About Keelings
Keelings is a 100% Irish-owned family business passionate about fresh produce. Operating across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, we grow, source, and supply top-quality fruit and vegetables. Our success is built on innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships - powered by our dedicated people.
Purpose of the Role
Responsible for supporting the day-to-day management, coordination and continuous improvement of packaging operations across the business. Operating within a fast-paced fresh produce environment, the role supports the efficient sourcing, planning, control and optimisation of all packaging materials required to ensure uninterrupted supply to production, packing and distribution operations.
Main Responsibilities
Packaging Operations & Inventory Management
Support the day-to-day management of packaging materials across all operational sites.
Monitor and maintain stock levels of packaging materials to ensure continuity of supply while minimising excess inventory.
Manage packaging inventory including punnets, films, lids, trays, labels, cartons, boxes, box ends, crates, pallets and associated consumables.
Coordinate replenishment activities with suppliers to ensure packaging availability aligns with production requirements.
Assist with packaging forecasting and planning activities in collaboration with Procurement, Planning and Operations teams.
Monitor packaging usage and identify opportunities to improve stock control, reduce waste and optimise inventory levels.
Conduct regular packaging stock counts and cycle counts, ensuring inventory records remain accurate.
Support the investigation and resolution of stock discrepancies, packaging losses and inventory variances.
Maintain packaging master data, specifications and inventory records within company systems.
Ensure packaging storage areas are organised, compliant and managed in line with company standards.
Crate & Pallet Asset Management
Support the management and control of returnable transit packaging assets including crates, pallets and reusable packaging systems.
Monitor stock levels and movements of pooled assets from providers such as LPR, CHEP and other approved suppliers.
Track pallet and crate balances across sites, customers and suppliers to ensure accurate asset reconciliation.
Assist in minimising pallet and crate losses through effective monitoring, reporting and recovery processes.
Work closely with logistics, warehouse and operations teams to ensure returnable assets are returned within agreed timelines.
Monitor dwell times and support actions to minimise rental, detention and dwell time charges.
Maintain accurate records of pallet and crate transactions and support monthly reconciliations.
Analyse asset utilisation data and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Sustainability & Packaging Innovation
Support the delivery of the company's sustainability and packaging reduction strategy.
Assist in identifying opportunities to reduce plastic usage and improve packaging recyclability.
Work with suppliers to investigate alternative materials, sustainable packaging formats and innovative packaging solutions.
Support packaging trials and testing programmes for new materials and product formats.
Monitor packaging performance, customer feedback and market developments relating to sustainable packaging.
Assist in the collection and reporting of sustainability metrics relating to packaging usage and waste reduction.
Support compliance with customer, retailer and regulatory packaging requirements.
Participate in projects focused on reducing environmental impact and improving packaging efficiency.
Packaging Procurement & Supplier Management
Work closely with Packaging Manager to support sourcing and supplier management activities.
Maintain strong working relationships with packaging suppliers and manufacturers.
Support supplier performance reviews through KPI monitoring and service level assessments.
Assist with packaging cost analysis and identify opportunities for cost savings and value engineering.
Support packaging tender processes and supplier evaluations where required.
Assist in managing packaging specifications, artwork approvals and change control processes.
Monitor supplier lead times and escalate supply risks where necessary.
Automation & Continuous Improvement
Support the development and implementation of automated processes within the packaging function.
Identify opportunities to improve packaging reporting, stock control and operational efficiency through system enhancements.
Assist in developing dashboards, KPI reporting tools and inventory management processes.
Support projects focused on reducing manual administration and improving data accuracy.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives across packaging, warehousing and supply chain operations.
Assist with root cause analysis and corrective action implementation relating to packaging issues.
Support lean and efficiency projects aimed at reducing waste, costs and operational complexity.
Operational Support
Work closely with the Packaging Manager, Procurement Team and wider Operations team to support day-to-day packaging requirements.
Collaborate with Production, Warehouse, Technical, Quality, Planning and Sales teams to ensure packaging requirements are met.
Act as a key point of contact for packaging-related queries and operational issues.
Support new product development and customer packaging projects.
Assist with packaging trials, factory validations and packaging performance assessments.
Support peak seasonal planning activities and promotional packaging requirements.
Ensure all packaging activities are carried out in accordance with company Health & Safety standards and operational procedures.
Support onboarding and training activities for colleagues where required.
Compliance & Administration
Ensure packaging specifications are maintained and controlled in accordance with company procedures.
Support compliance with food safety, quality, environmental and customer packaging standards.
Maintain accurate records relating to packaging inventory, asset tracking and supplier performance.
Complete daily, weekly and monthly administration tasks including stock reporting and system updates.
Assist with invoice queries, supplier reconciliations and packaging cost reporting.
Support packaging audits and customer compliance activities where required.
Ensure all required compliance and training activities are completed within designated timelines.
Assist in maintaining packaging documentation, technical specifications and approved supplier records.
Key Accountabilities
Maintenance of adequate packaging stock levels to support operational requirements.
Accurate management of packaging inventory and packaging-related master data.
Effective control and reconciliation of crate and pallet assets.
Reduction of pallet, crate and packaging-related losses and charges.
Support delivery of sustainability, plastic reduction and packaging optimisation initiatives.
Accurate reporting of packaging KPIs, inventory performance and asset utilisation.
Effective communication with suppliers, operational teams and internal stakeholders.
Contribution to continuous improvement and automation projects within the packaging function.
Support delivery of packaging cost control and efficiency targets.
Maintenance of packaging compliance, quality and food safety standards.
Skills & Experience
Recent graduate or early-career professional with an interest in packaging, supply chain, procurement or operations.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment.
Strong commercial awareness and understanding of operational processes.
Good numerical and data analysis capability.
Strong IT and systems skills, including Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Experience with ERP, inventory management or reporting systems would be advantageous.
Interest in sustainability, packaging innovation and continuous improvement.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Special Circumstances
Flexibility may be required to work outside normal business hours in line with operational requirements.
Role predominately operates on a 5 days over 7(Mon to Fri) working pattern.
Occasional travel may be required to supplier sites, packaging manufacturers and operational facilities.
Participation in packaging trials and site-based projects may be required.
Education & Qualifications
Degree in Packaging Technology, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Engineering, Food Business, Sustainability, Business, Operations Management or a related discipline.
Placement, internship or project experience within FMCG, food manufacturing, fresh produce or packaging environments would be advantageous.
Knowledge of packaging materials, sustainability principles or inventory management would be beneficial.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
Interest in packaging innovation, supply chain operations and continuous improvement.
Full driving licence desirable but not essential.
Benefits:
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Staff discount at Keelings Farm Shop and subsidized canteen
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Free On-site parking with access to electric chargers
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Wellness Initiatives such as wellness week
Keelings Values
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People Matter
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Teamwork
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Integrity
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Passion for Achievement
Inclusion & Diversity Statement
In Keelings we value all perspectives and knowledge that our colleagues bring to our business. We are committed to forming a diverse and inclusive team where all can share their unique experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all cultures and backgrounds and are dedicated to forming an environment of inclusiveness and diversity where all can thoroughly feel a sense of belonging.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
If you require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know at [email protected]
Recruitment Process
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1. CV Submission & email acknowledgment of receipt
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2. Phone Screening
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3. 1st Interview
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4. 2nd Interview
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5. Outcome & Feedback
Keelings Careers - https://www.keelings.com/careers-keelings/
Keelings Strategy & Values - https://www.keelings.com/our-people/
