Quality Manager

Kepak is a leading food company with 14 manufacturing sites and over 4,500 employees across Ireland and the UK, with a turnover of €1.75 billion.

The Group operates across three divisions: Meat Division Ireland, Foods Division and Meat Division UK. Guided by our values - Responsibility, Ambition, Passion for Food, and Teamwork. We are committed to operating as a successful, sustainable, future-ready business that is a great place to work. We supply fresh and value-added meat based products to retail and foodservice through private label and our own brands, including Rustlers, Big Al's and John Stone.

Are you a passionate quality professional looking to make a real impact in a fast-paced food production environment? We have an exciting opportunity for a Quality Manager to join our dynamic technical team in Athleague, where you’ll play a key role in ensuring our products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

Champion and maintain compliance with regulatory, BRC, TFMS, MPQAS, and customer standards

Support and enhance the Food Safety Management System, ensuring its ongoing effectiveness

Manage and maintain customer product specifications, including via Kepak’s specification system

Collaborate with commercial, sales, and production teams in the development of new product specifications (NLAF)

Lead and support investigations into customer complaints, ensuring robust root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective actions (CAPA)

Drive excellence in handling non-conformances, both internal and external

Prepare for and support customer, regulatory, and accreditation audits - ensuring the site is always audit-ready

Work closely with DAFM representatives, attending weekly meetings and resolving any issues promptly

Support the traceability programme, ensuring timely and accurate responses to customer requests

Monitor and report on customer KPIs, driving corrective actions where needed

Contribute to continuous improvement projects across the site

Support, guide, and mentor members of the Technical and QC team

Requirements

What we need from you?

Qualification in Agri Science, Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline

Experience in a similar role and People Management experience required

Strong knowledge of HACCP, BRCGS, GMP, TACCP, VACCP, and EU food safety regulations

Experience in managing audits and liaising with external stakeholders

Proven track record in food safety compliance and quality systems management

Knowledge of animal welfare standards a distinct advantage

Level 6 QQI Advanced HACCP certification an advantage

Benefits

What can we offer you?

Company Pension

Paid Maternity Leave

Further Education support - You’ll have clear pathways for advancement, supported by continuous professional development and a range of learning opportunities

Employee Discount Platform - All Kepak employees are entitled to access to the WrkIt platform, which offers significant discounts and cashback with hundreds of brands.

Subsidized Canteen

Refer a Friend Scheme - Earn up to Get up to €500 for successfully referring a friend or family member to Kepak Group.

Bike to Work Scheme - Purchase a bike and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice scheme which reduces your taxable income – meaning you pay less tax!

Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees

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