Operations Manager

Baker Finn Recruitment; Cork; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Baker Finn Recruitment in Ireland is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee production, warehousing and logistics, and customer service. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will lead the managers of these functions to ensure targets and standards are met.

You will drive performance, continuous improvement and compliance, while shaping staffing, shift structures and reporting across the function. Strong leadership and IT skills with ERP/MRP experience are essential.

Qualifications

• At least five years’ experience in mid- to senior-level site, plant or operations management within manufacturing.
• Experience in packaging industry is advantageous but not essential.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, including coaching future leaders.
• Confident decision-maker with a proven track record of delivering results.
• Solid understanding of production and warehouse planning, operational reporting, resource management and process improvement.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma or comparable continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office and ERP or MRP systems.
• Full Irish driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production, warehousing, delivery and customer service performance, ensuring objectives are achieved.
• Partner with the Managing Director to meet and exceed operational requirements.
• Monitor departmental performance and develop strategies to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives including Lean, 5S and Six Sigma.
• Collaborate with related departments to resolve operational issues and maintain governance.
• Set operational goals with reporting managers aligned to company objectives.
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures across reporting departments.
• Lead, coach and develop direct reports in collaboration with HR.
• Develop and implement effective operational reporting with senior management.
• Review staffing levels, shift structures, training requirements, attendance and engagement.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Decision-making

Communication

Change adaptability

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee production, warehouse and logistics, and customer service operations. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the successful candidate will lead the managers of these functions, ensuring operational targets and standards are consistently achieved. The role encompasses operational performance, resource planning, continuous improvement, compliance and cross-functional coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee production, delivery, warehousing and customer service performance, ensuring objectives and standards are achieved.
• Partner closely with the Managing Director to meet and, where possible, exceed operational requirements.
• Monitor departmental performance and work with reporting managers to develop and implement strategies that improve effectiveness and efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean manufacturing, 5S, root cause analysis and process optimisation.
• Collaborate with related departments to resolve operational issues and maintain strong operational governance.
• Set operational goals with reporting managers in alignment with company objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures across reporting departments.
• Lead, coach and develop direct reports in collaboration with HR.
• Work with the senior management team to develop and implement effective operational reporting.
• Review staffing levels, shift structures, training requirements, attendance, performance standards and employee engagement across all reporting departments.

Experience & Qualifications

• At least five years’ experience in a mid- to senior-level site, plant or operations management role within manufacturing, with multiple departmental managers reporting directly.
• Experience in the packaging industry is advantageous but not essential.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, including a demonstrable record of developing managers and coaching future leaders.
• Confident decision-maker with a proven track record of delivering results.
• Solid understanding of production and warehouse planning, operational reporting, resource management and process improvement.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma or comparable continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office and ERP or MRP systems.
• Full Irish driving licence.

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on, visible leadership style.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing business demands.
• Confident communicator, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Results-driven, commercially aware and committed to continuous improvement.