Quality Assurance Technician

Job title: Quality Assurance Technician

Location: Midleton Distillery

Contract: Permanent

About Irish Distillers

At Irish Distillers, we live and love whiskey. We are Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson Irish whiskey, the world’s best-selling Irish whiskey, our brands are exported to over 130 markets.  

From grain to glass, many of the world’s best loved Irish whiskeys are created at Midleton Distillery, our 160-acre site in Co. Cork.  Here, we produce all of the pot still and grain whiskey that makes up Irish Distillers’ six Irish whiskey families. From the Garden Still House containing the world’s largest operating copper pot stills to our experimental hub at the Micro Distillery, Midleton Distillery is a world leader in whiskey production. 

As a global company we are always looking for great talent, and here at Midleton Distillery our Quality Team are now hiring a Quality Assurance Technician for a Full Time Permanent Position.

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Quality Assurance Technician to join our high-performing Quality Team at Midleton Distillery. This role plays a key part in ensuring the quality and consistency of raw materials, intermediates, final products, byproducts, and utilities, through laboratory analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

This is a hands-on, lab-based role ideal for someone with a strong eye for detail, who thrives in a fast-paced production environment, takes ownership of their work, and is driven by high standards in documentation and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct laboratory analysis in line with established procedures, across a range of production materials including cereals, intermediates, byproducts, spirits, water, utility and wastewater streams.
• Ensure all Health & Safety procedures are adhered to within the lab environment - prioritising Health & Safety at all times.
• Accurately record and trend test results & escalate and investigate non-conformances where applicable.
• Write, review, and update laboratory documentation and SOPs to ensure clarity and compliance.
• Calibration, troubleshooting, and validation/verification of instruments.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and equipment and liaise with external providers for servicing and calibration.
• Lead or support laboratory and plant investigations, providing data and insight to resolve issues and drive improvements.
• Write test reports and trend data.
• Prepare and present production KPI (Key Performance Indicator) reports.
• Participate in internal and external audits.
• Contribute to and support continuous improvement initiatives across the lab and production areas.
• Collaboration with other departments including Production, Health & Safety, Environmental, Training etc.,

Skills and Key Attributes Skills:

• 3rd level qualification in Science /Food Science
• Previous relevant laboratory experience working in a laboratory within ISO/BRC/ GMP environment. Ion chromatography an advantage.
• Knowledge of ISO9001, ISO22000/FSSC22000/BRC, and ISO14001 or equivalent standards
• Excellent scientific knowledge
• Excellent analytical skills
• Good IT skills
• Experience working with laboratory and quality software including LIMs and advantage
• Experience in writing reports and trending of data
• Good organisational skills required to work in a fast-paced production laboratory
• Proactive approach to Health & Safety and Quality
• A strong aptitude for managing documentation, with a focus on regulatory compliance and continuous audit readiness

Key Attributes:

We are seeking someone who is:

• A self-starter with the confidence to take initiative and work independently.
• Organised, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple tasks and priorities at once.
• Detail-oriented and committed to maintaining high-quality standards.
• Naturally curious, with a strong desire to learn and grow professionally.
• Disciplined and detail-driven in documenting procedures, results, and investigations to the highest quality standards.
• A team player with a positive, hardworking attitude and excellent communication skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to support shift-based work, including weekends and evenings.

Working Hours

• Flexibility is required: this role operates across a rotating shift pattern, which includes evening and weekend work.
• Typical shift times include: 07:00–15:30 (as required), 08:00–16:30, and 11:00–19:30.

LIFE AT IRISH DISTILLERS

At Irish Distillers, we live and love whiskey. Our shared spirit is guided by our values because we believe special things happen when Real, Remarkable and Responsible people come together. We’re proud to be part of the Irish Distillers and Pernod Ricard family, and the magic moments we create through our brands.

Our culture is a blend of curiosity and craic, where everyone can be the author of their own verse. Our enthusiasm for what we do is infectious. The spirit we share gives us purpose and makes life at Irish Distillers special. And what’s life without a little spirit?

WHAT WE OFFER

We understand our people are our special ingredient. We treat our employees with respect and offer an environment that is engaging, supportive and collaborative.  We understand that employees require different supports at different stages of their working lives and our benefits, perks and programmes look to support your employee journey. We want to make you feel recognised and valued for your contribution to our shared success.

Some of offerings include;

Profit share; - An annual profit share scheme to reward your contribution to the company’s success.

Product allowance;  an annual allowance to spend on our portfolio of products and merchandise, for you to enjoy responsibly.

People Development: We enable continuous development for our people at every stage of their careers through our people development, online learning, and leadership training programmes. 

Family leave: fully paid maternity, parent and paternity leave, allowing you spend precious time with your new family member 

Parental Support: Our ‘Reconnect’ programme includes access to a workplace parenting coach, a phased return to work and a supportive environment for new parents

Health & Wellbeing; Our Wellbeing Programme “THRIVE” supports employees across the three main pillars: Life, Body and Mind

Charity Days: up to 2 days paid leave every year to volunteer at a charity of their choice

Like a well-blended whiskey, we believe that diverse perspectives make us better and we welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, orientations, and differences to create together the spirit that makes us great.

To learn more about our careers, go to our careers page www.irishdistillers.ie/careers

IND1

Job Posting End Date: