Operations Director

Keelings

Saint Margaret’s

On-site

EUR 130,000 - 210,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount at Keelings Farm Shop

Free On-site parking

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

Keelings is seeking an accomplished Operations Director to lead the end-to-end operational function, including warehouse, logistics, transport, quality, stock control and site infrastructure. You will guide strategy, performance, and continuous improvement as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.

The role demands P&L stewardship, cost-control discipline, workforce planning, and a focus on safety, HACCP, and regulatory compliance, with opportunities to leverage automation and AI for

Qualifications

Proven experience operating at Director or Senior Leadership level in a complex operational environment.
Experience managing operational P&L, budgets, cost-control programmes and financial performance.
Experience developing workforce strategies, labour planning models and recruitment plans.
Legally compliant knowledge of transport operations with a current Transport Manager CPC.
Strong understanding of warehouse operations, logistics, inventory management and end-to-end operational flow.
Demonstrable experience identifying and implementing technology, automation, AI or digital solutions that improve operational capability and efficiency.
Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, quality management systems and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership across a complex, multi-functional operational environment.
Develop and execute the operational strategy to support growth and service objectives.
Assume full P&L responsibility for the operational function with disciplined budget management.
Provide strategic oversight of transport operations and fleet management for 50+ vehicles.
Identify and deliver technology-led improvement programmes using automation and AI.
Ensure operations deliver exceptional customer service with robust inventory controls and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Director level

P&L management

Workforce planning

CPC Transport

Warehouse operations

Technology adoption

Food safety compliance

Education

Degree in Operations Management

CPC qualification

CPD

Leadership qualifications

Tools

WMS

TMS

ERP

Job description

About Keelings

Keelings is a 100% Irish-owned family business passionate about fresh produce. Operating across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, we grow, source, and supply top-quality fruit and vegetables. Our success is built on innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships – powered by our dedicated people.

Purpose of the Role

The Operations Director is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for providing strategic direction and operational leadership across the organisation's end-to-end operational function. The role will oversee the complete operational ecosystem, including warehouse, logistics, transport, technical, quality, stock control and site infrastructure functions, ensuring the business delivers exceptional customer service, operational excellence and sustainable growth. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing a high-performing operational capability through effective leadership, robust processes, performance management, continuous improvement and the development of scalable ways of working. Working as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the role will influence business strategy, shape future operational requirements and ensure the organisation is positioned to support growth, evolving customer expectations and future business challenges.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership across a complex, multi-functional operational environment encompassing warehouse, logistics, transport, technical, quality, stock control and site infrastructure functions.
Develop and execute the operational strategy, ensuring the business has the capability, capacity, infrastructure and resources required to support current performance and future growth while delivering agreed service, quality, productivity, safety, compliance and customer performance objectives.
Assume full P&L responsibility for the operational function, driving financial performance through disciplined budget management, cost control, productivity improvement, sustainable margin enhancement and strategic cost-saving initiatives.
Provide strategic oversight of the company's transport operation and fleet, ensuring optimum fleet utilisation, compliance, maintenance planning, replacement strategies, operational efficiency and cost effectiveness across a fleet of 50+ vehicles.
Identify, sponsor and deliver technology-led improvement programmes, leveraging automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital systems, data analytics and emerging technologies.
Ensure warehouse, logistics and transport operations consistently deliver exceptional customer service while maintaining robust controls across inventory management, stock accuracy, product integrity, operational risk, food safety, quality, HACCP, health & safety and regulatory compliance.

Key Skills & Knowledge

Essential

Proven experience operating at Director or Senior Leadership level within a complex operational, logistics, distribution, FMCG, food or similarly fast-paced environment.
Significant experience managing operational P&L, budgets, cost control programmes and financial performance.
Experience developing workforce strategies, labour planning models and recruitment plans aligned to changing operational demands and seasonal requirements.
Legally compliant knowledge of transport operations with a current Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
Strong understanding of warehouse operations, logistics, inventory management, distribution, stock control and end-to-end operational flow.
Demonstrable experience identifying and implementing technology, automation, AI or digital solutions that improve operational capability and efficiency.
Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, quality management systems, health & safety and regulatory compliance.

Desirable

Experience within FMCG, fresh produce, foodservice, chilled distribution or food manufacturing.
Experience leading warehouse expansion, operational integration, infrastructure development or major capital investment projects.
Experience implementing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transport Management Systems (TMS), ERP platforms or other digital operational technologies.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies.
Evidence of successfully leading large-scale business transformation or organisational growth programmes.

Education & Qualifications

Degree level (or higher) qualification in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business or a related discipline.
Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification is required.
Evidence of continuous professional development.
Relevant leadership, logistics or operational excellence qualifications desirable.

Additional relevant information

This role requires a highly visible, commercially focused operational leader who is equally comfortable developing long-term strategy and leading operational execution.
The successful candidate will be expected to challenge existing practices, influence change and build a best-in-class operational function capable of supporting the organisation's long-term growth ambitions.
Regular presence within operational areas is expected to maintain visibility, engagement and a detailed understanding of day-to-day performance.
The role may require occasional travel between operational sites, customer locations, suppliers and strategic partners.

Benefits

Staff discount at Keelings Farm Shop and subsidised canteen
Free On-site parking with access to electric chargers
Wellness Initiatives such as wellness week

Keelings Values

People Matter
Teamwork
Integrity
Passion for Achievement

Inclusion & Diversity Statement

In Keelings we value all perspectives and knowledge that our colleagues bring to our business. We are committed to forming a diverse and inclusive team where all can share their unique experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all cultures and backgrounds and are dedicated to forming an environment of inclusiveness and diversity where all can thoroughly feel a sense of belonging.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know at recruitment_keelings@keelings.com

Recruitment Process