Innovation Graduate Technologist

About O'Brien Fine Foods

O'Brien Fine Foods is a family-owned Irish company headquartered in Timahoe, County Kildare, established in 2000. The company has grown to become Ireland's leading producer of cooked meats with an increasing footprint in the UK. Employing over 600 individuals, the business operates three manufacturing sites located in Timahoe, Rathowen, and Leytonstone, specializing in premium brand and private label meat products for retailers across Ireland and the UK.

Driven by the purpose to deliver better quality food every day to everyone, O'Brien Fine Foods is dedicated to sustainability and corporate responsibility. The company has earned B Corp certification, set verified science-based carbon reduction goals, and holds gold membership in Bord Bia's Origin Green program.

The company takes pride in its award-winning cooked meats, featuring leading brand portfolios such as Brady Family (Ireland's top cooked meats brand) and Green Farm (the market's number one white meat brand). Retailers trust the company as their foremost choice for own-label product manufacturing.

Role Overview

The Innovation Graduate Technologist position offers an engaging role where no two days are alike. The role involves partnering with site teams to deliver fast-paced projects, ensuring timely launch of new products aligned with critical timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Support New Product Development (NPD) projects progressing through stage gate processes, from initial concept up to market launch.
• Coordinate trials, conduct shelf-life testing, prepare samples, maintain clear and accurate records with actionable insights.
• Manage project documentation including specifications, cost analyses, and system data promptly and precisely.
• Collaborate with suppliers, customers, and cross-functional departments to facilitate seamless project execution.
• Perform benchmarking, carry out store visits, and analyze market trends to spot innovation opportunities.
• Oversee sample dispatch procedures, manage innovation inventory, and ensure housekeeping standards are met.
• Communicate project progress through updates, lead meetings when necessary, and track action items ensuring deadlines are met.
• Build expertise in technical, product, and process knowledge while progressively taking responsibility for project components.

Candidate Success Factors

• Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships across Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Commercial, and Marketing teams.
• Genuine enthusiasm for food, ingredients, and innovative food product concepts.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-moving environment that demands adaptability.
• Exemplifies core company values through commitment, ambition, and desire to grow towards management roles.
• Efficient multitasking skills to manage multiple simultaneous projects and responsibilities.
• Possesses tenacity and a proactive 'Can do Now' attitude.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• A degree in Food Science, Science, Human Nutrition, Agri-Food Science, or a related food discipline.
• Strong multitasking capability suitable for hands-on and priority-driven roles.
• Good problem-solving aptitude identifying continuous improvement opportunities.
• Analytical skills with enthusiasm for metrics, understanding KPIs, and driving positive changes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Positive, willing to learn mindset with readiness to engage actively.

Company Culture and Opportunities

O'Brien Fine Foods fosters a culture of teamwork and dedication, supported by a talented workforce. As a wholly Irish-owned and expanding business, it values employees willing to contribute that extra effort. In return for passion and commitment, the company provides extensive opportunities for personal development and career progression beyond this role.