Operations Manager

Collins McNicholas Group; Cork; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Collins McNicholas Group in Cork invites applications for an experienced Operations Manager to lead end-to-end operations in a technical, product-led manufacturing and distribution environment. You will oversee warehousing, goods-in, inventory, order fulfilment and dispatch, drive continuous improvement, and collaborate with sales, finance and administration to meet business objectives.

This role requires a commercially minded, hands-on leader with a track record of building capability in SME

Qualifications

• 5+ years in senior operations, warehouse or logistics management with leadership experience.
• Strong people management, including developing a larger operational workforce.
• Experience across warehousing, goods-in, inventory control, order fulfilment and distribution.
• Strong ERP and systems knowledge; improving stock accuracy, reporting and controls; WMS experience is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Operations: Oversee all warehouse activities from inbound to dispatch.
• Leadership & People Management: Lead and develop the operational team and set performance standards.
• Logistics & Distribution: Manage inbound/outbound logistics, carrier relationships and delivery schedules.
• Operational Planning & Performance: Manage high-volume workflows, staffing, and KPIs to drive productivity and service.
• ERP & Systems Management: Own ERP functionality, stock records, reporting and controls.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead warehouse process improvements and system enhancements.
• Health & Safety: Maintain a safe, compliant working environment.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Align operations with sales, finance and admin objectives.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Operational KPIs

Problem solving

Commercial awareness

Tools

ERP systems

WMS

Job description

Operations Manager

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Manager to join a well-established Irish business operating within a technical, product-led manufacturing and distribution environment.

Based in Cork, the business combines manufactured and imported products to supply customers nationwide. This is a key leadership appointment, with responsibility for the end-to-end operation, including warehousing, goods-in, inventory management, order fulfilment, dispatch and logistics.

Reporting to senior management, the successful candidate will lead an established operational team, oversee a high-volume and fast-paced environment, and drive improvements across productivity, systems, service delivery and overall operational performance. The role also involves close collaboration with sales, finance and administration to ensure the operation supports wider commercial objectives.

This opportunity would suit a commercially minded, hands-on leader with a strong background in operations, ideally within an SME or a business combining manufacturing, stockholding and distribution. It offers scope to take ownership of a broad operation, develop people and make a tangible impact on business performance.

Key Responsibilities

• End-to-End Operations: Oversee all warehouse activities, from inbound deliveries and goods-in through to inventory management, replenishment, order fulfilment and final dispatch.
• Leadership & People Management: Lead, develop and manage the operational team, setting clear objectives and performance standards while fostering accountability and positive employee relations within a unionised environment.
• Logistics & Distribution: Manage inbound and outbound logistics, carrier and freight-forwarder relationships, delivery schedules and service levels to meet customer commitments.
• Operational Planning & Performance: Manage high-volume workflows, labour allocation and priorities, using KPIs to drive productivity, order accuracy, stock availability and service performance.
• ERP & Systems Management: Take ownership of operational systems and ERP functionality, ensuring accurate stock records, effective reporting and strong operational controls, while identifying opportunities to improve system utilisation.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives to improve warehouse processes, layouts, productivity and resource utilisation, including systems enhancements and operational projects.
• Health & Safety: Maintain a safe, organised and compliant working environment.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with senior management and colleagues across sales, finance and administration to align operational performance with customer requirements and business priorities.

The Ideal Candidate

• At least 5 years' experience in a senior operations, warehouse or logistics management role, with a proven track record of leading teams and managing complex, high-volume operations.
• Strong people management experience, including leading team leaders, managing performance and developing a larger operational workforce.
• Experience across warehousing, goods-in, inventory control, order fulfilment and distribution, ideally in a business combining manufacturing, stockholding and distribution.
• Strong ERP and systems knowledge, with experience improving stock accuracy, reporting and operational processes. WMS experience would be an advantage.
• Proven ability to use operational KPIs to improve productivity, efficiency and customer service.
• A commercially aware, proactive and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to balance hands-on operational involvement with a broader strategic perspective.
• Excellent organisational, analytical, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in an SME or unionised environment would be advantageous, as would exposure to Lean, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies.

For a confidential discussion or more information, contact Aisling [e-mail][phone]