Applied AI Technology Specialist

Company Overview
Carbery Group is dedicated to enriching lives. How do we do this? Owned by the farmers of West Cork, we are a global business with deep local roots. Our mission is to deliver lasting value to our farmer shareholders while making positive impact on our customers, employees, suppliers, partners, and the communities we serve. We are committed to doing this by creating healthier, tastier, and more sustainable food and ingredient solutions.
With customers in over 50 countries, we pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation, our open mindset and ability to be a good partner. We prioritise our customers' needs, while also valuing our planet and fostering a thriving, people-first environment.
Your Role in Carbery's SuccessAs an Applied AI Technology Specialist, you will work closely with the group CIO to ensure that Carbery genuinely keeps current with how AI is evolving. You will bring deep, current knowledge of the AI landscape and test what is genuinely worth pursuing, while working alongside the senior team to help bring proven ideas into the business.
How You Will Contribute
Continuously track emerging AI models, tools, research and practitioner practice, and translate that into a short, opinionated shortlist of what's genuinely relevant to Carbery.
Build and run small, hands-on prototypes against genuine internal business problems, reaching a clear keep-or-kill verdict on each.
Say no, clearly and in writing, to AI trends that are hype-driven or don't fit Carbery's data and regulatory reality — as often as flagging things worth pursuing.
Own the transition of proven concepts from pilot to full production scale, in partnership with the Digital team and whoever will operate the solution day to day.
Present evidence-based updates at agreed Group Leadership Team sessions, scoped to what has actually been tested and what's being scaled
Manage a budget for licences, prototyping tools and short-term experimentation.
Build the business case for scaling proven pilots into production, jointly with the Group CIO.
Essential Requirements
Meaningful experience (4+ years) in an AI, data, software or automation role, with direct hands-on build experience, not only strategy or advisory exposure.
A demonstrable habit of following AI developments closely — able to speak specifically to what's changed recently
Strong working knowledge of the LLM/SLM landscape, plus awareness of domain-specific and open-source alternatives.
Practical experience building and testing prototypes, proofs of concept or small tools in a real business setting, and taking at least one through to production or live use.
Genuinely immersed in the evolving AI landscape; new models, tools and techniques and able to separate what's real from what's well-marketed.
Clear, confident communication skills, able to present tested findings to senior stakeholders and contribute to strategic direction alongside a more senior sponsor.
Desirable Requirements
A degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering or a related field.
Exposure to manufacturing or FMCG environments.
Our Commitment to our People
We are a diverse and growing workforce of over 1,000 people across eight countries globally. As we continue to grow, we want to ensure that Carbery Group continues to be a place where people are supported to develop and feel that they can do their best work. We are committed to driving growth, developing future capability and delivering results through our dedicated teams.
We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and an inclusive workplace where your skills, perspectives, and experience help shape the future of our industry. Join us and be part of a team that values collaboration and makes a meaningful impact - from local communities to global markets.
Carbery Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a supportive work environment.