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.
About the role
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:
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Champion and maintain compliance with regulatory, BRC, TFMS, MPQAS, and customer standards
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Support and enhance the Food Safety Management System, ensuring its ongoing effectiveness
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Manage and maintain customer product specifications, including via Kepak’s specification system
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Collaborate with commercial, sales, and production teams in the development of new product specifications (NLAF)
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Lead and support investigations into customer complaints, ensuring robust root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective actions (CAPA)
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Drive excellence in handling non-conformances, both internal and external
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Prepare for and support customer, regulatory, and accreditation audits—ensuring the site is always audit-ready
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Work closely with DAFM representatives, attending weekly meetings and resolving any issues promptly
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Support the traceability programme, ensuring timely and accurate responses to customer requests
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Monitor and report on customer KPIs, driving corrective actions where needed
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Contribute to continuous improvement projects across the site
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Support, guide, and mentor members of the Technical and QC team
Requirements
What we need from you?
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Qualification in Agri Science, Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline
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Experience in a similar role and People Management experience required
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Strong knowledge of HACCP, BRCGS, GMP, TACCP, VACCP, and EU food safety regulations
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Experience in managing audits and liaising with external stakeholders
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Proven track record in food safety compliance and quality systems management
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Knowledge of animal welfare standards a distinct advantage
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Level 6 QQI Advanced HACCP certification an advantage
Benefits
What can we offer you?
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Company Pension
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Paid Maternity Leave
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Further Education support - You’ll have clear pathways for advancement, supported by continuous professional development and a range of learning opportunities
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Subsidized Canteen
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Refer a Friend Scheme - Earn up to Get up to €500 for successfully referring a friend or family member to Kepak Group.
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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!
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Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees