Operations Manager

RECRUITERS; Leinster; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

RECRUITERS seeks an experienced Operations Manager with a strong HVAC background to own daily operations and drive lean, scalable improvements. The role emphasizes technology, AI, and process optimisation to cut waste and boost productivity across logistics, planning and deployment.

The ideal candidate will identify where time and resources are wasted, implement smarter workflows, and lead cross-functional teams to enhance operational performance and profitability.

Qualifications

• Experience leading day-to-day operations in a technical/industrial setting.
• HVAC/building services knowledge and familiarity with operational workflows.
• Proven ability to identify inefficiencies and implement lean improvements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee efficient day-to-day operations and drive performance.
• Improve logistics, scheduling, stock flow and supplier coordination.
• Lead lean initiatives and standardise processes for scalable growth.
• Explore AI/automation opportunities to streamline tasks.
• Collaborate with technical, sales, purchasing, warehouse and installation teams.

Skills

Operations leadership

HVAC knowledge

Process improvement

Data-driven decisions

Tech affinity

Tools

ERP

CRM

Excel / Office

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Operations Manager with a strong HVAC background to take ownership of day-to-day operations and drive the business towards a more efficient, streamlined and scalable way of working.

This is an opportunity for someone who understands the HVAC industry but also has a genuine interest in technology, AI and process optimisation. The successful candidate will identify where time, money and resources are being lost across the business and introduce smarter ways of working to improve productivity, logistics, communication and overall operational performance.

A key focus of the role will be to make the business leaner, using technology and AI where appropriate to automate repetitive tasks, improve planning and provide better visibility across the operation.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Take overall responsibility for the efficient day-to-day running of operations.
• Review existing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and profitability.
• Establish clear workflows, responsibilities and operational procedures.
• Monitor operational KPIs and implement improvements where required.
• Work closely with senior management to develop and deliver operational strategy.

Logistics & Planning

• Review and improve current logistics, delivery and scheduling processes.
• Improve coordination between sales, purchasing, warehouse, transport, installation and customers.
• Identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary deliveries, waiting time, duplication and operational delays.
• Improve stock flow, inventory management and purchasing processes.
• Introduce better planning and forecasting tools to improve resource utilisation.

Lean Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks and unnecessary administration across the business.
• Introduce lean principles to reduce waste, duplication and unnecessary processes.
• Standardise processes where appropriate.
• Develop systems that allow the business to scale without proportionally increasing administration or headcount.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement across the organisation.

AI & Technology

A key part of the role will be exploring how AI and automation can improve the way the business operates.

HVAC / Technical Responsibilities

• Use existing HVAC industry knowledge to understand the operational challenges of the business.
• Work closely with technical, sales, purchasing, warehouse and installation teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve the flow of HVAC products, equipment and materials from order through to delivery and installation.
• Understand the impact of lead times, stock availability, supplier performance and project scheduling on customer service and profitability.
• Support the development of more efficient processes across HVAC projects and operations.

People Management

• Lead, motivate and develop operational teams.
• Establish clear accountability and performance expectations.
• Encourage teams to identify and suggest improvements.
• Provide training and support when new processes or systems are introduced.
• Work collaboratively across departments to ensure operational improvements are adopted effectively.

KPIs & Performance

• Develop and monitor operational KPIs.
• Track delivery performance, productivity, stock levels, lead times and operational costs.
• Identify trends and areas requiring improvement.
• Provide regular operational reports to senior management.
• Use data to support informed business decisions.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience in an Operations Management / Operations Leadership role.
• Strong background within the HVAC, building services, engineering or related technical industry.
• Strong understanding of logistics, scheduling, purchasing, stock and operational workflows.
• Demonstrable experience improving processes and operational efficiency.
• A lean and continuous-improvement mindset.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of operational costs.
• Comfortable working with technology, systems and data.
• Genuine interest in AI, automation and emerging technologies and how they can be applied to improve business performance.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to challenge existing processes and implement practical improvements.
• Strong Microsoft Office / Excel skills; experience with ERP, CRM or operational management systems would be advantageous.