Head of Manufacturing Operations

CareerWise Recruitment; Ireland; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

CareerWise Recruitment is partnering with a leading Cork-based manufacturing organisation to recruit a Head of Manufacturing Operations. This senior role shapes site strategy, drives operational excellence and leads multiple units to deliver world-class performance.

You will report to the senior leadership team, coach managers, and build high-performing teams while underpinning safety, quality and customer focus across the site.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years in a senior manufacturing leadership role in a high-volume environment.
• Proven track record of leading large teams and delivering operational improvements.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction and coaching to Managers and their teams across multiple manufacturing units.
• Drive operational excellence through a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and performance.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business growth objectives and customer requirements.
• Establish clear performance metrics, monitor results and implement corrective actions to ensure targets are achieved.
• Lead capacity planning activities to optimise resources, improve efficiency and support future business demands.
• Champion a culture of Safety, Quality, Customer Focus and People Development throughout the organisation.
• Support the delivery of strategic business plans, operational build plans and key site initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Production Engineering

Job description

CareerWise Recruitment is delighted to partner with a leading manufacturing organisation in Cork to recruit a Head of Manufacturing Operations. This is a high-impact leadership role 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction and coaching to Managers and their teams across multiple manufacturing units.
• Drive operational excellence through a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and performance.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business growth objectives and customer requirements.
• Establish clear performance metrics, monitor results and implement corrective actions to ensure targets are achieved.
• Lead capacity planning activities to optimise resources, improve efficiency and support future business demands.
• Champion a culture of Safety, Quality, Customer Focus and People Development throughout the organisation.
• Support the delivery of strategic business plans, operational build plans and key site initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• Degree qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years' experience in a senior manufacturing leadership role within a high-volume production environment.
• Proven track record of leading large teams and delivering operational improvements.

Why This Opportunity?

• Senior leadership position with significant influence on business performance.
• Opportunity to lead and develop large, high-performing teams.
• Key role in supporting ongoing site growth and strategic initiatives.
• Highly visible position within a successful and expanding organisation.
• Attractive salary and benefits package on offer.

Please note: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Ireland on a permanent basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.