Regulatory Scientist

About the Dairy Business

Kerry Dairy Ireland is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial consumer foods presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high-quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation. From partnering with local family farms to producing world-class dairy products, we ensure every step of our value chain reflects our commitment to excellence.

With over 50 years’ experience in milk processing, dairy and nutritional technology advancement, and product innovation, we are a key stakeholder in the global food industry and creators of a strong portfolio of market leading dairy brands including Cheestrings, Charleville and Coleraine Cheese, Dairygold, Golden Cow and our new SMUG range. Our from food, for food culture and deep-rooted connection to our 2,800 milk suppliers differentiates our business and offers captivating opportunities for our customers and consumers.  

Our dairy comes from some of the world’s richest grazing land and is produced by a network of Irish family farms that have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Through a combination of expertise, innovation, and sustainability, Kerry Dairy Ireland is proud to shape the future of dairy while meeting the diverse needs of our farmers, customers, and communities. 

Headquartered in Tralee, Co. Kerry, we operate multiple manufacturing facilities in the southwest of Ireland, including Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket, and Farranfore. Additionally, we manage 29 Farm & Home stores throughout the region, ensuring comprehensive coverage and service. In Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, our presence extends to key locations in Portadown, Coleraine, and Ossett.

Globally, Kerry Dairy Ireland employs over 1,600 dedicated professionals across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and China. In 2024, we achieved a turnover of approximately €1.3 billion, reflecting our commitment to excellence and growth.

About the role

Anticipating Regulatory changes and impact on Kerry business, allowing for proactive action. Be seen externally as an expert in related regulations, taking a leadership role in regulatory body committees and working groups. Identifying opportunities and develops an agenda for regulatory to enable business growth. Takes the lead on regulatory related business projects as appropriate.

Location: Tralee but can be flexible in other locations

What will I be doing?

• The role focuses on embedding of the regulatory operating model and support on customer regulatory queries, managing accurate data and systems and by providing best in class expert regulatory and scientific knowledge and advice.
• Completion of key strategic customers documentation, in areas such as raw material, finished goods, labelling and packaging regulatory, tariff classification and statement development.
• Providing Regulatory support to the business on commercialising compliant NPI products.
• Assist sites & key stakeholders (Quality, Marketing, NPI, Commercial) with legislative queries and legislative interpretation queries.
• Management of relationships with trade associations and government agencies in relation to regulatory topics.
• Leads and supports the Horizon Scanning process, Food Fraud, Industry Recall/Alert & Issue Management scanning and knowledge sharing. Coordinate cross site responses to regulators and customers on emerging issues.
• Keep abreast of the latest development of relevant industry regulations and trends across the business manufacturing and supply base.
• Provide support function in terms of 3rd country registrations for plants / products and the performance of country compliance checks.
• Regulatory Strategy & Systems Development – including ICT support systems – ensuring a consistent approach across sites.

What do I need to be successful?

• Hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, or related discipline and/or a proven track record in the area.
• Experience in Food/Dairy Industry, in a regulatory, QA or RDA Role.
• Beneficial to have experience of national or international trade associations/ knowledge of EU food legislation/standards
• Able to work accurately and quickly in a fast-paced environment
• A strong eye for detail: highly accurate, organised
• Ability to work on your own initiative - with a interrogative/research mindset
• Self-motivated with good organisational skills with good time management
• Strong Collaboration and Interpersonal Skills
• Aptitude for Systems and Systems Development