Recruiting: Operations Manager

Meitheal Mara; Cork; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Meitheal Mara in Cork, Ireland seeks an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day running, ensure safe, professional operations and robust staff and volunteer support. Reporting to the Chair of the Board, the role guides programme delivery and governance in a community maritime organisation with a 25 staff and 350 volunteers annually.

The successful candidate will lead project teams, manage budgets, implement health and safety policies, and foster a culture of inclusion and respect within the

Qualifications

• Significant management experience in community/voluntary sector (minimum five years).
• Ability to lead and motivate teams from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience implementing Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with competing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Commitment to community enterprise, inclusion and respect.
• Experience with boating or maritime culture is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of all programmes and activities with quality and alignment to objectives.
• Ensure efficient and professional operations across all areas.
• Oversee premises, boats, equipment and facilities for safe use.
• Lead and support project team leaders to achieve aims.
• Manage day-to-day staff matters including scheduling and reviews.
• Support staff development and regular supervision.
• Oversee volunteer coordination, recruitment and induction.

Skills

Leadership

Team motivation

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Communication

Staff development

Volunteer coordination

Education

Degree (Level 7)

Job description

Meitheal Mara is seeking an Operations Manager with strong leadership skills to oversee the effective day‑to‑day running of the organisation.

This is a key leadership role reporting directly to the Board of Directors via the chair, responsible for ensuring high‑quality programme delivery, safe operations, and strong staff and volunteer support systems across the organisation.

Meitheal Mara was founded in 1993 to promote and foster maritime culture, community participation and social inclusion. These objectives are achieved through community boating programmes, employment and partnerships, with a particular emphasis on currachs and other traditional boats. It is a Cork‑based organisation with a national reach.

Position Description

Join us as the Operations Manager and provide leadership to ensure that Meitheal Mara operates effectively, safely and professionally in delivering its objectives and sustaining its reputation.

The Operations Manager reports to the Chair of the Board of Management. Meitheal Mara has a number of project team leaders and a full staff complement of 25 people, with additional support from approximately 350 volunteers annually.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of all programmes and activities, ensuring consistency, quality and alignment with organisational objectives.
• Ensure the organisation operates efficiently and professionally across all areas.
• Oversee premises, boats, equipment and facilities to ensure safe and effective use.
• Lead and support the Project Team Leaders in achieving organisational aims.
• Manage day‑to‑day staff matters including scheduling, annual leave and performance reviews.
• Support project leaders to ensure high standards of delivery, regular supervision and staff development.
• Oversee volunteer coordination including recruitment, induction, supervision and support.

Compliance, Governance & Health and Safety

• Ensure Health & Safety is embedded across all activities and operations.
• Implement and maintain policies, procedures and risk management systems.
• Support the Board in fulfilling its duty of care to staff and volunteers.
• Identify emerging operational or regulatory requirements and respond appropriately.
• Manage operational budgets and expenditure in line with agreed plans.
• Support funding applications by providing operational input and programme data.
• Ensure effective administrative systems and reporting processes are in place.
• Implement payroll management.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Significant management experience, ideally in the community and voluntary sector (minimum five years).
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience implementing Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A strong commitment to the ethos of community enterprise, inclusion and respect.
• Experience of boating, maritime culture or craftwork is desirable.

Qualifications

Applicants should hold at least a Level 7 degree.

Terms

Reporting to: The Operations Manager will report directly to the Chair of the Board of Directors.

Hours: Full‑time, workplace‑based (flexible working conditions may be negotiated).

Salary: €40,000 – €45,000 per annum based on experience.

Contract: Initial contract one year fixed term, including a six‑month probationary period.

Applications

Applications should include a letter of application and a CV (maximum two pages) and be emailed to [e-mail] with “Meitheal Mara Operations Manager” in the subject line, by close of business on Monday 13th July 2026.