Process Technology Lead

 
 

  • Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

  • Company: Kerry

  • Location: Menstrie, UK

About the Role

Kerry is seeking a Process Technology Lead to join its unique fermentation facility in Menstrie, home to hundreds of unit operations and SKUs. The successful candidate will serve as a thought leader in fermentation technology, with deep expertise in fermentation engineering and yeast physiology.

This role will work across cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Process Sciences, Supply Chain, Finance, and R&D. Key responsibilities include defining and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), overseeing continuous improvement programs, and ensuring industry-leading fermentation performance. The Process Technology Lead will also participate in new product and process technology projects, coordinate product introductions and commercialization, and contribute to innovative interdepartmental and global teams. Leadership or participation in root cause analyses (RCAs) will also be required.

About Kerry

Kerry is the world’s leading taste and nutrition company, serving the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Every day, Kerry partners with customers to create healthier, tastier, and more sustainable products consumed by billions globally. The company’s vision is to be its customers’ most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career at Kerry offers opportunities to shape the future of food within a truly global environment.

Safety at Kerry

Kerry fosters a caring culture where everyone goes home safely every day. The company is committed to providing a safe working environment and ensuring that all safety protocols are strictly followed, making safety everyone’s responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop end-to-end expertise of all process technology at the Menstrie manufacturing site.

  • Serve as a thought leader in fermentation technology, shaping continuous improvement strategies through expertise in fermentation engineering and microbial physiology.

  • Define KPIs for each fermentation process and launch initiatives to drive continuous improvement.

  • Lead a team of Process Technologists to maintain and communicate control charts, identifying opportunities for improvement.

  • Support optimization initiatives to increase yield, reduce cycle time, reduce costs, and enhance safety and product quality.

  • Collect and analyze process data statistically and build models to support decision-making and continuous improvement.

  • Provide subject matter expertise in aseptic design and SIP/CIP systems to reduce contamination and improve bioburden control.

  • Support downstream operations (centrifugation, filtration, spray drying, evaporation) to ensure reliable, high-performing operations.

  • Lead tech transfers to manufacturing partners, including SOPs, equipment qualification, and training.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with RD&A, QA/QC, engineering, production, and strain teams, translating requirements into actionable plans.

  • Mentor and coach junior scientists and technologists.

  • Maintain rigorous documentation of methods, results, and SOPs; contribute to IP capture and patent support.

  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to lab and process safety, adhering to biosafety, hygienic design, and quality standards (e.g., BSL-2, GMP, FSMA, HACCP, ISO food-grade).

Candidate Profile

  • PhD preferred in Biochemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Fermentation Engineering, or a related technical field.

  • Proven industry experience with strong background in fermentation, biochemical engineering, and aseptic design.

  • Expertise in yeast fermentation is highly desirable.

  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work with cross-functional teams at multiple organizational levels.

  • Experience in data analysis and statistics is strongly preferred.

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Manufacturing, Fermentation, Senior positionSophie Stewart