Current Vacancies at Kerry

About the Role:

The purpose of this role is to recommend policies, objectives and strategies, including short- and long-term plans, in the implementation and co-ordination of the company policies on Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) and HACCP.  The Quality Manager will be responsible for maximizing quality assurance and the objectives of the assuring and safety and effectiveness of the company’s procedures, adhering to international standards at all times.  It is imperative that the QA Manager ensures that the company’s quality standards are not compromised.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for directing site food safety and quality initiatives
• Provide support to the QHSE COE and technology cluster to ensure all directives, policies and initiatives are effectively incorporated at plant level
• Ensure food safety and quality of products to meet all customer and Kerry specifications
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and quality policies, standards, procedures & work instructions
• Supervise & coordinate all laboratory testing to ensure accuracy, efficiency & timeliness of results
• Develop and maintain procedures and documentation which assure product and service quality
• Implement Quality objectives in line with the COE programs and one way of working
• Implement KPIs, targets, Quality Improvement Programs and guidelines
• Communicate process capability to commercialization team
• Supervise Product Scale Up Process with RD&A and ensure Quality requirements are agreed at the time of commercialization
• Conduct risk assessments and implement corrective actions
• Continually evaluate and trend process controls, food safety and quality programs
• Manage consumer complaints, troubleshooting, root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Manage quality and food safety issues in line with cluster communication and escalation protocols to enable appropriate level of decision making
• Maintain and active list of suppliers used by the site and engage Regional Supply Quality for audits and supporting documentation
• Responsible for quality talent management, development programs, objectives & performance appraisals
• Provide ongoing guidance, supervision, and vision to support comprehensive quality and food safety programs for Kerry; ensuring continuity of business according to Kerry, customer and regulatory expectations
• Ensure the reliability and functionality of the QA Laboratory
• Responsible for all aspects of quality control activities of raw materials, in-line and finished products

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

Leadership:

• Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions to coordinate activities
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job
• Managing one's own time and the time of others
• High level of stress tolerance; performing steadily and effectively under time pressure, regardless of setbacks, disappointments or opposition. Reacts calmly and in proportion to the significance of the issue at hand

Service:

• Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods
• Resource allocation, human resources & leadership technique
• Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformation that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques and disposal methods
• Knowledge of commercial and regulatory requirements 

Communication:

• Presentation skills
• Communication – written & oral/ability to communicate complex ideas concisely
• Active listening
• Excellent report writing and computer skills

Problem Solving/Decision Making:

• Analytical & interpretation skills
• Decision making & judgment
• Problem Solving - enquiring mind, lateral thinking

Essential:

• Relevant tertiary Science qualification with a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience within the Pharmaceutical/Consumer Applicable food processing technology expertise and statistical process experience
• Qualified background in food chemistry, sensory, microbiology, food packaging systems & food engineering
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and change management initiatives
• Problem solving and complaint resolution
• Strong Interpersonal, communication, coaching and conflict management skills
• Understanding of product certification programs such as Kosher, Halal and Organic
• Understanding policies related to international products
• Understanding of various aspects of TQM i.e. that quality goes beyond the product itself
• Knowledge of BRC, HACCP, SPC, relevant customer standards and AIB product safety systems
• Understands and champions GMP and GLP requirements
• Strong Allergen awareness
• Knowledge of food and facility security requirements
• Knowledge of setting up and executing compliance systems

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About the role

We are looking for a RD&A Lead will lead the Research and Development function in South Africa.  He/she must be the driver of change and progress in the region, and at the same time act as the “bridge” connecting the region to the rest of the global organization and developing a strong RD&A team focusing on End Use Markets.

Key responsibilities

•  To manage and deliver the execution of active projects to meet the strategy and growth targets.

 To manage the innovation portfolio across the various technology groups, which entails:

• Combining a clear understanding of customer needs and technical expertise in order to formulate innovation initiatives.
• Determining how Kerry can gain competitive differentiation in the region through excellence in research and driving product development that will exceed the customer’s expectations. 
• Evaluating the existing product portfolio; determine where enhancements may be made to create best-in-category products.
• Recommend and screen all potential raw materials necessary to build portfolio 
• In alignment with the regional leadership team and global R&D stakeholders, appropriately select and prioritize projects that add the most value to Kerry’s customers.
• Assignment of resources – people and budgets. 
• Tracking of project progress relative to milestones and launch dates. 
•  Build and develop the RD&A organization by hiring, coaching, training and providing regular feedback, particularly to the team of direct reports.  Instill a high-performance culture across the RD&A function through leadership by example.
•  Ensure that Kerry is keeping abreast of cutting-edge science to drive efficiencies and effectiveness in the quest to develop new product solutions.
•  Work closely with the Supply Chain / Operations function to support:
  •  Process improvements in the plants.
  •  Business continuity.
  •  Regulatory support for registrations of plants and inspections as needed. 
  •  Productivity.
•  Play a key role in as a technical lead for select key account and remain as the main contact to drive consistency in sharing and improved of service quality. 
•  Help drive the business through active participation and contribution on the senior leadership committee.
•  Contribute to the regional RD&A strategy and how it can be aligned to business goals.  Share a vision of excellence in R&D and create a road map for implementation.
•  Support & coordinate 1Kerry approach to Customers and adopt Kerry ways of working 

Qualifications and skills

•  A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science
•  At least minimum of 15 years work experience in RD&A various leadership roles within a regulated food / ingredients industry. 
•  Exposure to multiple markets in the APMEA region. 
•  Previous experience in preparing and managing budgets. 
•  Demonstrated track record of successful innovations in the commercial marketplace. 
•  Experience in transferring innovations into plants and an understanding of plant operations. 
•  Experience in building and maintaining a highly talented, high performance R&D organization.
•  Ability to communicate a compelling vision for RD&A function to various internal and external stakeholders. 
•  Strong understanding of the business environment, customers, competitors and especially government regulations.  
•  Strong understanding of wider business focus, and impact RD&A can have on separate functions. 
•  Ability to build relationships with, impact and influence effectively in a cross-functional highly matrixed environment. 
•  Decisive, demonstrated ability to make difficult calls based on a combination of data, analysis and experience. 
•  Understanding of company’s near, mid and long term priorities, with a sense of urgency to adapt to changing business situations.
•  Up to date knowledge of key competitors and their activities within the region
•  Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to lead, motivate and develop talent

Competencies Required:

•  An analytical thinker capable of conveying technical information in a user-friendly manner.
•  Self-starter who can manage fluctuating workloads and projects using a high degree of initiative.
•  Strong team player with a clear focus on stakeholder engagement and solution delivery.
•  Strong communicator in terms of excellent verbal and written communication skills, comfortable interacting with confidence across a wide range of stakeholders.
•  Takes personal accountability and ownership of actions to completion.