Supplier & TPM Quality Manager

About Tirlán

Tirlán is a premier global co-operative specializing in food and nutrition, boasting a diverse range of quality ingredients and leading consumer and agricultural brands. Some of its well-known brands include Avonmore, Kilmeaden Cheese, Millac, Solmiko, Truly Grass Fed, Premier Milk, Wexford, mymilkman.ie, and GAIN Animal Nutrition. Operating across Ireland, the US, MEA, and China, Tirlán generates over €3 billion in annual revenues, driven by a commitment to nourish the world sustainably for future generations.

Role Overview

This position supports creating and implementing a comprehensive quality oversight framework for all third-party manufacturing and supplier activities, collaborating closely with the Quality & Compliance (Q&C) team and the procurement and TPM divisions. The role involves setting measurable goals, qualifying suppliers and third parties, and monitoring continuous improvement efforts. Reporting directly to the Senior Supplier & TPM Quality Manager, the incumbent will ensure that purchased materials and products meet both legislative/regulatory standards and internal and customer expectations.

Primary Duties

• Evaluate and approve suppliers and third-party manufacturers per Tirlán's food safety, quality, and GFSI standards before onboarding.
• Verify compliance of suppliers' systems, facilities, and processes through document reviews, safety assessments, and onsite audits, ensuring adherence to regulations and internal specifications.
• Provide comprehensive audit feedback; verify corrective actions for effectiveness and sustained implementation.
• Design and execute risk-based supplier audits and assessments leveraging the Safefood 360 Supplier Management Platform.
• Collaborate with quality operations and systems teams for innovation projects involving TPMs and participate in new product introductions.
• Serve as the quality liaison with retailers for TPM-supplied products when necessary.
• Maintain organized and accessible quality documentation across the business.
• Approve quality specifications and service level agreements (SLAs) for end products or services as relevant.
• Assist in collecting and consolidating data to track key quality performance indicators (KPIs) of suppliers.
• Prepare data to support supplier and TPM performance reviews.
• Partner with business units to identify, monitor, and resolve quality issues and non-conformances with third parties using Tirlán’s root cause analysis processes.
• Engage in strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing compliance with regulatory mandates and standards.
• Escalate critical issues involving food safety, warranty risk, liability, or financial impact; prioritize actions based on risk severity.
• Manage complaints by collaborating with suppliers/third parties to establish corrective action plans and ensure resolution.
• Oversee key third-party manufacturing locations via site visits and product inspections.
• Review batch records and certificates of analysis (COA) and authorize TPM product batch releases.
• Fulfill any additional requests related to customer needs as required by the business.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the reporting manager.

Candidate Requirements

• Possess at least a bachelor's degree in science or a related field.
• Have substantial experience within the food, feed, or dairy sectors.
• Demonstrate familiarity with GFSI-recognized standards such as BRCGS and FSSC 22000, along with retail customer requirements.
• Proven expertise in supplier quality management and auditing; holding a lead auditor credential is advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of food safety risk management frameworks and EU food and feed regulations.
• Committed team player focused on continuous improvement and achieving results.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Adaptability and organizational agility.
• Ability to plan effectively, multitask, and prioritize departmental goals.
• Valid driving license required.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible work model with hybrid arrangements including Fridays offsite.
• Complimentary parking facilities.
• Emphasis on work-life balance and a collaborative workplace culture.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

Tirlán embraces diversity, recognizing that varied perspectives and backgrounds foster innovation and business growth. The company welcomes applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, or disability.