laboratory scientist jobs

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

• Work Location: Otahuhu, Auckland, New Zealand
• Reporting Line: Quality Assurance Laboratory Lead
  

Key responsibilities

• Main Responsibilities

  • Conduct finished product, in-process, raw material, water, and end-of-shelf-life testing in accordance with approved methods, specifications, and schedules.
  • Produce test results in a timely manner to support the accurate and timely release of compliant raw materials and finished products.
  • Identify, document, and escalate raw material and finished product non-conformances, and support investigations and corrective actions.
  • Manage laboratory, retention, and external testing samples to maintain identification, traceability, storage, and disposal requirements.
  • Complete equipment calibration, verification, and routine checks, and maintain accurate laboratory records.
  • Perform environmental monitoring and hygiene swabbing in line with site procedures and schedules.
  • Coordinate testing with external laboratories, including sample submission, result follow-up, and record management.
  • Maintain accurate quality data and records in Intelex, SAP, and other approved systems.
  • Support internal and external audits within the laboratory’s scope, including customer, regulatory, and certification audits.
  Contribute to laboratory and site continuous improvement initiatives, including enhancements to testing reliability, efficiency, compliance, and data integrity.
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  Food Safety and Quality Responsibilities

  • Comply with all applicable food safety, quality, GMP, HACCP, allergen, customer, company, and regulatory requirements.
  • Immediately report and escalate any food safety, legality, quality, or product integrity concerns in accordance with site procedures.
  • Complete all required training and maintain demonstrated competency in assigned laboratory and quality responsibilities.
  • Maintain accurate, complete, legible, and traceable records in accordance with data integrity and document control requirements.

Qualifications and skills

• A tertiary qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Practical knowledge of laboratory testing, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), HACCP, GMP, and food safety principles.Understanding of recognised food safety and quality management systems, such as FSSC 22000, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Strong attention to detail, sound problem-solving skills, and the ability to interpret test results against specifications.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; experience with SAP, Intelex, or laboratory information systems is desirable.