Regulatory Scientist

About the company

Kerry Dairy Ireland operates a vertically integrated farm-to-fork dairy business with a large consumer foods footprint and a strong dairy ingredients and nutrition division. The company works closely with family farms and focuses on sustainable, innovative dairy solutions across its value chain.

With more than 50 years of experience in milk processing, dairy technology, nutritional development, and product innovation, the business has built a well-known portfolio of brands such as Cheestrings, Charleville, Coleraine Cheese, Dairygold, Golden Cow, and SMUG. Its close relationships with 2,800 milk suppliers are a key part of its identity.

Headquartered in Tralee, County Kerry, the organisation has manufacturing sites across southwest Ireland, including Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket, and Farranfore, along with 29 Farm & Home stores. It also operates in Northern Ireland and the UK, with locations in Portadown, Coleraine, and Ossett. Globally, the business employs more than 1,600 people across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, the USA, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and China. In 2024, turnover was approximately €1.3 billion.

About the role

This position is focused on anticipating regulatory change and understanding how it may affect the business so that timely action can be taken. The successful candidate will be recognised externally as a regulatory expert, contribute to committees and working groups, and help shape a regulatory agenda that supports growth. The role also includes leading regulatory-related business projects where required.

The role is based in Tralee, with flexibility for other locations.

Key responsibilities

• Embed the regulatory operating model and support customer regulatory enquiries by maintaining accurate data and systems while providing specialist regulatory and scientific guidance.
• Prepare key documentation for strategic customers, including materials related to raw materials, finished goods, labelling, packaging regulations, tariff classification, and statement preparation.
• Support the business in launching compliant new product introductions.
• Work with sites and internal stakeholders such as Quality, Marketing, NPI, and Commercial teams to resolve legislative interpretation and compliance questions.
• Manage engagement with trade associations and government agencies on regulatory matters.
• Lead and assist with horizon scanning, food fraud monitoring, recall/alert issue management, and the sharing of regulatory knowledge across the business.
• Coordinate responses across sites for regulators and customers when new issues emerge.
• Stay current on regulatory developments and industry trends affecting manufacturing and the supply base.
• Support third-country registrations for plants and products, and carry out country compliance checks.
• Help develop regulatory strategy and systems, including ICT support tools, to maintain a consistent approach across all sites.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, or a related discipline, or proven practical experience in the field.
• Background in the food or dairy sector, preferably in a regulatory, quality assurance, or RDA role.
• Useful experience with national or international trade associations and/or knowledge of EU food legislation and standards.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately in a busy, fast-moving environment.
• Strong attention to detail, with excellent organisation and accuracy.
• Capacity to work independently with a curious, research-driven approach.
• Self-motivated with strong planning and time-management skills.
• Good collaboration and interpersonal abilities.
• Comfort with systems and systems development.

Additional information

This is a full-time onsite position. No salary, stipend, opening count, or start date was provided in the source information.