Quality Compliance and Process Improvement Specialist

To ensure full compliance with UK retailer codes of practice, food safety standards, and internal quality systems, whilst driving technical process improvements across the site. This role combines auditing responsibilities with technical project leadership, focusing on hygiene optimisation, CIP validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Conduct internal audits in line with UK retailer codes of practice and BRCGS standards.
• Maintain accurate compliance documentation and ensure timely closure of non‑conformances (NCRs).
• Support external audits and customer visits, ensuring full readiness and compliance.
• Provide deputy support for the Compliance & Audit Lead when required.

• Lead CIP (Clean‑in‑Place) validation and optimisation projects to enhance hygiene and operational efficiency.
• Review and improve testing protocols for microbiological and chemical verification.
• Support root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for NCRs and customer complaints.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across production and quality systems, with a focus on food safety and operational excellence.
• Initiate and lead improvement projects based on audit outcomes, KPI trends, and risk assessments.

• Ensure adherence to HACCP, TACCP, and VACCP principles.
• Participate in risk assessments and vulnerability studies.
• Provide technical guidance to production teams on food safety and hygiene standards.

• Prepare and deliver weekly compliance and improvement reports to senior management.
• Monitor and analyse KPIs related to compliance, hygiene, and process efficiency, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate effectively with Supply Chain, Production, and Technical teams to support shared quality objectives.

• Minimum 3 years' experience in FMCG with strong knowledge of UK retailer standards.
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
• Level 3 HACCP certification (Level 4 desirable). TACCP & VACCP training.
• Recognised Auditor Qualification (e.g., Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor). Strong understanding of BRCGS and retailer codes of practice.
• Proven experience in technical projects such as CIP validation and hygiene improvement. Food Hygiene Qualification (Level 3 minimum, Level 4 desirable).

• Excellent auditing and compliance skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability.
• Project management experience in technical/quality improvement.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

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.

Headquartered in Tralee, Co. Kerry, we operate multiple manufacturing facilities in the southwest of Ireland, including Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket, and Farranfore. Additionally, we manage 29 Farm…