Head of Operation - Newbridge

Sodexo Ireland; Newbridge; On-site; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A global facilities management leader is seeking a dynamic Head of Operations to manage services at a brewery in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. This role combines strategic leadership with operational management, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency across facilities. The ideal candidate will have a degree, extensive experience in FM, and strong knowledge of GMP practices. A competitive salary and a chance to influence operational excellence are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunity to make a real impact on operations

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in Integrated Facilities Management.
• Strong knowledge of GMP compliance and food-safe practices.
• Proven track record in managing large teams and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary FM interface with the client.
• Lead delivery of hard and soft services across a new site.
• Manage budgets and supplier relationships.

Skills

Leadership in Integrated Facilities Management

GMP compliance knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Client engagement skills

Education

Degree in engineering, business, or management

IOSH or NEBOSH certification

Job description

Head of Operations - Newbridge

Location: Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: 65,000

Overview

Sodexo is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Operations (Integrated Facilities Management) to lead service delivery at Diageo's new state-of-the-art brewery in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. This is a rare opportunity to shape operations in a complex, high-volume brewing environment, ensuring world-class standards of safety, compliance, and efficiency.

As the senior operational lead on site, you\'ll oversee the full range of FM services - from technical maintenance and cleaning to security, catering support, and sustainability initiatives. You\'ll combine strategic leadership with hands-on management to deliver exceptional outcomes in a GMP-sensitive environment.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary FM interface with the client, aligning services with production priorities.
• Lead delivery of both hard and soft services across a new, high-complexity site.
• Ensure statutory, regulatory, and GMP compliance with zero compromise on safety.
• Manage budgets, financial performance, and supplier relationships.
• Lead and develop a multi-disciplinary team across technical and support services.
• Drive continuous improvement in operational efficiency and sustainability.

What We're Looking For

• Degree-level education in engineering, business, or management (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5 years\' leadership experience in Integrated Facilities Management, ideally within manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of GMP compliance and food-safe practices.
• IOSH or NEBOSH certification.
• Proven track record in managing large teams, budgets, and subcontractors.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and client engagement skills.

Desirable

• Professional qualifications in Electrical, Mechanical, or Building Services.
• Experience mobilising FM in new-build industrial environments.
• Knowledge of asset management and authorised person systems.

Why Join Us?

• Lead operations at a landmark site in the brewing industry.
• Work with a global leader in FM services, driving innovation and excellence.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to make a real impact on safety, compliance, and sustainability.

Apply now to be part of a team setting the standard for world-class facilities management.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from diverse experiences, backgrounds and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks and to engage with our Disability Confident interview process where applicable.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications.