Cheese and Functional Cheese Platform Lead

About the Role:

We are seeking a technically strong and commercially minded Cheese & Functional Cheese Platform Lead to shape and deliver the next generation of cheese and cheese-based solutions across our portfolio. This role will translate market, customer and manufacturing needs into differentiated cheese platforms, including functional cheese formats that deliver targeted taste, texture, nutrition, processability, melt, stretch, stability, protein delivery and convenience benefits. The successful candidate will act as the technical owner for the cheese platform, leading concept development, formulation, fermentation design, culture and enzyme selection, pilot trials, scale-up and factory implementation while partnering closely with Commercial, Marketing, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain and external innovation partners. The role requires deep dairy science capability, strong project leadership and the ability to convert technical insight into scalable, value-creating products and processes.

What will I be doing?

• Lead the cheese and functional cheese innovation platform from opportunity identification through concept, prototype, validation, scale-up and commercial handover.
• Translate business, customer and consumer needs into product recipes, process designs, technical briefs and implementation plans for cheese and cheese-based applications.
• Develop and optimise natural, processed and functional cheese systems with clear performance targets for taste, texture, melt, stretch, shreddability, sliceability, stability, nutrition and shelf-life.
• Plan, lead and document lab, pilot plant and production-scale trials, including experimental design, data capture, interpretation and technical recommendation reports.
• Build applied understanding of dairy protein functionality, fat/protein interactions, cultures, enzymes, minerals, emulsifying salts, hydrocolloids and process conditions in cheese matrices.
• Use analytical, sensory, rheological, compositional and process data to support structured problem solving, root-cause analysis and data-driven decision-making.
• Monitor cheese, dairy ingredient, functional nutrition, snacking, foodservice and convenience trends to identify platform opportunities and protect future competitiveness.
• Collaborate with universities, suppliers, equipment partners and technical experts to access emerging cheese technologies, ingredients and processing approaches.
• Communicate technical progress, risks, decisions and recommendations clearly to senior stakeholders, project teams and manufacturing partners

What do I need to be successful?

At Kinisla, we understand that people have very different career trajectories and experiences. In order to be successful in this role we would be looking for the right competencies and aptitudes as well as your proven track record of success in a similar role and environment.  

These include:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Dairy Science, Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related discipline; dairy or cheese specialisation preferred.
• Minimum 3+ years’ relevant R&D or technical development experience in dairy, preferably with direct experience in cheese, cheese technology, processed cheese, foodservice cheese or dairy ingredient functionality.
• Strong practical knowledge of cheese formulation, cheesemaking, dairyfermentation, starter and adjunct cultures, enzyme systems, acidification kinetics, mineral balance, emulsification, thermal processing and scale-up.
• Proven ability to lead product and process development projects from brief to factory implementation, including trials, technical documentation and stakeholder alignment.
• Experience using analytical, sensory and physical characterisation methods to evaluate cheese structure, texture, melt behaviour, composition, functionality and shelf-life.
• Good understanding of food safety, quality systems, regulatory requirements, ingredient declarations and nutrition or functional claims relevant to dairy and cheese products.
• Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to convert technical insight into scalable products that meet customer, consumer, operational and sustainability needs.
• Excellent communication, influencing, project management and cross-functional leadership skills; comfortable working with senior stakeholders, factory teams and external partners.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in functional cheese platforms, high-protein cheese, reduced-fat cheese, cheese snacks, foodservice cheese, processed cheese or cheese-based ingredient systems.
• Experience developing fermented dairy or cheese products where culture selection, acidification profile, flavour generation, texture development, probiotic viability or bioprotective culture use are key success factors.
• Knowledge of protein functionality, rheology, texture analysis, melt/stretch testing, sensory science, formulation modelling or digital tools for experiment design and data analysis.
• Experience working with external innovation ecosystems, including universities, ingredient suppliers, equipment manufacturers, start-ups or research institutes.
• Interest in sustainability-led dairy innovation, including efficient use of milk solids, waste reduction, energy/water efficiency and responsible ingredient choices.

What will I get in return?

At Kinisla, we believe in giving talented, curious people the opportunity to make a difference. We work as a team, searching for the best ways to inspire and lead the evolution of dairy food and nutrition. We are a community of innovators, working across disciplines to solve global food challenges with a fresh approach. We want you to achieve whatever you put your mind to.

We also offer:

•  25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays).
• Matched pension scheme up to 10% Employer Contribution.
• Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers.
• Employee Assistance Policy.

About Kinisla

Kinisla is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial consumer foods presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high-quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation. From partnering with local family farms to producing world-class dairy products, we ensure every step of our value chain reflects our commitment to excellence.

With over 50 years’ experience in milk processing, dairy and nutritional technology advancement, and product innovation, we are a key stakeholder in the global food industry and creators of a strong portfolio of market leading dairy brands including Cheestrings, Charleville and Coleraine Cheese, Dairygold, Golden Cow and our new SMUG range. Our from food, for food culture and deep-rooted connection to our 2,800 milk suppliers differentiates our business and offers captivating opportunities for our customers and consumers.

Our dairy comes from some of the world’s richest grazing land and is produced by a network of Irish family farms that have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Through a combination of expertise, innovation, and sustainability, Kinisla is proud to shape the future of dairy while meeting the diverse needs of our farmers, customers, and communities.

Headquartered in Tralee, Co. Kerry, we operate multiple manufacturing facilities in the southwest of Ireland, including Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket, and Farranfore. Additionally, we manage 28 Farm & Home stores throughout the region, ensuring comprehensive coverage and service. In Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, our presence extends to key locations in Portadown, Coleraine, and Ossett.

Globally, Kinisla employs over 1,700 dedicated professionals across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and China. In 2024, we achieved a turnover of approximately €1.3 billion, reflecting our commitment to excellence and growth.

Get in touch today!

At Kinisla, we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences. One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally.

Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on the skills and competencies of the specific roles and based entirely on merit. We are committed to and value Diversity and Inclusion in all recruitment processes within Kinisla and do not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic.

Please note: We do not accept CVs or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies where Kinisla terms of business have not been signed. Additionally, we will not consider or agree to payment of any recruiter fee under these circumstances. This also applies to CVs or candidate profiles sent directly to any Kinisla Hiring Managers.