Sawmill General Manager

Ward Personnel; Cork; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ward Personnel is assisting a market-leading timber processing group to recruit a Sawmill General Manager for a large Fermoy facility. The role oversees safety, quality and financial performance while driving operational excellence on site.

You will lead a multi-disciplinary team, implement Lean initiatives, and partner with commercial and supply chain functions to deliver targets and sustainable growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a senior manufacturing, plant, site or operations management role.
• Proven track record in large-scale manufacturing or process-driven operations.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing or Operational Excellence programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of site operations, ensuring safe and efficient production.
• Champion safety and compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality standards.
• Deliver production targets while maintaining product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Develop and execute site strategies aligned with wider business objectives.
• Drive Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives across the operation.
• Monitor KPIs such as productivity, waste, downtime and efficiency.
• Manage site budgets, financial performance and cost control.
• Lead capital investments and equipment upgrades.
• Mentor management teams and site staff.
• Collaborate with commercial, supply chain and maintenance teams to achieve goals.
• Drive employee engagement and performance management.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Operational Excellence

Budgeting & Cost Control

Stakeholder Management

Decision Making

Education

Engineering/Manufacturing/Operations Management degree

Job description

Location: Fermoy, Co. Cork
Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Sector: Manufacturing | Timber Processing | Industrial Operations

Join a Market-Leading Business

Our client is a well-established and highly respected manufacturer operating within the timber processing and construction materials sector.

As a recognised leader within the Green Tech and sustainable construction sectors, the Group is dynamic, innovative, and firmly focused on long-term, responsible growth.

Due to continued expansion and investment, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially focused Sawmill General Manager to lead the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of a large-scale manufacturing facility in Fermoy, Co. Cork.

This is a senior leadership position offering the opportunity to take ownership of site performance, drive operational excellence, lead high-performing teams, and play a key role in the continued growth of a progressive and sustainable business.

The Role

Reporting into the senior leadership team, the successful candidate will have overall responsibility for the management and performance of the facility, ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, productivity, customer service, and financial performance are achieved.

You will provide strategic direction while maintaining a strong presence on the ground, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of site operations, ensuring the safe and efficient running of the facility.
• Champion a strong safety-first culture and ensure compliance with all Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality standards.
• Deliver production targets while maintaining exceptional product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Develop and execute site operational strategies aligned with wider business objectives.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives across all areas of the operation.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators including productivity, yield, downtime, waste reduction, and efficiency.
• Manage site budgets, financial performance, and cost control measures.
• Lead capital investment projects, equipment upgrades, and operational improvement programmes.
• Build, develop, and mentor management teams and employees across the site.
• Work collaboratively with commercial, supply chain, maintenance, and support functions to achieve business goals.
• Drive employee engagement, succession planning, performance management, and talent development initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory, environmental, and industry requirements.

Candidate Requirements

• Degree or qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related discipline is desirable.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior manufacturing, plant, site, or operations management role.
• Proven track record managing large-scale manufacturing, industrial, or process-driven operations.
• Strong leadership capability with experience managing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated success delivering operational improvements and driving business performance.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence programmes.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasting, and cost control.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills.
• Comprehensive understanding of Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality management systems.

Ideal Backgrounds

Applications are welcomed from professionals currently working as:

• General Manager
• Operations Manager
• Manufacturing Manager
• Production Manager

Experience within any of the following sectors would be highly advantageous:

• Building Products Manufacturing
• Engineered Wood Products
• Food Manufacturing
• Heavy Industry
• Engineering Manufacturing
• FMCG Manufacturing

What’s on Offer?

• Opportunity to lead a significant manufacturing operation.
• Senior leadership role with real influence and autonomy.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Strong long-term career prospects within a growing organisation.
• Opportunity to contribute to a business at the forefront of sustainable construction and renewable materials.
• Dynamic, innovative, and people-focused working environment.