Head of Manufacturing Operations

CareerWise Recruitment; Cork; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CareerWise Recruitment in Cork is partnering with a leading manufacturing organisation to recruit a Head of Manufacturing Operations. You will lead multiple operational functions, shape site strategy, and drive world-class performance while building high‑performing teams.

Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will champion safety, quality and continuous improvement, mentor Operations Managers, and ensure capacity planning meets customer requirements in a fast-paced, quality‑driven

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in manufacturing at production management level.
• Degree in Mechanical, Production Engineering, or an equivalent discipline is essential.

Responsibilities

• Set performance targets for business units and monitor results, taking timely corrective action.
• Lead multiple teams across units, fostering proactive continuous improvement.
• Mentor and coach Operations Managers, delivering Build Plans and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure capacity planning processes meet or exceed customer requirements.
• Champion Safety, Quality, People Development and Continuous Improvement across the organisation.

Skills

Leadership

People development

Operational excellence

Safety culture

Quality management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Head of Manufacturing Operations

CareerWise Recruitment is delighted to partner with a leading manufacturing organisation in Cork to recruit a senior manufacturing professional for a high-impact leadership role. This position is for an experienced manufacturing professional who is passionate about developing people, driving operational excellence, and delivering world-class performance. Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will lead multiple operational functions, shape site strategy, and play a key role in supporting the continued growth of the business.

We are seeking an inspirational leader who can build high-performing teams, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and ensure the highest standards of safety, quality and customer satisfaction.

Role of this position

• Set performance targets for Business Units and monitor results, taking timely corrective action to address emerging negative trends.
• Lead multiple high-performing teams across units, providing direction to operational and functional areas while fostering a culture of proactive continuous improvement.
• Mentor and coach Operations Managers, supporting the delivery of Build Plans, Business Strategic Plans, and driving engagement and cultural initiatives.
• Ensure effective capacity planning processes are in place to consistently meet or exceed customer requirements.
• Champion a culture of Safety, Quality, People Development, and Continuous Improvement, partnering with stakeholders to define, uphold, and evolve standards across the organisation.

Job Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in manufacturing at production management level within a team-based environment (medical device experience is advantageous but not essential).
• Degree in Mechanical, Production Engineering, or an equivalent discipline is essential.

CareerWise Recruitment (In Search of Excellence) Established in 1999, CareerWise Recruitment specialises in recruitment of management and technical professionals for the life sciences, ICT, engineering, food and agri sectors. We operate out of multiple locations in Ireland and have offices in Cork, Shannon, Galway, Mayo and Dublin.

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