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Quality Analyst

Join an Award-Winning Irish Drinks Company with a Proud Heritage

Location: Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
Job Type: Fixed-Term Contract (Maternity Cover) with potential for a permanent opportunity
Reporting to: Quality Manager

About R.A. Merry & Co. Ltd

For more than 150 years, Robert A. Merry & Co. Ltd has been crafting and supplying premium alcoholic beverages from the heart of Ireland. Our story began in 1868 with a spirit and wine bonding business and the historic Merrys Tavern in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

Today, we continue that legacy through the production of Merrys Irish Cream Liqueur, an internationally award-winning brand renowned for its exceptional quality, balance, and taste. Using only the finest natural ingredients and traditional expertise, we proudly bring one of Ireland's finest cream liqueurs to customers around the world.

At the heart of our success are our people. We value teamwork, innovation, continuous improvement, and a commitment to excellence. We are now seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Quality Analyst to join our team in Clonmel.

About the Role

Reporting to the Quality Manager, the Quality Analyst plays a vital role in ensuring that all products manufactured on site meet company quality standards, customer specifications, and relevant regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate will support the effective operation of the site's Quality Management System (QMS) and help maintain compliance with food safety, authenticity, legality, quality, traceability, HACCP, VACCP, TACCP, GMP, and BRCGS standards.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to work within a fast-paced manufacturing environment while contributing to the production of premium products recognised worldwide for their quality.

Key ResponsibilitiesQuality Assurance & Laboratory Testing

• Carry out all laboratory and quality assurance activities in accordance with company procedures, internal audit requirements, and customer specifications.
• Ensure all finished products are tested in accordance with approved specifications and legal requirements.
• Conduct microbiological testing of cream liqueur batches and ensure results meet company and customer requirements.
• Perform shelf-life analysis and monitor products in line with established procedures.
• Conduct routine water testing and ensure all EPA and local authority monitoring results are received and reviewed as required.
• Maintain calibration schedules for laboratory and testing equipment.

Production Quality Monitoring

• Perform start-up and hourly quality checks during production runs.
• Verify product quality throughout bottling operations, including:
• Label application and alignment
• Cap quality and torque
• Fill levels
• Traceability information
• Packaging quality and compliance
• Ensure only products meeting approved specifications are released from site.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Support the ongoing maintenance and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System.
• Monitor and verify compliance with HACCP and food safety programmes.
• Ensure all Critical Control Points (CCPs) are monitored, recorded, and verified at required intervals.
• Verify production and manufacturing records daily, including:
• CCP records
• Cleaning records
• Label and cap verification checks
• Glass registers
• Rinser records
• Other quality and production documentation
• Review monitoring, corrective action, calibration, testing, supplier verification, and supply chain records within required timeframes.

Hygiene, Food Safety & Site Standards

• Monitor and maintain high standards of hygiene and housekeeping throughout the facility and external site areas.
• Verify Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) compliance on bottling lines and manufacturing tanks using ATP technology.
• Conduct verification checks on handwashing practices and uniform cleanliness.
• Ensure food safety and hygiene policies are consistently followed across the site.
• Monitor compliance with company policies relating to protective clothing, hygiene, metal control, knives, gloves, and ear protection.
• Carry out monthly hygiene and fabrication audits.

Traceability & Supplier Quality

• Inspect incoming materials, including bottles, caps, packaging materials, ingredients, and flavourings to ensure compliance with approved specifications.
• Maintain and verify traceability systems through scheduled forward and backward traceability exercises.
• Monitor pest control activities and report any issues promptly.
• Support compliance with national and international food safety and quality standards, including BRCGS and relevant health and safety requirements.

Site Security Responsibilities

Food safety and product integrity are critical to our operations.

The successful candidate will:

• Help maintain site security and food defence standards.
• Ensure that visitors and contractors comply with site hygiene and safety requirements.
• Report any unfamiliar persons in restricted areas to the appropriate manager immediately.
• Report any evidence of product or packaging tampering without delay.
• Ensure that any materials showing signs of tampering, broken seals, or damaged packaging are quarantined and not used in production.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Experience within a food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.
• Good organisational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable

• Qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Quality Assurance, Microbiology, or a related discipline.
• Experience working with HACCP systems.
• Knowledge of BRCGS, GMP, VACCP, and TACCP requirements.
• Internal auditing experience.
• Experience of laboratory testing and quality assurance processes.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a proud Irish company with over 150 years of heritage.
• Work with an internationally recognised and award-winning premium brand.
• Gain valuable experience in a highly regarded food and beverage manufacturing environment.
• Join a collaborative team committed to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Opportunity for a permanent position following the maternity cover contract.

Apply Today

At Robert A. Merry & Co. Ltd, quality is at the heart of everything we do. If you are passionate about food safety, quality assurance, and continuous improvement, and would like to contribute to the success of a world-class Irish brand, we would love to hear from you.

Pay: €33,000.00-€37,440.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bike to work scheme
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person