R & D Project Manager

About the Role:

At Kinisla, we are shaping the future of dairy innovation. We are looking for an R&D Project Manager to drive the successful delivery of our innovation portfolio across internal manufacturing sites and external partners.

Reporting into the R&D Lead, this role supports the management of internal and external innovation projects. This is a highly collaborative role at the centre of our business, where you will connect R&D, Marketing, Operations and Customers, ensuring projects are delivered at pace, with technical excellence and commercial focus.

What will I be doing?

• Coordinate innovation projects from concept through to launch
• Work closely with private label retail partners on product and portfolio management from a NPD perspective.
• Manage third-party manufacturing product set up and onboarding, ensuring capability, quality and delivery standards are met.
• Develop and manage critical paths, ensuring projects land on time and to brief
• Facilitate site feasibility assessments, ensuring ideas are scalable and viable
• Collaborate with NPI, Manufacturing, and R&D teams to deliver seamless project execution
• Represent R&D within governance processes and support the R&D lead in key decision forums
• Coordinate customer visits, product showcases and technical engagement sessions

What do I need to be successful?

At Kinisla, we understand that people have very different career trajectories and experiences. In order to be successful in this role we would be looking for the right competencies and aptitudes as well as your proven track record of success in a similar role and environment.

These include:

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or related discipline
• Project Management Qualification
• Strong experience in R&D, manufacturing, or food production environments (3+ years)
• Proven project management capability across complex, cross-functional programmes
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong stakeholder engagement and customer-facing skills
• Understanding of innovation processes, product development, and scale-up

Desirable:

• Experience in dairy processing
• Exposure to third-party manufacturing / co-manufacturing models
• Experience working with private label customers.

What Sets You Apart:

• You thrive in a matrix organisation, bringing clarity to complexity
• You balance technical understanding with commercial delivery
• You are proactive, organised, and focused on getting projects over the line
• You build strong relationships and can influence across functions and levels

What will I get in return?

At Kinisla, we believe in giving talented, curious people the opportunity to make a difference.

We work as a team, searching for the best ways to inspire and lead the evolution of dairy food and nutrition. We are a community of innovators, working across disciplines to solve global food challenges with a fresh approach. We want you to achieve whatever you put your mind to.

We also offer:

• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
• Health Care Allowance
• Matched pension scheme up to 10% Employer Contribution
• Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers.
• Employee Assistance Policy

About Kinisla:

Kinisla is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial consumer foods presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high-quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation. From partnering with local family farms to producing world-class dairy products, we ensure every step of our value chain reflects our commitment to excellence.

With over 50 years’ experience in milk processing, dairy and nutritional technology advancement, and product innovation, we are a key stakeholder in the global food industry and creators of a strong portfolio of market leading dairy brands including Cheestrings, Charleville and Coleraine Cheese, Dairygold, Golden Cow and our new SMUG range. Our from food, for food culture and deep-rooted connection to our 2,800 milk suppliers differentiates our business and offers captivating opportunities for our customers and consumers.

Our dairy comes from some of the world’s richest grazing land and is produced by a network of Irish family farms that have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Through a combination of expertise, innovation, and sustainability, Kinisla is proud to shape the future of dairy while meeting the diverse needs of our farmers, customers, and communities.

Headquartered in Tralee, Co. Kerry, we operate multiple manufacturing facilities in the southwest of Ireland, including Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket, and Farranfore. Additionally, we manage 28 Farm & Home stores throughout the region, ensuring comprehensive coverage and service. In Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, our presence extends to key locations in Portadown, Coleraine, and Ossett.

Globally, Kinisla employs over 1,700 dedicated professionals across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and China. In 2024, we achieved a turnover of approximately €1.3 billion, reflecting our commitment to excellence and growth.

Get in touch today!

At Kinisla, we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences. One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally.

Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on the skills and competencies of the specific roles and based entirely on merit. We are committed to and value Diversity and Inclusion in all recruitment processes within Kinisla and do not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic.

Please note: We do not accept CVs or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies where Kinisla terms of business have not been signed. Additionally, we will not consider or agree to payment of any recruiter fee under these circumstances. This also applies to CVs or candidate profiles sent directly to any Kinisla Hiring Managers.