Description:
My client is looking to hire an experienced Operations Manager to join their expanding team. They are a rapidly growing and dynamic company based in Oranmore, Co. Galway, operating in the crop protection, amenity, veterinary and garden care markets in Ireland, the UK and Europe. They are currently looking to hire an Operations Manager to join their expanding team. They are 85 years in business with an established market position in Ireland and abroad and are embarking on an ambitious growth strategy.
The Role
The Operations Manager is responsible for the effective planning, execution, and continuous improvement of production, warehousing, and supply chain operations. The role will provide day-to-day leadership and strategic insight to ensure the business delivers high-quality products on time, with the flexibility and cost-efficiency required to meet seasonal demand patterns. This role is central to enabling strategic decision-making, operational scalability, and delivery of key customer commitments. You’ll report to the CEO.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily production schedules, line efficiency, and quality KPIs
- Manage team leaders and line operators, embedding ownership and accountability
- Lead development of supervisory talent and frontline leadership capacity
- Implement and coach on standard work practices, shift handovers, and escalation routines
- Define and drive lean optimisation projects, including line balancing and waste reduction
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, using data and floor feedback to identify issues and embed improvements
2. Planning & Supply Management
- Lead integrated demand and supply planning in alignment with Sales and Production teams
- Translate seasonal sales forecasts into production plans, inventory targets, and procurement actions
- Ensure raw material and packaging availability across SKUs
3. Warehouse & Logistics
- Own inbound/outbound logistics, warehouse layout, and stock accuracy
- Ensure compliance with safety, storage, and traceability standards
- Oversee dispatch planning and alignment with customer delivery expectations
4. Operational Strategy & Planning
- Collaborate with Commercial and Technical teams to ensure production readiness for new launches and campaigns
- Shape the mid-term production capacity roadmap (labour, equipment, facilities)
- Own master production scheduling and support materials planning based on demand signals
- Build the operational framework to scale efficiently and sustainably, including cross-training and peak-period planning
5. Process Improvement & Systems
- Lead continuous improvement projects (Lean, 5S, root cause analysis)
- Partner with IT/Finance to identify and implement fit-for-purpose systems to support operations
- Support automation and data capture for operational reporting
6. Cross-Functional Leadership
- Serve as the Operations lead in functional planning and monthly leadership meetings
- Partner with Finance, Commercial, Regulatory, Quality and HR to align on priorities and capacity
Required Skills & Experience
- 8+ years of experience in manufacturing or supply chain operations, preferably in FMCG, Agri, or Pharma
- Proven leadership of production and warehousing teams
- Strong planning, scheduling, and stock management skills
- Experience introducing or scaling operational processes and systems
- Comfortable operating hands-on while also contributing to board-level discussions
- Proven capability in project design and implementation
- Proven capability in site expansion
- Proven capability in leading organizational change
- Proven capability in living the values of the company
- Desired Attributes
- Structured and pragmatic mindset, able to bring clarity and foresight
- Clear communicator with a coaching leadership style
- Committed to continuous improvement, customer service, and team development