General Operator

About the role

We are recruiting for a seasonal General Operator in our Kerry Dairy Ireland Team in Newmarket, Co. Cork.

Do you have a strong sense of organisation and enjoy working in highly automated environment with a team of people that all go the extra mile because they care? We care about each other, our customers, the families we serve, and our planet. It comes naturally to us and is rooted in everything we do, and every decision we make.

As a General Operator your job involves working with the latest food production technology and machinery, ensuring technical compliance throughout the manufacturing process. The season begins in February and lasts until the end of November.

Many of our Operators join us because our shift patterns really suit their lifestyle. We operate 12-hour shifts, which consist of 2 weeks of days and 2 weeks of nights. (4 and 3 days a week pattern rotation) plus a competitive rate pay. If that wasn’t enough, we also offer a number of job-related allowances and benefits; and you’ll get all the training you need to be successful.

In Kerry Newmarket we manufacture variety of dairy products, like cheeses, butters and whey.

What will you be doing?

You will support production function, operate machinery, and ensure highest quality standards of Kerry Dairy Ireland products.

You will proactively highlight any maintenance requirements and our commitment to Safety First, Quality Always means each and every member of our team plays their part and makes a difference every day.

What do you need to be successful?

• You will be a dependable team player who is motivated by the ability to add value and by championing collaboration and teamwork.


• You will be passionate about working with technology and have a careful attention to detail, so our lines continue to move quickly.


• You will have great communication skills and motivation to learn.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive pay and career development opportunities.


• Employee benefit platform with discounts and offers for retailers online and offline, travelling, utilities and more.


• Matched pension scheme up to 10%.


• Employee Assistance Program, supporting your emotional, physical, nutritional and financial wellbeing.


• MyCommunity, have one day per year to volunteer for a worthwhile cause.


• Friendly team focused on continuous improvements and safety.

About Kerry

Kerry Dairy Ireland 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, Kerry Dairy Ireland 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 29 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, Kerry Dairy Ireland employs over 1,600 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.