Laboratory Assistant

Role overview

Kinisla is hiring a Laboratory Assistant for its Listowel, County Kerry location. This is a seasonal, full-time onsite position supporting product quality through laboratory testing and analysis.

Working pattern

The standard schedule runs from 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. The role also includes one weekend on, one weekend off. With prior notice, you may occasionally be asked to work a 12-hour day or cover a night shift.

What the role involves

You will contribute to maintaining high quality standards across Kerry products by examining samples and assessing them across physical, chemical, microbiological, functional, and sensory criteria.

Key duties

• Check raw materials, in-process samples, and finished goods in the laboratory.
• Carry out testing across physical, chemical, microbiological, functional, and sensory properties.
• Complete proficiency testing within the limits of the laboratory’s accreditations.
• Enter and maintain data in SAP and other relevant systems.
• Work in line with the company’s “Safety First, Quality Always” approach.
• Take on additional duties as assigned.

What you should bring

The ideal candidate has prior exposure to food or dairy laboratory testing, along with a solid understanding of product specifications, plant processes, and quality management systems. A strong grasp of Good Laboratory Practice is important. Experience in manufacturing is helpful but not essential. You should also be comfortable using MS Office, and familiarity with LIMS and SAP would be an advantage. The role suits someone who is organised, methodical, able to work under pressure, and attentive to detail. Strong analytical ability and flexibility are also key.

Why work here

Kinisla describes itself as a collaborative, innovation-driven business focused on food, sustainability, and solving global food challenges. The company values curiosity, teamwork, and continuous improvement, and aims to give employees the space to grow and make an impact.

Benefits

• Opportunities for career growth and development.
• Access to an employee benefits platform with discounts and offers across retail, travel, utilities, and more.
• Matched pension contribution of up to 10%.
• Employee Assistance Program covering emotional, physical, nutritional, and financial wellbeing.
• One paid volunteer day per year through MyCommunity.
• A supportive team culture with a focus on safety and continuous improvement.

About the company

Kinisla is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork food business with a strong presence in consumer foods and nutritional and dairy ingredients. With more than 50 years of experience in milk processing, dairy technology, and product innovation, the company works with local family farms and serves markets through a portfolio of dairy brands. Its operations span multiple sites in southwest Ireland and beyond, and the business employs more than 1,600 people globally. In 2024, the company reported turnover of approximately €1.3 billion.

Equality, inclusion, and recruitment notes

Kinisla says it values a diverse and inclusive workplace and evaluates candidates based on role-related skills and merit. The company states that it does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.

Applicants should be alert to scams: company staff will not contact candidates from non-company email addresses or phone numbers, will not use video chat rooms for interviews, and will not ask for payment at any stage of the hiring process except for reimbursable travel expenses. Any legitimate company payments will come from official firm accounts carrying the company name.

The company also notes that it does not accept CVs or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies unless terms of business have been signed, and it will not agree to recruiter fees in those circumstances. This also applies to CVs or candidate profiles sent directly to hiring managers.

Seasonal employment note

This is a seasonal role, which means the assignment is expected to be for a limited period rather than year-round.