Operations Manager

Collins McNicholas Recruitment & HR Services Group; Connacht; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Collins McNicholas Recruitment & HR Services Group is helping a highly regulated manufacturing client find an experienced Operations Manager to lead and develop manufacturing operations in County Mayo. This senior, site-based role oversees production, warehouse and logistics, aiming to improve operational performance and drive continuous improvement.

You will manage staffing, shifts and overtime, collaborate with engineering and planning teams, and ensure compliance with quality systems and

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in manufacturing, engineering, operations or a related environment with leadership experience.
• 3+ years' people management experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to lead teams and drive operational performance in a regulated environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Production, Warehouse and Logistics teams, ensuring effective performance and resource utilisation.
• Drive production schedule adherence, manufacturing efficiency and operational performance.
• Manage staffing levels, shift patterns and overtime in line with business requirements and labour targets.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to prioritise activities supporting production and operational performance.
• Lead continuous improvement and operational excellence projects from initial scope through to implementation and measurable results.
• Monitor key operational KPIs, identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions.
• Work closely with Planning, Procurement, Supply Chain and Customer Service to resolve operational issues.
• Support the introduction of new processes, technologies and operational capabilities.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with Quality Management Systems, SOPs, customer requirements and relevant regulatory standards.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the development, review and adherence of manufacturing procedures and processes.
• Manage multiple production shifts, ensuring capacity and resources are effectively utilised.
• Collaborate with relevant teams on manufacturing systems, ERP/MES improvements and process changes.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Manufacturing operations

Production planning

Continuous improvement

Analytical skills

Communication

Regulatory awareness

Education

Level 8 degree in Engineering/Business/Biotechnology/ Bioprocessing

Tools

ERP/MES systems

Job description

We are working exclusively with a highly regulated manufacturing client who are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and develop its manufacturing operations in County Mayo.

This is a senior site-based leadership role with responsibility for production, warehouse and logistics operations, operational performance, continuous improvement and people management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Production, Warehouse and Logistics teams, ensuring effective performance and resource utilisation.
• Drive production schedule adherence, manufacturing efficiency and operational performance.
• Manage staffing levels, shift patterns and overtime in line with business requirements and labour targets.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to prioritise activities supporting production and operational performance.
• Lead continuous improvement and operational excellence projects from initial scope through to implementation and measurable results.
• Monitor key operational KPIs, identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions.
• Work closely with Planning, Procurement, Supply Chain and Customer Service to resolve operational issues.
• Support the introduction of new processes, technologies and operational capabilities.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with Quality Management Systems, SOPs, customer requirements and relevant regulatory standards.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the development, review and adherence of manufacturing procedures and processes.
• Manage multiple production shifts, ensuring capacity and resources are effectively utilised.
• Collaborate with relevant teams on manufacturing systems, ERP/MES improvements and process changes.

Requirements

• 5+ years' experience in manufacturing, engineering, operations or a related environment, including experience in a leadership capacity.
• 3+ years' people management experience preferred.
• Level 8 degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Business, Biotechnology, Bioprocessing or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to lead teams and drive operational performance in a regulated environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple functions.
• Results-driven, commercially aware and capable of working in a fast-paced environment.