Senior Production Manager

Life Science Recruitment; Cork; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Life Science Recruitment is seeking a Senior Production Manager to lead manufacturing at a large-scale biotech facility in Cork. You will join the Senior Leadership Team, directing fermentation, formulation, and all production activities to meet targets while upholding safety and quality standards.

The role demands strong people leadership, strategic operational planning, and a track record in high-volume, regulated industries.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of leadership experience in production/manufacturing.
• Background in high-volume industries such as pharma/chemical/food manufacturing.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles.

Responsibilities

• Direct all production operations including fermentation and blending.
• Develop and implement site-wide operational strategies to boost efficiency and reduce costs.
• Lead people management processes: performance reviews, talent development, succession planning.
• Analyze performance data to identify trends and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure audit readiness and coordinate responses to regulatory bodies.
• Collaborate with global counterparts to align manufacturing pillars and share best practices.

Skills

Leadership experience

Change management

Lean Manufacturing

5S

Large-scale teams

Job description

A Senior Production Manager is required to lead production operations at a large-scale biotech facility in Cork. This is a high-impact leadership position within a global multinational, suitable for a professional who excels in high-volume, regulated environments.

Role Overview

As part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will oversee all manufacturing activities, including fermentation and liquid formulation. You will be responsible for the operational strategy of the site, ensuring that production targets are met while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality. This role requires a leader who can manage both the technical complexities of biotech production and the human element of large-scale team management.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct all production operations including fermentation (upstream/downstream) and powder blending.
• Develop and implement site-wide operational strategies to enhance efficiency and reduce conversion costs.
• Lead people management processes, including performance reviews, talent development, and succession planning.
• Analyse performance data to identify trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure the facility is audit-ready at all times, leading responses to internal and external regulatory bodies.
• Collaborate with global counterparts to align manufacturing pillars and share best practices.

Required Experience

• 5 - 10 years of leadership experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Background in high-volume industries such as pharmaceutical, chemical, or food manufacturing.
• Practical experience in implementing Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles.
• Strong decision-making skills and a track record of successful change management.
Experience in managing large-scale teams and complex reporting lines.

Why Consider This Role?

This position offers a unique opportunity to join the Senior Leadership Team of a world-leading organisation. It is a technical and strategic challenge where you will have the autonomy to drive operational change. The role is designed for someone looking for long-term career progression within a global corporate structure.