Lab Administrator

Apply now »

Date: 13 Jun 2025

Location: Mitchelstown, IE, P67 E020

Company: Ornua Co-operative Limited

 

Company Background

Ornua is an Irish dairy co-operative that markets and sells dairy products on behalf of its Member Co-operatives, Ireland’s dairy processors and, in turn, Irish dairy farmers. Ornua is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products and has annualised sales of €3.4 billion. Headquartered in Dublin, Ornua has a strong global team of 2,800 employees, operating from 10 business units worldwide, including 13 production facilities. Ornua’s core purpose is to build profitable routes to market for Irish dairy products.

 

The Group is structured across two divisions: Ornua Foods and Ornua Ingredients. Ornua Foods is responsible for the marketing and sales of Ornua’s consumer brands, including Ireland’s most successful food export, Kerrygold, as well as Kerrygold Dubliner, Pilgrims Choice, Forto and BEO milk powders. Markets are served by production facilities in Ireland, Germany and the UK and by in-market Sales and Marketing teams in Asia, Germany, Ireland, MEA, Poland, Spain, rest of Europe, and North and Latin America.

 

Ornua Ingredients is responsible for the procurement of Irish and non-Irish dairy products, for the sale of dairy ingredients to food manufacturing and foodservice customers across the world, and for managing volatility through de-risking and trading strategies. The business is supported by production facilities in the UK, Spain, the US, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria and by in-market teams in Africa and the Middle East.

 

 

 

Ornua’s Values

 

At Ornua, our Values lie at the core of everything that we do and how we behave both individually and as a business. Our five values, and their underlying behaviours, encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care and Achieve Great Things Together.

 

Ornua’s Growth

 

At Ornua, our co-operative ethos lies at the heart of how we do business. We care passionately about driving sustainable, profitable growth, underpinned by our ambitious ‘Path to Prosper’ strategy. We have delivered significant growth in our core business, and we have ambitious plans for continued growth over the next five years.

 

WHY THIS ROLE IS VALUABLE

 

 

The Lab Administrator who will work as part of the Quality Team will have experience handling data in spreadsheets and reports, keeping records and reports up to date, ensuring accurate and organized information.  Experience with various data entry platforms is essential, Ideally the candidate will have a strong background in regulated environments such as pharmaceuticals, food or health and safety.

 

 

 

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

  • Responsibility for raw material and finished product sample management for all products produced on site.
  • Responsibility for the finished product testing schedule and execution daily.
  • Responsibility for environmental monitoring testing schedule and execution.
  • Responsibility for preparation of all samples to be sent to external laboratory for microbiological analysis as per schedule.
  • Sensory analysis of samples and associated record keeping.
  • Responsibility for correct disposable of waste generated in the laboratory and upkeep of laboratory facility.
  • Responsibility for archiving and upkeep of all laboratory records.
  • Support maintaining laboratory standards to meet Audit standards such as BRC and customer specific requirements. 
  • Quality Team cover as required.
  • Support site and laboratory Health and Safety initiatives.
  • Quality Improvement projects as required
  • Additional duties as required.

 

 

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

 

  • NFQ Level 6 or above
  • 1 - 2 years’ experience in a similar role, ideally a regulated industry.
  • Drive to learn and interest in food, quality and science
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, organisational and administrative skills.
  • IT literate with strong Word, Excel and database skills.
  • Pro-active and a "can do" mentality
  • Flexible and committed attitude with the ability to display initiative.
  • The ability to work well individually and integrate well with operations team
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work to deadlines and work under pressure

 

 

ORNUA COMPETENCIES:

 

  • WORKING TOGETHER: Encourages co-operation in own team and supports cross functional learning
  • COMMUNICATIVE:  Communicates confidently, adapting style for different situations
  • OWNERSHIP:  Clarifies accountabilities, overlaps and gaps, and helps others remain motivated through difficult times.
  • FORWARD LOOKING:  Helps others to accept change, implement change, and looks ahead to anticipate change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                        CLOSING DATE: 26th June 2026


Job Segment: Sustainable Agriculture, Agriculture