Innovation Graduate

Innovation Graduate Technologist

O’Brien Fine Foods is an Irish family business based in Timahoe, Co. Kildare. First established in 2000, the business has expanded over the years to become the leading producer of cooked meats on the island of Ireland, with a growing presence in the UK. We employ over 600 people and specialise in the manufacture and marketing of premium meats, supplying both branded and private label ranges to retailers across Ireland and the UK from our three manufacturing sites in Timahoe Co. Kildare, Rathowen Co. Westmeath, and Leytonstone in London.

Our purpose, which is to bring better quality food to everyone, every day, is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to being a more sustainable and responsible business and have recently achieved B Corp certification, set verified science-based carbon reduction targets and have obtained gold membership within Bord Bia’s Origin Green programme. 

We pride ourselves on creating high-quality, award-winning cooked meat products. Our branded portfolio includes Brady Family, Ireland’s No. 1 cooked meats brand and Green Farm, the No. 1 white meat brand in the market. Our commitment to quality and taste has also been recognised by retailers, resulting in O’Brien Fine Foods becoming their number one choice in producing their own label products.

We look for people who share our values and who have a genuine passion for learning. With a strong track record of growth, O'Brien Fine Foods provides you with a real opportunity to make a significant and personal impact on our success. 

Do you want a job where no two days are the same? Where projects are fast paced and interactive with cross functional departments?

Do you enjoy working on exciting projects partnering with the site teams to deliver them?

Do you want a role where you get satisfaction when launching a new product on time to the critical path?

Well then, this role is for you!!

What you will be accountable for:

• Supporting NPD projects through the stage gate process from concept to launch.
• Coordinating trials, shelf-life testing and sample preparation, ensuring accurate records and clear learnings.
• Maintaining project documentation, specifications, costings and system data accurately and on time.
• Liaising with suppliers, customers and cross-functional teams to support project delivery.
• Conducting benchmarking, store visits and market reviews to identify trends and opportunities.
• Managing sample dispatches, innovation stock and housekeeping standards.
• Communicating project updates, leading meetings when required and managing actions to agreed timelines.
• Building technical, product and process knowledge while taking increasing ownership of project activities.

What will make you successful in this role?  

• You will develop relationships and liaise with Production, Quality, as well as Supply Chain, Commercial and Marketing teams. 
• You are passionate about food, ingredients and innovate food concepts.  
• You are ok with working in a fast-paced setting and adaptable to an ever-changing environment. 
• You display our core values by being committed and ambitious to excel in the food industry and progress into a management role. 
• You will be able to multitask and keep many tasks and projects running parallel at the same time. 
• Tenacity – “a Can do Now” attitude. 

So, what are we looking for? 

• The successful candidate will have a Food Science, Science, Human Nutrition and Agri-Food Science Degree and is passionate about food. 
• Ability to multitask – This programme is incredibly hands-on and requires the successful candidate to manage competing priorities. 
• Problem solving skills – Looking for opportunities to continuously improve your area. 
• Analytical skills – you will be excited by improvement metrics and will demonstrate the ability to understand KPI’s and make positive changes. 
• Strong communicator skills. 

Essential: 

• Degree in a food related discipline. 
• Communication Skills – excellent written and verbal. 
• IT skills in Microsoft Office. 
• Positive, can-do attitude, willing to get stuck in and learn. 

And what can we offer you?  

Here at O’Brien Fine Foods, we pride ourselves on a culture where everyone is willing to go that extra mile. We have a very strong team of talented employees who make working here an enjoyable experience. We are a 100% Irish business, and we are continuously growing and improving.  

In return for your commitment, passion & drive we will offer you every opportunity to develop and progress within your role and beyond.