Production Manager

Tirlán; Drogheda; Hybrid; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Exposure to large-scale manufacturing

Culture of safety and quality

Job summary

Tirlán, based in Drogheda, is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead a high-performing manufacturing operation. You will report to the Site Manager, guiding Shift Managers and production colleagues to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant production targets.

You will drive Lean initiatives, coach teams, and build cross-functional relationships to optimise productivity and ensure quality standards across the site.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a senior manufacturing leadership role.
• Experience leading large operational teams in highly regulated industries (food, beverage, pharma).
• Proven track record delivering productivity, efficiency and performance improvements.
• Experience driving Lean Manufacturing, CI or Six Sigma initiatives.
• Strong leadership, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities.
• Third-level qualification in Production Management, Engineering, Food Science or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations to deliver safety, quality, service and performance objectives.
• Oversee production plans ensuring meeting customer demand and business needs.
• Provide leadership and development to Shift Managers and production teams.
• Foster a positive, engaged and high-performing culture across the operation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and operational excellence principles.
• Optimise productivity, asset utilisation and plant capacity.

Skills

People leadership

Lean manufacturing

Data-driven decisions

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor-level degree in Production Management/Engineering/Food Science

Job description

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At Tirlán, we're more than a world-class food and nutrition business. We're a farmer-owned co-operative with a purpose: to nourish the world while safeguarding our environment for future generations.

With a portfolio of leading consumer, dairy and nutrition brands including Avonmore, Kilmeaden Cheese, Truly Grass Fed and GAIN Animal Nutrition, we deliver quality products to customers around the globe. Employing over 2,300 people across Ireland and international markets, we're committed to innovation, sustainability and operational excellence.

We're now seeking an experienced Production Manager to join our Drogheda site and lead a high-performing manufacturing operation. This is an exciting opportunity for a people-focused leader to influence plant performance, develop teams and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced production environment.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Site Manager, you will lead a team of Shift Managers and Production colleagues, ensuring the safe, efficient and cost-effective delivery of production targets while maintaining the highest standards of quality, food safety and compliance.

As a key member of the Site Leadership Team, you will play a critical role in delivering operational excellence, driving performance and supporting the strategic growth of the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations to deliver safety, quality, service and performance objectives.
• Ensure efficient execution of production plans to meet customer demand and business requirements.
• Provide leadership, coaching and development to Shift Managers and production teams.
• Foster a positive, engaged and high-performing culture across the operation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence principles.
• Optimise productivity, efficiency, asset utilisation and plant capacity.
• Deliver production targets while maintaining exceptional standards of product quality and compliance.
• Lead operational performance reviews and ensure actions are implemented effectively.
• Support operational readiness activities, process improvements and site change initiatives.
• Manage production downtime, start-ups, cleaning cycles and schedule adherence.
• Ensure compliance with all Quality, Food Safety, Environmental, Health & Safety and regulatory standards.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including maintenance, quality, supply chain, HR and external partners.
• Contribute to site-wide strategic objectives as part of the Plant Leadership Team.
• Use operational data and performance insights to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.

What We're Looking For

An experienced manufacturing leader who combines strong operational knowledge with outstanding people leadership skills. You thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy developing teams while delivering measurable business results.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in a senior manufacturing leadership role.
• Proven experience leading large operational teams within food, beverage, pharmaceutical or other highly regulated industries.
• Strong track record of delivering improvements in productivity, efficiency and operational performance.
• Experience driving Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement or Six Sigma initiatives.
• Excellent leadership, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability with a data-driven approach to decision making.
• Third-level qualification in Production Management, Engineering, Food Science or a related discipline.

Advantageous

• Exposure to operational readiness, change management and capital or equipment implementation projects.

This is an opportunity to make a real impact within one of Ireland's leading food and nutrition businesses. You'll have the autonomy to drive performance, influence strategic decisions and lead a talented team committed to delivering excellence every day.

• A leadership role within a growing and purpose-led organisation.
• Opportunities for career development and progression.
• Exposure to large-scale manufacturing operations and strategic projects.
• A culture focused on safety, quality, innovation and continuous improvement.
• The opportunity to work with talented colleagues who are passionate about what they do.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At Tirlán, we recognise that diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds strengthen our business and drive innovation. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, marital status, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

Join us and help shape the future of sustainable food production.