RD&A Technologist

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

We are looking for a Senior RD&A Technologist to join our Meat Coatings team, developing innovative coating systems for meat and meat-alternative applications.

This is a hands-on, customer-facing role combining formulation expertise, pilot plant work, and direct collaboration with commercial teams to deliver market-leading solutions.

Key responsibilities

Develop, test, and optimise coating systems including batters, breadings, adhesion systems, glazes, and functional coatings

Conduct benchtop experiments, sensory evaluations, and technical validations

Deliver solutions that meet performance, quality, and cost requirements

Execute coating trials using pilot-scale equipment (tumbler, applicator, fryer, oven, freezer, etc.)

Simulate industrial processes to ensure scalability and robustness

Generate data to support product performance and process optimization

Support customer projects through sample preparation, technical demos, and plant trials

Troubleshoot coating and processing challenges, providing practical recommendations

Prepare technical presentations and contribute to customer meetings alongside commercial teams

Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery against timelines and business priorities

Maintain clear documentation and communication of project progress

Key Attributes

Strong attention to detail and technical curiosity

Ability to work both independently and as part of cross-functional teams

Strong organisational and project management skills

Customer-focused mindset with a commercial perspective

Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Willingness to travel within the UK & Ireland

Qualifications and skills

Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Science, or a related discipline

Experience working with meat products and/or coating systems

Hands-on laboratory and pilot plant experience

Strong understanding of food processing, coating functionality, and frying/baking systems

Excellent problem-solving, communication, and data interpretation skills

Experience supporting customer projects or production trials

Knowledge of clean-label coatings, gluten-free systems, or plant-based technologies