Quality Operations Manager

Quality Operations Manager

Kilkenny Food Company, Thomas Street, Kilkenny

Tirlán

Tirlán, is a world-class food and nutrition co-operative, with a diverse portfolio of quality ingredients, leading consumer and agri brands.

Tirlán owns leading brands such as Avonmore, Kilmeaden Cheese, Millac, Solmiko, Truly Grass Fed, Premier Milk, Wexford, mymilkman.ie and GAIN Animal Nutrition.

A talented team across Ireland, the US, MEA and China, delivers annual revenues of over €3 billion. Our purpose is to nourish the world, while safeguarding our environment for future generations.

Role Profile

The Quality Operations Manager reports to the Site Quality Head as part of the Quality Operations team. The overall purpose of this new role is to embed and sustain the Quality and Food Safety policies across operations. Kilkenny Food Company produces private label and own brand consumer products which goes directly to our retailers, so quality is at the forefront of 'in process' operations. A key deliverable of Quality will be in reducing the occurrence of defects against quality standard across all functions. This is a lead role in driving a ‘right first time’ culture and performance in the plant by ensuring that processes and operations meet customer requirements. The role will involve collaboration with all functions to continuously improve performance to quality standard and to drive all CAPA (corrective and preventative actions) to timely completion.

Responsibilities

• Implement Tirlán Quality Strategy in your plant/area in line with the Quality Management System (GQS);
• Implement the Quality & Food Safety Verification program with ongoing opportunities  to bring forward your ideas on  improvements and efficiencies;
• Assist in complaint investigation, Root cause analysis and CAPA plans;
• Act as site change control co-ordinator with  opportunity  to  engage with  NPD & marketing teams;
• Drive a strong Quality culture across operations teams on site;
• Support the Site Quality Manager through the provision of quality data and by ensuring all process within the quality Operations remit comply with the Quality Management System;
• Play a key role in preparing for and participating in Plant audits with customers and other third parties;
• Maintain customer product specifications / certifications and support final product grading;
• Ensure employees are trained to the appropriate standard to carry out their full range of quality related duties in Operations;
• Audit quality practices and processes within the site focusing on the prevention of deviations;
• Manage select pre-requisite programs as part of the wider site team.
• Member of site HACCP Team and trained sensory panel.
• Represent the site at Tirlán cross site network meetings as required.
• Lead Supplier management through supplier engagement and maintenance of approval documentation through our supplier digital platform.
• Train & Instruct staff in key aspects of food safety policy and procedures 

Requirements

• A Science, Nutrition, Food Science degree qualification with experience in the dairy, meat  or food sector essential;
• 3 years' experience in the Dairy, Beverage, Prepared Food or Pharmaceutical industry, in the area of Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Quality  Control, or Technical NPD;
• Aptitude for Quality Management systems, Risk identification and operational processes, working with cross- functional teams;
•  Experience in Food Safety risk management through internal auditing and verification;
• Computer literate (Microsoft Office suite & a working knowledge of SAP desirable but not essential).

Competencies

• Attention to detail;
• Problem identifier and Problem Solver;
• Drive for Results;
• Interpersonal Savvy;
• Managing through systems;
• Organisational agility.

We offer

• Free parking
• Work/life balance and collaborative work culture
• Career progression opportunities

About us

Through our expertise in research and development, customer insights, food safety and state-of-the-art manufacturing we bring innovative food and nutrition solutions to a global market.  Our new and vibrant headquarters in Kilkenny City operates as a collaboration hub where multi-functional teams come together in a hybrid work environment.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
We believe in the value of difference. We know that different perspectives, life experience and backgrounds can drive innovation and deliver growth.

We welcome people from all walks of life without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, or disability status. 

Join our Talent Pool

Considering a new career in Tirlán but this isn’t the role for you? Join our talent community and sign up for job notifications at www.tirlan.com/careers

Tirlán is a Values Based Organisation