This newly created role, the Technical Specialist, is responsible for ensuring that the company's co-packers, suppliers, and warehouses adhere to relevant business quality protocols and uphold the highest standard of quality.
This role involves conducting co-packer quality audits, performing site capability assessments, and overseeing production trials.
This position is ideal for candidates who possess a strong blend of technical expertise in beverage manufacturing, quality assurance, and process optimisation, coupled with the ability to provide hands-on support in a fast-moving, high-volume production environment.
The role will be based in Dublin city and will offer hybrid working. Travel will be required up to 20% of the time mostly to Europe and Asia but will be project specific.
A bit more about the role:
- Audit and qualify current co-packers, suppliers, and distributors to ensure adherence to company quality standards and compliance with industry regulations.
- Provide technical support to co-packers, assisting with troubleshooting and optimising production processes to maintain quality consistency.
- Collaborating with internal Technical and Quality teams to develop and establish comprehensive packaging standards, ensuring that all packaging materials and processes align with product integrity, regulatory requirements, and quality specifications. This includes evaluating material performance, conducting compatibility testing, and ensuring the packaging design supports optimal shelf-life, product safety, and brand consistency.
- Conduct comprehensive audits of co-packers and distribution warehouses to verify compliance with Quality Guidelines and regulatory requirements.
- Validate the functionality of sanitation equipment and evaluate SSOP (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures) and COP (Clean-out-of-Place) practices to ensure alignment with standards and industry best practices.
- Perform quality assessments of production and processing equipment to ensure compliance with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications and food safety standards.
- Manage investigations and site follow-ups for critical complaints or audit findings, ensuring corrective actions are implemented and effective.
- Ensure timely follow-up on non-conformances identified during audits, verifying that corrective actions are taken and meet the required quality standards.
- Oversee innovation trials and commercial production processes at new or existing sites
- Troubleshoot production or trial issues, identifying root causes and coordinating solutions to resolve production inefficiencies or quality discrepancies.
- Prepare detailed audit reports and provide comprehensive data analysis, offering insights and recommendations to improve processes and maintain high-quality standards.
Experience Preferred:
- In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, HACCP, SQF, GMP) and ability to ensure compliance with manufacturing processes.
- Experience in auditing facilities for compliance with quality control guidelines, and familiarity with sanitation standards (SSOPs, COP practices).
- Quality lab Experience- HPLC, Refractometer, TA, PH, C02, Seam testing, Torque testing.
- Experience with beverage formulation (e.g., ingredients, flavour profiles, nutritional content) and the ability to manage product trials and scale-up processes from lab to commercial production.
- Experience in conducting R&D trials for new product introductions or formulation changes, ensuring the final product meets both technical specifications and quality standards.
Position Requirements:
- 4+ years of experience in the beverage manufacturing industry, with a focus on quality control, technical support, or production processes.
- Proven experience in auditing facilities, co-packers, or suppliers in compliance with food safety regulations and quality standards.
- Hands-on experience with beverage formulation, including ingredient sourcing, flavour development, and managing product trials.
- Strong background in food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, HACCP, SQF, GMP) and sanitation standards (SSOPs, COP).
- Experience with quality lab equipment such as HPLC, Refractometer, TA, PH meters, CO2 meters, Seam testing, and Torque testing.
- Prior experience with cold-fill beverage production, tunnel pasteurisation, water treatment, or brewing is preferred.
Technical Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of beverage production processes and food safety standards.
- Experience with production equipment maintenance, validation, and troubleshooting, ensuring compliance with OEM specifications.
- Proficiency in auditing techniques and using data analysis to assess quality performance, identify areas for improvement, and recommend corrective actions.
- Ability to manage R&D trials and oversee new product introductions or formulation changes.
- Strong troubleshooting skills for resolving production inefficiencies or quality discrepancies during trials and commercial production.
Other Skills:
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information to diverse stakeholders, including co-packers, suppliers, and internal teams.
- Detail-oriented, with a strong focus on ensuring compliance with all quality and safety standards.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative while managing multiple projects or sites.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and any data analysis tools (e.g., SPC software, quality management systems).
If you would like to find out more about this role please click the 'Apply Now' button below or reach out to Kellie on 021 2300 300.
