the Site Quality Management System Develop site Quality Management System (QMS) framework procedures to incorporate Kerry Group, Regulatory, Customer and 3rd Party Standards (policies, procedures, COP’s)
• Develop Process Quality Documentation Develop process quality documentation ensuring alignment with Kerry Group, Regulatory, Customer and 3rd Party Standards. This will include Process Inspection Schedules.
• Competent Authority Liaison Liaise with Competent Authorities on site quality / technical issues relating to the manufacturing process such as consumer complaint investigation or factory audit.
• Develop the Site HACCP Plan and Lead the HACCP Team Develop and Standardise (best in class) the site HACCP plan and associated documentation and – facilitate HACCP review meetings
• Facilitate Factory Audits (Including Customer and 3rd Party) Facilitate the internal and external Quality audit process with a primary focus on Quality Management Systems.
• Manage Audit Corrective Action Response To include Collation and reporting of NCs to VS or relevant person, close out of NC’s upon receipt of verification, prepare and agree formal audit response with relevant parties prior to approval by site TM, facilitation of mock product recalls and traceability challenge
• Develop and Maintain Quality Training Programme content ensuring alignment with central training materials and the site QMS.
• Raw Material and packaging artwork and specifications approvals
• Food Safety Culture Ambassador for the site
• Key Accounts contact eg McDonalds/Burger King /Tim Horton's
• Complaints investigation and root cause analysis
• Management of site Intelex systme and related reporting attributes
• Implementation of Kerry Golden 6 / Golden guardians program
• Working knowldege of Optivia/Loftware /Dragonfly systems

Qualifications and skills

• Diploma or higher in a Food Science related subject.
• Proficient written, numerical and verbal skills
• Fluency of English language Numerical ability to record, interpret and analyse key process data
• Experience of managing a team.
• Familiarity with Food Safety and packaging legislation compliance - would be an advantage
• Technical Proficient in the use of MS Office tools.
• Understanding of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems Knowledge of the BRC Global Food Standard and specific customer standards as they apply.
• Experience in standardisation of processes.
• Understanding and ability to apply in live situations the principles and tools of lean manufacturing Ability to solve problems using 8 Step Practical Problem Solving.
• Behavioural Strong self-discipline and a structured approach to improvements
• The ability to identify and actively plan improvements.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to be successful in a changing environment Leadership:
• Thoughtful leader who lives the core values of Kerry PVV, KPS, respect and Teamwork Effective communicator who facilitates bottom up and top down communication channel

Key Skills:

• Team facilitation/coaching
• Influencing skills
• Able to work cross functionally
• Able to meet deadlines

What's in it for me?

Opportunity for career development, matched pension scheme to up to 10% and access to an employee assistance program and employee benefit platform.

In Kerry we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences.

One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life.

One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together.

We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally.

Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on the skills and competencies of the specific roles and based entirely on merit. We are committed to and value Diversity and Inclusion in all recruitment processes within Kerry and do not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic.

Get in touch today- we look forward to meeting you!