Operations Manager

Russell Tobin; Connacht; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Russell Tobin in Ireland seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead manufacturing operations in Co. Sligo. This hands-on leadership role focuses on safe, efficient, and profitable production while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.

You will develop and monitor KPIs, manage budgets, lead capacity and production planning, and foster a culture of accountability. Strong leadership and change-management skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations or related field
• Health & Safety qualification or equivalent training
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or Operational Excellence desirable

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations with emphasis on safety, reliability and on-time delivery
• Drive performance in safety, quality, delivery, productivity and cost
• Develop and monitor KPIs; implement corrective actions
• Lead capacity planning, production planning and scheduling
• Optimise labour, equipment, costs and scrap reduction
• Develop managers and team leaders towards continuous improvement culture
• Support capital investments in equipment and automation

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Production Planning

Budgeting

Stakeholder Management

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Education

Engineering/Manufacturing/Operations degree

Health & Safety qualification

Lean Six Sigma certification

Tools

ISO 9001/13485

ERP systems

Job description

Operations Manager (Manufacturing) - Co. Sligo

Our client in Co. Sligo is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead their manufacturing operations and support the next phase of business growth. This is a hands‑on leadership role responsible for delivering safe, efficient and profitable operations while driving continuous improvement, operational excellence and team development.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing & Operational Performance

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring safe, reliable delivery of products to customers.
• Drive performance in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost and efficiency.
• Develop and monitor key operational KPIs, identifying improvement opportunities and implementing corrective actions.
• Lead capacity planning, production planning and scheduling activities.
• Optimise labour utilisation, equipment performance, manufacturing costs and scrap reduction.
• Manage and develop managers, supervisors and team leaders, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Support investment decisions related to equipment, automation and operational capability.

Financial & Business Performance

• Manage operational budgets, forecasts and cost control activities.
• Drive cost reduction and margin improvement initiatives.
• Monitor financial performance and implement actions to address variances.
• Support business planning, capital investment proposals and operational reporting.

Leadership & Change Management

• Provide visible leadership across the facility and champion a strong safety-first culture.
• Support the integration and ongoing development
• Introduce best-practice operational processes, governance and performance management systems.
• Build organisational capability and strengthen leadership across the operation.
• Promote collaboration, employee engagement and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business or a related discipline.
• Health & Safety qualification or formal training.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or Operational Excellence certification is desirable.

Experience

• 10+ years' experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years in a senior manufacturing or operations leadership role.
• Experience in plastics, injection moulding, blow moulding, automotive or other high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record of leading operational improvement, change management and business transformation initiatives.
• Experience managing budgets and delivering financial performance targets.

Key Skills

• Strong leadership and people development capability.
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement expertise.
• Production planning, operational performance management and problem-solving skills.
• Commercially and financially astute.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and decision-making abilities.
• Results-focused with a passion for operational excellence.
• ISO 9001and/or ISO 13485 management systems.