Quality Leadership Development Program

At Kerry we’re obsessed with food and with an ambition to provide 2 billion people access to more sustainable nutrition, this isn’t a ‘typical’ program. But then, you’re not a typical student. If you’re looking for responsibility and exposure to meaningful projects around the world and if you have an open and flexible approach, then a career at Kerry could be right for you. The world wants more nutritious, tastier, sustainably produced food. If you want to help solve the food challenges of our time, apply now. 

The food industry is ever-growing, and we pride ourselves in helping customers make better food, in a better way for a better future. Kerry is a global company with several manufacturing facilities across North America. The Kerry Leadership Development Program is a 24-month rotational program, which will begin on July 12, 2027. 

Gain Experience Across Multiple Kerry Locations

As part of our two-year Early Career Program, participants will complete two rotations at two different Early Career Center of Excellence locations, providing exposure to diverse manufacturing environments, technologies, products, and leadership teams across Kerry's network.

Potential rotation locations include Clark, NJ; Rome, GA; Manitowoc, WI; Jackson, WI; Sturtevant, WI; Rochester, MN; and Rothschild, WI.

To support participants throughout the program, relocation assistance is provided for rotational assignments that require a move, helping ensure a smooth transition between locations and experiences.  This unique rotational structure is designed to broaden business knowledge, expand professional networks, and accelerate career development through hands-on experience in multiple manufacturing settings.

Quality Overview

Kerry is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace.  Kerry is committed to producing safe, high-quality food products that consistently satisfy customer needs while complying with all applicable regulatory requirements.  Kerry is committed to conducting all aspects of its business in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.  The Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) function enable and support the delivery of these commitments.  This role will be in one of our Wisconsin or Illinois plants.  You will spend your first year in one location then relocate to a second location.

Key Responsibilities

• This plant level role will focus on ensuring that plant production processes deliver optimal quality food products for customers. 
• Maintain and continuously improve the site's Quality Management System (QMS) to support regulatory, customer, and certification compliance.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits while helping maintain audit readiness and compliance standards.
• Analyze quality data, trends, and KPIs to identify risks, improve process performance, and support data-driven decision making.
• Support product, raw material, and packaging specification, including change control and documentation updates. 
• Assist in the oversight of quality control measures, conducting audits, and ensure compliance with food safety standards (like HACCP and GMP).
• Investigate customer complaints, nonconformances, and quality issues to improve product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Actively live the Kerry values of Courage, Ownership, Inclusiveness, Open-mindedness, & Enterprising Spirit.

Qualifications & Skills

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited college or university, in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology or Engineering related field, with an anticipated graduation date between December 2026 - May 2027
• Strong interpersonal skills with the proven ability to communicate effectively to all levels of an organization 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the proven ability to build and maintain relationships and communicate professionally to all levels of an organization 
• Excellent time management and organizational skills 
• Ability to work in a team environment 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 
• Legal Authorization to work in the United States – Sponsorship will not be provided for this role now or in the future
• A curious mindset 

Compensation Data

The pay range for this position is $65,000 - $70,000 in Annual Salary.  Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role.  Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.  The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity.  In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance-based incentive compensation.  Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement.  Accepting applications on a continuous basis until 2027 cohort is full.  This job posting is anticipated to expire on March 31, 2027. 

 We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.

​Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).                  

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.