Group Quality Systems Lead
Location variable NI/ROI
Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited (The Group) is the second largest dairy processor on the island of Ireland. The business is complex and ambitious with a milk supply pool of 2 billion liters of milk, drawn from over 3,200 family farms across 16 counties.
With the most modern dairy manufacturing facilities in 8 locations on a cross-border basis, the Group supplies to a broad customer base including some of the world’s foremost ‘blue chip’ companies across the dairy food ingredients, foodservice and consumer food channels on a domestic Ireland, UK, European and global basis. Internationally we export some 240 different products to over 100 countries worldwide.
The Group’s Agribusiness Division (Lakeland Agri) operates a state-of-the-art Animal Feed Manufacturing Facility and is a leading and innovative provider of the highest quality feeds and agricultural inputs to dairy, beef and sheep farmers across the north and south of Ireland.
Applications are invited for the above position to be based at any of our NI or ROI operational sites:
The Role
We are looking for a high-caliber Group Quality Systems Lead to drive the development, implementation, and governance of our Dairy Business Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) system across our group estate. As a key enabler of our strategic growth, this key role will oversee the creation of a comprehensive Group FSQ Manual, lead supplier and raw material approval processes, and spearhead our digital transformation across quality platforms.
This exciting, new role offers the opportunity to influence operational excellence at a group level, ensuring our systems meet the evolving needs of our customers, regulators, and the wider business strategy.
The successful applicant can be based at any of our operational sites across NI or ROI.
Key responsibilities will include (Not limited too):
- Supplier & Raw Material Approval: Oversee approval processes across the Dairy Business to ensure compliance.
- TPM Oversight: Support Third-Party Manufacturer (TPM) approvals, coordinating FSQ activities between central functions and site quality teams.
- Commercialisation Governance: Drive the development and embedding of group commercialisation processes, ensuring sites meet FSQ milestones on time.
- Standardisation & Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement standardised ways of working to align with customer, regulatory, and 3rd party standards.
- KPI Management: Design FSQ KPI templates and manage the reporting cycle for key stakeholders.
- FSQ Digitalisation: Lead the digital transformation of quality systems and platforms through cross-functional collaboration.
- Strategic Partnership: Collaborate across the business to integrate food safety and quality into the delivery of the overall business strategy.
What do I need to be successful in this role?
- Industry Expertise: Substantial experience in a quality-focused role within food manufacturing or a similarly regulated sector.
- Systems Mastery: Proven track record in working and managing robust Quality Management Systems (QMS).
- Compliance & Standards: Technical knowledge of BRC and FSSC 22000 standards, and demonstrated experience of working with customer and other compliance standards.
- Collaborative Leadership: A versatile team player with the ability to work independently and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Communication & Influence: Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to translate complex quality data into clear, actionable insights.
- Educational Background: A third-level qualification in Food Science, Technology, or a related discipline would be advantageous.
- Valued Extras: Previous experience in system digitalisation/implementation or working within the foodservice and retail sectors is highly desirable. Experience working with SAP beneficial.
If you have the necessary skills and attributes to meet this challenging opportunity in a dynamic, high volume and fast-moving business, we would be delighted to hear from you!
Application Process:
To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV by no later than mid-day on Monday 9th March 2026.
Lakeland Dairies Ltd is committed to having an inclusive workplace where every employee feels they belong. If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process or have questions relating to accessibility, please contact us at recruitment@lakelanddairies.com