Sr Quality Lab Tech Days - Rochester, MN

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

Our Rochester, MN location is part of our Applied Health and Nutrition Division and specializes in fermented ingredients for products related to the bio-science industry.  Our team is proud of the work they do and have a focus on clean label or natural products ensuring freshness.

2402 7th Street NW Rochester, MN 55901

Pay Rate - $30 to $34/hr

Shift/Working Hours Mon-Fri, 800 AM - 430 PM

Maintain and coordinate activities in the Analytical Chemistry testing laboratory.  Provide leadership and direction to the Analytical team on critical quality activities. Interprets Chemical test results and makes recommendations for improvement.  Has the ability to perform chemical testing techniques when necessary.  Trains other staff in relevant techniques used.  Responsible for developing and implementing continuous improvement projects collaboratively with Quality and other Key functional groups. Performs lab supply purchasing and capital purchasing for Quality department. 

Key responsibilities

1. Maintains full knowledge of relevant procedures of inspection and testing of Analytical Chemistry and Microbiology testing laboratory. Works towards continuous improvements within the lab, trending and identifying actions for OOS reduction.
2. Ensures that products and QC practices are in compliance with Kerry standards and local, state and federal regulations, as well as customer requirements.
3. Gives input and assists in the development of QC procedures, policies and philosophies. Supports equipment and OOS troubleshooting.
4. Interprets and evaluates OOS QC test results against established specifications and industry practices. Leads product chemistry customer complaint and non-conformance investigations (RCAAPs) with a cross functional team. Ensures that they are actioned and closed in a timely manner.
5. Ensures all non-conformances pertaining to the lab, are entered correctly into the Intelex database and are assigned to coordinators for investigation. Work cross-functionally in root cause analysis and investigations following site and product non-conformances. Work with production teams to drive completion of corrective action plans
6. Coordinates the introduction and set-up of new products and testing requirements in SAP.
7. Ensures the completion of external requests of samples, shelf-life extensions, etc.
8. Aids the Quality team in PCQI related actions.
9. Ensure Lab KPI’s are met.
10. Works as an integral member of the internal audit team.
11. Supports and guides technicians in career development and continuous improvement goals in coordination with the QC Supervisor and QATM.

Qualifications and skills

EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology or a related field.

EXPERIENCE  None required; 1-5 years experience in food Production or food QC lab setting is preferred.

SKILLS       Knowledge in quality systems, and food safety is required. Knowledge of current GMP. HACCP Training. Allergen awareness. Must be computer literate. Must have excellent interpersonal skills, including both verbal and written communication and the ability to lead and work in interdepartmental teams. The work is self-directed and requires the ability to work without close, direct supervision utilizing good organizational techniques.

Compensation Data

The pay range for this position is $30.00-$34.00 per hour.  Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role.  Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.  The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity.  Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement.  This job posting is anticipated to expire on 12-2026.

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.