About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

We are currently recruiting for a Upstream Process Specialist to join the Process Sciences team at our Enzyme production facility in Carrigaline, The site is part of Kerry's Global Applied Health and Nutrition (AH&N) division which delivers a vast portfolio of advanced Technologies (Excipients, Cell Nutrition, Vinegar, Emulsifiers, Texture Systems, Enzymes, Brewing Ingredients, Proteins, Proactive Health, Food Protection). AH&N supports Kerry’s alignment with industry trends such as nutrition, clean label, sustainability and food safety while the vast portfolio of advanced technologies serves the food, animal nutrition, biotech, fermentation and pharmaceutical markets. Customers come to us for our innovative ideas and integrated solutions, assured that Kerry is where it all comes together for our customers.

The Process Sciences team is responsible for supporting manufacturing operations by assisting with investigations and performing technical evaluations and conducting pilot scale upstream/downstream development studies to assess process quality and performance. The candidate will work closely with the Process Science Manager to successfully deliver projects within time, schedule and budget.

This is a permanent full-time position.

What will I be doing?

In this key role, the successful candidate will be responsible for evaluating and optimizing the performance of processes and ultimately yield, quality and customer satisfaction. Responsibilities will include:

• Supporting scientific investigations related to upstream unit operations of enzyme manufacturing processes.
• Overseeing the team in preparing the seed train and providing inoculum (starter culture) to the production plant.
• Working with a team of technologist & production staff and support all activities to assure that scientific investigations are planned and coordinated cross-functionally and executed effectively.
• Co-ordinate with project leads & R&D department to ensure new fermentation process are scaled up in Carrigaline site.
• Improving upstream process efficiency by using six sigma tools.
• Reporting feedback and generating monthly and annual yield reports for fermentation, liquids and powders.
• Liaising with site functions – logistics, planning, QA, QC, Operations and Regulatory Affairs to support the process transfer to Carrigaline site
• Leading major process investigations as requested and support the implementation of CAPAs. Provide technical training on process and technology areas as required by the project.
• Leading the optimization for various parameters in upstream processes such as media and feed strategies, cell culture scale-up and primary recovery processes.
• Interact with external CMO/CDMOs, vendors, and partners and assist in technology transfer.
• Presents experimental results/ new projects at department meetings.
• Part of the team responsible for the Laboratory Service and t aking the lead on HACCP review meetings

What Qualifications. Sills and Experience will I need?

To be successful in this role we are looking for the right behaviours and competencies as well as a proven track in a similar position. The ideal candidate will ideally have the following:

• Minimum of a B.Sc., B.E. or M.Sc./ M.Eng. Degree in Biosciences, Chemical Engineering or equivalent; equivalent defined as a Biotechnology or Industrial Chemistry Degree with a large element of biotechnology in the curriculum.
• Significant industry experience, ideally gained within Biotechnology/ Food /Pharma manufacturing
• Strong background and experience in microbial fermentation process. Experience with spray drying would be an advantage but not essential.
• Lean Six Sigma certification would be an advantage.
• Interpersonal and facilitation skills necessary to interface with and influence all levels of the organisation with the ability to lead people and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proven problem-solving ability, project management skills, including leading cross functional teams and balancing multiple project assignments.
• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practise) work experience is preferred.

In Kerry we know that sometimes the perfect candidate doesn’t exist, and people can be put off applying for a role if they don’t fit all the requirements. If you are excited about working for us and have the majority of the skills or experience, then please do apply as you could be exactly what we are looking for.

What’s in it for me?

As well as a genuine opportunity to develop your career within a global leader in food and nutrition technology space, you'll also receive a completive salary and comprehensive benefits package including:

• Matched pension up to 10%
• 25 days + bank holidays
• Life Assurance 6 x Salary
• 'OurShare' - Kerry's employee share purchase scheme.
• Private Medical Health Contributions
• Access to our Employee Benefits Platform
• Employee Assistance Programme - we understand that sometimes life can be tough.

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.