RD&A Technologist

About Kerry

About the role

We are looking for a Senior RD&A Technologist to join our Meat Coatings team, developing innovative coating systems for meat and meat-alternative applications.

This is a hands-on, customer-facing role combining formulation expertise, pilot plant work, and direct collaboration with commercial teams to deliver market-leading solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, test, and optimise coating systems including batters, breadings, adhesion systems, glazes, and functional coatings


• Conduct benchtop experiments, sensory evaluations, and technical validations


• Deliver solutions that meet performance, quality, and cost requirements


• Execute coating trials using pilot-scale equipment (tumbler, applicator, fryer, oven, freezer, etc.)


• Simulate industrial processes to ensure scalability and robustness


• Generate data to support product performance and process optimization


• Support customer projects through sample preparation, technical demos, and plant trials


• Troubleshoot coating and processing challenges, providing practical recommendations


• Prepare technical presentations and contribute to customer meetings alongside commercial teams


• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery against timelines and business priorities


• Maintain clear documentation and communication of project progress

Key Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and technical curiosity


• Ability to work both independently and as part of cross-functional teams


• Strong organisational and project management skills


• Customer-focused mindset with a commercial perspective


• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment


• Willingness to travel within the UK & Ireland

Qualifications and skills

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Science, or a related discipline


• Experience working with meat products and/or coating systems


• Hands-on laboratory and pilot plant experience


• Strong understanding of food processing, coating functionality, and frying/baking systems


• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and data interpretation skills


• Experience supporting customer projects or production trials


• Knowledge of clean-label coatings, gluten-free systems, or plant-based technologies