15h Left Factory Operations Manager

JO-2510-558251
Job Title: Factory Operations Manager
Location: Navan, Co. Meath
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
About the Company Cpl are proud to partner with a leading premium confectionary goods manufacturer based in Navan, Co. Meath. The company crafts hand-finished chocolates for some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Baileys, Guinness, and The Famous Grouse, combining traditional recipes with bold innovation.
With two state-of-the-art facilities and a workforce that scales up to 160 during peak season, the company has invested over €4 million in the past two years to enhance automation, efficiency, and production capability. Following €6 million in sales growth last year and plans for similar growth this year, the business continues its ambitious journey of transformation and expansion.
Role Overview They are now seeking an experienced and results-driven Factory Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of a high-performing production facility with 11 production lines.
Reporting directly to the Site Director, this is a pivotal role at the heart of the company’s transformation journey. You’ll be responsible for driving operational excellence, developing high-performing teams, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement, agility, and accountability across the site.
This position offers a rare opportunity to make a measurable impact within an organisation that combines heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation and global reach.
Key Responsibilities Oversee all aspects of factory operations across 11 production lines, ensuring safety, quality, efficiency, and delivery targets are consistently met.
Lead and manage site performance, including direct labour utilisation, material usage, waste reduction, and cost efficiency.
Develop, lead, and inspire a team of four Production Supervisors, a Warehouse Manager, and supporting staff (80–160 operators seasonally).
Drive the site’s automation and continuous improvement agenda, implementing new technologies and systems to enhance performance.
Monitor key operational metrics including OEE, yield, downtime, waste, labour efficiency, and material usage.
Collaborate with department heads to identify inefficiencies and standardise working practices across all shifts and functions.
Lead daily and weekly operational review meetings, ensuring issues are addressed and plans are clearly communicated.
Maintain the highest standards in Health & Safety, food safety, training, and compliance.
Partner with CI, Quality, and Engineering functions to support process improvements and new product introductions.
Work cross-functionally with the UK and European teams to align site performance with group objectives.
Champion a performance-driven culture through coaching, communication, and structured people development.
Candidate Profile / Skills & Experience Proven experience in an operations or factory management role within the food or beverage manufacturing sector (chocolate experience not required).
Strong leadership skills with the ability to engage, motivate, and develop teams at all levels.
Data-driven, commercially aware, and comfortable analysing metrics such as OEE, labour efficiency, waste, and costings.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across departments.
Strong understanding of production planning, quality, safety, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience managing within a fast-paced, high-volume environment with both permanent and seasonal workforces.
IT literate with proficiency in ERP systems (experience with QAD or similar advantageous).
A relevant degree in Food Science, Engineering, or Business Management is desirable but not essential.
Strategic thinker with hands-on operational capability and a continuous improvement mindset.
What’s on Offer Competitive salary and annual bonus plan (up to 10% of salary, based on performance).
24 days annual leave, increasing to 25 days with service, plus public holidays.
Pension plan, Death in Service benefit, and Employee Assistance Programme.
Family-friendly policies including paid maternity leave after one year of service.
Opportunities for career progression within an international group.
Access to leadership development and training programmes.
Vibrant, collaborative working environment focused on innovation and growth.
Regular employee recognition and engagement initiatives, including volunteering days and wellbeing events.
If you are an accomplished Operations or Factory Manager seeking a role where you can make a real impact, please send your most up-to-date CV in confidence to shane.gleeson@cpl.ie.
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence, and I will respond to you within 24 hours.
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