Lab Administrator

Role overview

This position is for a Lab Administrator within the Operations function, reporting to the Quality Control Lead in Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland. The role sits inside the Quality Team and supports the day-to-day running of laboratory activities, record control, and quality-related administration.

About the organisation

Ornua is an international dairy co-operative that markets premium dairy products worldwide on behalf of its member co-operatives, Irish dairy processors, and Irish dairy farmers. The business has annual revenues of €3.4 billion, employs around 2,800 people globally, and operates across 10 business units with 12 production sites in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa. Its commercial operations include consumer brand marketing and sales, including Kerrygold, as well as procurement, ingredient sales, and market-risk management activities supported by production and local sales teams across multiple regions.

Why this role matters

The successful candidate will be an important part of the Quality Team, with responsibility for maintaining accurate records, updating reports and spreadsheets, and handling data entry across different platforms. The role is especially suited to someone with experience in controlled or regulated settings such as food, pharmaceuticals, or health and safety environments.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate the collection, handling, and control of raw material and finished product samples for all products made on site.
• Manage the finished product testing plan and ensure tests are carried out each day.
• Oversee the shelf-life testing schedule for finished products and complete the required testing.
• Administer the environmental monitoring programme, including scheduling and execution of tests.
• Prepare samples for dispatch to an external laboratory for microbiological analysis in line with the agreed schedule.
• Carry out sensory checks on samples and maintain the related documentation.
• Ensure laboratory waste is disposed of correctly and the lab area remains clean and well maintained.
• Archive laboratory documentation and keep all records organised and up to date.
• Monitor stock levels and ensure all laboratory consumables are available for testing activities.
• Help uphold laboratory standards to support audit readiness, including BRC and customer-specific expectations.
• Provide cover for the Quality Team when needed.
• Support health and safety initiatives across the site and within the laboratory.
• Contribute to quality improvement projects as required.
• Take on additional duties as needed.

Requirements

• NFQ Level 6 qualification or higher.
• At least 1 to 2 years of experience in a similar position, preferably in a regulated environment.
• Interest in food, quality, and science, along with a willingness to learn.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, plus solid interpersonal, organisational, and administrative ability.
• Good IT skills, with strong knowledge of Word, Excel, and database systems.
• A proactive mindset and a practical, can-do approach.
• Flexible, committed, and able to show initiative.
• Ability to work independently while also fitting well into an operations team.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Comfortable working to deadlines and performing under pressure.
• Works collaboratively, encourages teamwork, and supports cross-functional learning.
• Communicates clearly and adjusts communication style to suit different situations.
• Takes ownership by clarifying responsibilities, identifying gaps, and helping others stay motivated during challenging periods.
• Looks ahead, supports change, and helps others adapt to new ways of working.

Additional information

Career level: S2. Function: Operations. Reports to: Quality Control Lead. Location: Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, Ireland.

Working environment

This is a site-based role requiring close coordination with the operations and quality functions. The position involves laboratory administration, testing support, record control, and adherence to quality, audit, and safety standards.