Packaging Operations Manager

Grifols; Dublin; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Group pension scheme with employer-mat

Private medical insurance

Career development opportunities

Internal promotion focus

Education and professional development

Wellness and social events

Job summary

Grifols is seeking a Packaging Department Leader to oversee a large, fast-paced packaging operation in Ireland. You will ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and on-time batch release while driving continuous improvement and cost reductions.

You will lead ~70 staff across multiple lines, implement Lean and Six Sigma methods, and collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, and Finance to meet production targets and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Third-level qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum 4 years' experience operating packaging line equipment.
• At least 5 years' experience in a management role, preferably within secondary packaging operations.
• Experience applying Lean tools: RCA, VSM, and DMAIC.
• Experience with regulatory inspections and audits (HPRA, FDA).
• Strong understanding of pharma regulations incl. Annex 1 and EudraLex.
• Experience with SAP production modules is desirable.
• Engineering background is desirable.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or training is desirable.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Packaging Department to ensure safe, efficient, compliant operations.
• Deliver weekly production schedules and implement recovery plans.
• Drive continuous improvement to maximise efficiency, productivity, quality, and compliance.
• Lead the Daily Management System, Tier meetings and performance reviews.
• Apply Lean tools (SMED, VSM, DMAIC) to reduce costs and optimise processes.
• Develop and coach a team of 70+ employees, support recruitment and workforce planning.
• Ensure batches complete and release on time with Right First Time mindset.
• Collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, Technical Services, Operational Excellence, Finance and others.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Organisational skills

Team management

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline

Engineering background

Lean Six Sigma certification

Tools

SAP production modules

Microsoft Office

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert: Create Alert

Would you like to join an international team working to improve the future of healthcare? Do you want to enhance the lives of millions of people? Grifols is a global healthcare company that since 1909 has been working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. We are leaders in plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine and develop, produce and market innovative medicines, solutions and services in more than 110 countries and regions.

At Grifols, we believe that diversity adds value to our business, our teams, and our culture. We are committed to equal employment opportunities that foster an inclusive environment.

Position Summary:

This position will lead and manage the Packaging Department in GWWO. This position will ensure the department operates in a safe, efficient and compliant manner at all times.

What You Will Do:

Ensure full compliance with all Health & Safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Conduct and review risk assessments to support safe and compliant operations.

Lead packaging operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, ensuring key business objectives and production targets are achieved.

Deliver the weekly production schedule and implement recovery plans when targets are not met.

Proactively identify operational issues and drive timely resolution through structured root cause analysis and corrective actions.

Identify, evaluate, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to maximise efficiency, productivity, quality, and compliance.

Lead and support the Daily Management System, including Tier meetings and performance reviews.

Apply Lean manufacturing tools and methodologies, including SMED, VSM, DMAIC, and other continuous improvement techniques.

Drive cost reduction initiatives by optimising operational and material expenditure within the department.

Lead, motivate, and develop a team of approximately 70+ employees through regular coaching, feedback, and one-to-one meetings.

Support recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning activities for the Packaging department.

Ensure product batches are completed and released within agreed timelines while maintaining a "Right First Time" approach.

Develop workforce capability by ensuring employees are trained and competent across multiple packaging lines and operations.

Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships with Quality, Maintenance, Technical Services, Operational Excellence, Finance, and other key stakeholders.

Minimise process deviations by ensuring procedures and documentation remain accurate, up to date, and aligned with current practices.

Provide on-the-floor leadership and technical support to resolve processing issues and lead investigations into manufacturing deviations.

Support Quality Systems activities, including CAPAs, Change Controls, Deviations, and Periodic Reviews.

Maintain a constant state of audit readiness and ensure the department consistently meets regulatory and internal compliance standards.

Collaborate closely with Quality, Maintenance, Packaging Technical, Operational Excellence, and Finance teams to drive business performance and compliance.

• Prepare and present regular operational and performance reports to management.
• Carry out additional duties and projects as assigned by management.

What You Will Bring:

Third-level qualification in a relevant discipline.

Minimum 4 years' experience operating packaging line equipment.

At least 5 years' experience in a management role, preferably within secondary packaging operations.

Demonstrated experience applying Lean tools and methodologies, including Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Value Stream Mapping (VSM), and DMAIC.

Experience supporting and participating in regulatory inspections and audits (e.g., HPRA, FDA).

Strong understanding of pharmaceutical regulations and compliance requirements, including Annex 1 and EudraLex.

Experience with SAP production modules - highly desirable.

Engineering qualification or background - highly desirable.

Lean Six Sigma certification or formal training - highly desirable.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Excellent communication, leadership, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

Our Benefits Include:

• A highly competitive salary package
• Group pension scheme - Contribution rates are (3%/ 5%/ 7%) and company will match
• Private medical insurance for the employee
• Ongoing career development opportunities within a rapidly growing organisation
• Strong focus on succession planning and internal promotion
• Dedicated education and professional development allowance
• Wellness and social initiatives, including activities such as padel and summer events.

We understand that self-doubt can hold talented individuals back from applying for opportunities. We encourage everyone who meets the qualifications to apply – we're excited to hear from you