Environmental Lead

About Dairygold Co-Operative Society Limited

Dairygold is a prominent Irish farmer-owned Dairy, Nutritional and Agricultural Co-Operative, with a turnover around 1.4 billion. The company employs approximately 1,300 individuals and operates across Ireland, the UK, Mainland Europe, and Asia.

Role Overview

The Environmental Lead will be based at the Mitchelstown sites and will play a crucial role in upholding the environmental compliance agenda. Reporting directly to the Castlefarm Environmental Manager, this role collaborates with site operations and sustainability teams to execute environmental policies, maintain site licenses, and ensure adherence to legal obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Site Management to implement procedures, controls, and monitoring systems ensuring full compliance with the Industrial Emissions Licence.
• Oversee the wastewater treatment plant's performance in partnership with the Environmental Lead and Site Management to maintain ongoing compliance.
• Offer guidance and assistance to Site Management teams to uphold best environmental and sustainability practices and enforce appropriate controls.
• Contribute to the formulation and implementation of environmental policies and procedures across the Dairygold Group.
• Regularly report on designated KPIs on a weekly and monthly basis.
• Act as the primary liaison for regulatory agencies.
• Assist in resolving regulatory and internal audit actions alongside site management.
• Conduct environmental risk assessments, implement control measures, and sustain compliance standards and risk registers.
• Ensure prompt reporting and thorough investigation of any environmental incidents or non-compliance, identifying corrective and preventive actions and achieving closure through continuous improvement tools.
• Maintain a visible presence on-site to monitor performance, enforce compliance, and foster improvements.
• Design, execute, and participate in site audit programs.
• Manage environmental training needs by organizing or delivering training and maintaining accurate records.
• Collaborate with Site Operations to identify capital expenditure needs ensuring risks due to changes are assessed and managed appropriately.
• Monitor all relevant environmental license parameters, schedule monitoring and testing, and take necessary corrective actions.
• Maintain environmental registers, management plans, waste logs, and prepare the annual environmental report and other statutory submissions.
• Carry out additional projects and duties as assigned.
• Exhibit flexibility and proactivity in addressing evolving environmental and sustainability challenges within the workplace.

Candidate Profile

• At least five years of experience in environmental compliance or a closely related area.
• Degree qualification in Environmental Science or a similar field.
• In-depth understanding of environmental legislation, sustainability practices, and risk management frameworks.
• Experience liaising with regulatory authorities including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Familiarity with Biological Nutrient System Treatment Plants is advantageous.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to engage effectively with employees, contractors, customers, and regulators.
• Demonstrated capacity to motivate teams, promote sustainable engagement and achieve results through collaboration.
• Excellent planning, organizational, and influencing abilities.
• Resilient character with a strong commitment to advancing the organization's environmental and sustainability objectives.

Employee Benefits

• Participation in the transformative Our Strategy Our Future 2030 initiative with significant infrastructural investments supporting growth ambitions.
• Rewarding career opportunities, a supportive colleague community, and opportunities for skill development.
• Engagement in meaningful projects alongside highly skilled teams.
• Competitive salary coupled with an annual bonus program.
• Comprehensive company pension plan.
• Healthcare contribution benefits.
• Company sick pay scheme.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program supporting employee wellbeing.
• Emphasis on maintaining a positive work-life balance.
• Paid family leave options.
• Active Sports and Social club fostering work culture and camaraderie.
• Culture of continuous improvement and innovation with encouragement for idea sharing.
• Commitment to Zero Harm safety initiatives.
• Recognition through Employee Service Awards.

Diversity and Inclusion

Dairygold is dedicated to fostering a workplace that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, establishing an open and welcoming culture where all employees feel valued and encouraged to be their authentic selves. The company supports reasonable accommodations for candidates and employees with disabilities upon request.