About the role

The Head of Learning, Leadership & Talent is responsible for shaping and executing a forward-thinking strategy that builds organizational capability, strengthens leadership at all levels, and drives a culture of continuous learning and high performance. This role will lead the design and delivery of innovative learning experiences, talent attraction and development programs, and succession planning frameworks that align with our business goals and values, and enable us to attract, hire and retain top talent across all levels in the organisation.

Ideally, this person will be based in the Republic of Ireland, but we can be flexible for the right candidate.

At Kerry Dairy Ireland we offer a flexible working policy.

What will I be doing?

Learning & Development

• Work Closely with key Stakeholders to identify skill gaps to create practical & engaging learning initiatives to drive performance and progression.
• Lead the delivery of learning and development concepts including digital learning from onboarding, functional, development, leadership and high potential learning initiatives.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning through modern, scalable, and inclusive learning solutions.

Leadership Development

• Design and lead leadership development frameworks for emerging, mid-level, and senior leaders.
• Partner with executive leadership to identify and develop future leaders and critical talent pipelines.
• Embed leadership competencies and behaviours into performance and development processes.

Talent Acquisition and Management

• Leadership of our Talent Acquisition and Early Careers Team to ensure our talent acquisition strategy and process are robust to attract, hire and retain top talent across all levels of the organization.
• Develop and promote the Employer Brand.
• Lead the talent review and succession planning processes across the organization.
• Develop and implement strategies to identify, assess, and accelerate high-potential talent.
• Collaborate with HRBPs and business leaders to ensure talent strategies are aligned with workforce planning and business needs.
• Work with the various external agencies, colleges and universities to ensure we are in prime place to attract Apprentices, Interns and Graduates in line with our annual Demand Plans.

Organisational Effectiveness

• Drive initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness, culture, and employee engagement.
• Use data and insights to evaluate the impact of learning and talent initiatives and continuously improve outcomes.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all learning and talent practices.

What do I need to be successful?

In Kerry Dairy Ireland we understand that people have very different career trajectories and experiences. In order to be successful in this role we would be looking for the right competencies and aptitudes as well as your proven track record of success in a similar role and environment.

These include

• Proven experience in a senior HR Leadership role.
• Strong track record of designing and delivering impactful learning and leadership programs.
• Deep understanding of talent management, succession planning, and organizational development.
• Experience with digital learning platforms, learning analytics, and modern learning methodologies.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at all levels of the organization.
• Strategic thinking and innovative, with a strong business acumen.
• Collaborative leadership and data-driven decision-making abilities.
• Experience with change management.
• Inclusive mindset.
• Professional qualification such as a CIPD certification useful but not essential.
• Good administration skills & interpretation of psychometrics.

What will I get in return?

At Kerry Dairy Ireland, we believe in giving talented, curious people the opportunity to make a difference. We work as a team, searching for the best ways to inspire food and nourish life. We are a community of innovators, working across disciplines to solve global food challenges with a fresh approach. We want you to achieve whatever you put your mind to.

We also offer

• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
• Flexible working
• Health Care (depending on location)
• Matched pension scheme
• Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers.

About Kerry Dairy Ireland

Kerry Dairy Ireland is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial consumer foods presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high-quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation. From partnering with local family farms to producing world-class dairy products, we ensure every step of our value chain reflects our commitment to excellence.

With over 50 years’ experience in milk processing, dairy and nutritional technology advancement, and product innovation, we are a key stakeholder in the global food industry and creators of a strong portfolio of market leading dairy brands including Cheestrings, Charleville and Coleraine Cheese, Dairygold, Golden Cow and our new SMUG range. Our from food, for food culture and deep-rooted connection to our 2,800 milk suppliers differentiates our business and offers captivating opportunities for our customers and consumers.

Our dairy comes from some of the world’s richest grazing land and is produced by a network of Irish family farms that have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Through a combination of expertise, innovation, and sustainability, Kerry Dairy Ireland is proud to shape the future of dairy while meeting the diverse needs of our farmers, customers, and communities.

Headquartered in Tralee, Co. Kerry, we operate multiple manufacturing facilities in the southwest of Ireland, including Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket, and Farranfore. Additionally, we manage 29 Farm & Home stores throughout the region, ensuring comprehensive coverage and service. In Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, our presence extends to key locations in Portadown, Coleraine, and Ossett.

Globally, Kerry Dairy Ireland employs over 1,600 dedicated professionals across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and China. In 2024, we achieved a turnover of approximately €1.3 billion, reflecting our commitment to excellence and growth.

Get in touch today!

In Kerry Dairy Ireland we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences. One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally.

Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on the skills and competencies of the specific roles and based entirely on merit.  We are committed to and value Diversity and Inclusion in all recruitment processes within Kerry and do not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic.