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.
The 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.
Key Responsibilities:
* 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.
* Collaborate 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.
* 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.
Requirements:
* 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).