Packaging Operations Manager

Grifols; Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown; Remote; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Group pension

Private medical insurance

Career development opportunities

Internal promotion focus

Education and development allowance

Wellness and social initiatives

Job summary

Grifols, a global healthcare leader, seeks a Packaging Department Lead in GWWO to drive safe, compliant and efficient packaging operations. You will lead a 70+ strong team, deliver the weekly production plan, and collaborate with Quality, Maintenance and Finance to optimise performance.

The role demands lean expertise, GMP knowledge, and a proven track record in continuous improvement, with strong leadership and cross-functional coordination.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years' experience operating packaging line equipment.
• At least 5 years' experience in a management role, preferably within secondary packaging operations.
• Demonstrated Lean tools experience (RCA, VSM, DMAIC).
• Experience supporting regulatory inspections (e.g., HPRA, FDA).
• Strong understanding of pharma regulations incl Annex 1 and EudraLex.
• Experience with SAP production modules.
• Engineering qualification or background desirable.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or formal training desirable.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong leadership, communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Lead packaging operations to meet targets in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Deliver the weekly production schedule and recovery plans.
• Identify operational issues and drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Implement continuous improvement to maximise efficiency, quality and compliance.
• Lead Daily Management System and Tier meetings; manage performance reviews.
• Apply Lean tools including SMED, VSM, DMAIC.
• Drive cost reduction through optimisation of operations and materials.
• Coach a team of 70+; support recruitment and workforce planning.
• Ensure batch release within timelines with Right First Time.
• Develop workforce capability across packaging lines.
• Collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, Technical Services, Operational Excellence and Finance.
• Maintain audit readiness and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare regular operational and performance reports.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Root Cause Analysis

Value Stream Mapping

DMAIC

Leadership

SAP Production

Microsoft Office

Education

Third-level qualification

Engineering background

Tools

SAP Production Modules

MS Office Suite

Job description

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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