Laboratory Technician

About the role

An opening is available for a Laboratory Technician at the Kinisla site in Charleville, County Cork. This is a full-time seasonal position within the Powder Lab.

The role works on a rotating 3-cycle pattern of 8-hour shifts: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 12:00 am, and 12:00 am to 8:00 am. A shift allowance of 25% is provided. Overtime on Saturdays is paid at 1.5x for the first 2 hours and at 2x thereafter. Sunday overtime is paid at double time.

The site employs around 140 people and produces items such as skim milk powder for the infant and nutritional sector, functional dairy ingredients for confectionery, and a range of cheese powders for savoury snack applications. Facilities include a canteen and on-site parking, and the site is located on Kilmallock Road (R515), about a 15-minute walk from the town centre.

Role summary

The Laboratory Technician will work from the Powder Lab and support product quality by testing and analysing samples to confirm they meet required standards. Experience in roles such as Lab Assistant, Lab Analyst, Quality Technician, or QC Technician would be beneficial.

Key responsibilities

• Remain adaptable and willing to cross-train across other laboratory functions when extra support is required.
• Test raw material samples, including milk, as well as in-process and finished goods samples such as whey, skim milk powder, and related products across the milk intake and in-process laboratories.
• Carry out laboratory work in accordance with GLP and internal site procedures.
• Follow GLP, GMP, and all safety requirements consistently.
• Help ensure the lab is stocked with the consumables needed to complete analyses.
• Record test data and results accurately and keep documentation clear, current, and legible.
• Carry out basic instrument calibration and maintenance, including the required records.
• Take part in proficiency testing within the scope of laboratory accreditations.
• Keep the laboratory clean, tidy, and well organised.
• Participate in internal and external audits and inspections.
• Arrange dispatch of samples for internal and external testing and track the resulting data.
• Provide maintenance support for Leco equipment to the lab manager.
• Support site audits when needed.
• Undertake other duties as required to complete the role effectively.

Required skills and experience

• Willingness to work flexibly across different lab areas.
• Strong computer skills, with working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and SAP.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Previous experience in a quality control setting with strong attention to detail and compliance awareness.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a busy, high-pressure environment.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable dealing with auditors and external stakeholders.

What you can expect

• Career development opportunities.
• 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 volunteering day each year through MyCommunity.
• A friendly team culture focused on continuous improvement and safety.

About the company

Kinisla is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a major consumer foods presence and a strong nutritional and dairy ingredients division. The company focuses on sustainable, innovative dairy solutions and works with local family farms to produce high-quality products across the value chain.

With more than 50 years of experience in milk processing, dairy and nutritional technology, and product development, the business is a significant player in the global food sector. Its portfolio includes brands such as Cheestrings, Charleville and Coleraine Cheese, Dairygold, Golden Cow, and the SMUG range.

Headquartered in Tralee, County Kerry, Kinisla operates manufacturing sites in Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket, and Farranfore, along with 29 Farm & Home stores across the region. The company also has locations in Portadown, Coleraine, and Ossett in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. Globally, it employs over 1,600 people across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and China. In 2024, turnover was approximately €1.3 billion.

Additional information

The company emphasises inclusion, fairness, and hiring based on skills and competencies. Recruitment decisions are made on merit, and the organisation does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status, or other protected characteristics.

Please be cautious of scams. Genuine company representatives will not contact candidates through personal email addresses or phone numbers, will not use video chat rooms for interviews, and will never ask for payment during the hiring process except for reimbursable travel expenses. Any company payments will come from official accounts bearing the company name.

Applications from recruitment agencies will only be considered where business terms have been formally agreed. Recruiter fees will not be paid where those terms are not in place, including CVs or profiles sent directly to hiring managers.