Facilities and Operations Manager

Location: Co. Tipperary 

Reporting To: Senior Leadership Team / Managing Director

Our Client is an innovative biotechnology and animal nutrition business operating from a brand-new, state-of-the-art biorefinery facility in Co. Tipperary.

As the facility enters its next phase of growth, this role presents a rare opportunity to shape and influence how production is structured, managed, and scaled within a newly established biorefinery operation. The successful candidate will be responsible for defining and implementing operational standards, embedding a culture of continuous improvement, and building the production capabilities required to support ambitious growth plans over the next 12–36 months.

This is a key leadership role within the business, responsible for maximising production performance and output, developing operational excellence, and ensuring the facility is maintained and operated to the highest standards. As a senior manager, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in increasing production output, improving efficiencies, and building the operational capability required to support future growth.

Key responsibilities will include:

Production & Operations Management

• Planning, coordinating and controlling manufacturing operations to ensure efficiency, quality and safety

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the production facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and consistent manufacturing performance.

• • Assigning daily tasks
  • Scheduling workflows and personnel (Fermentation, Separation, Drying, Packaging, Warehouse Operation)
• Drive production output and improvements

• Develop and enforce hygiene rules – enforce food safety regulations, HACCP protocols, GMP+ compliance and quality standards

• Develop and implement production plans to meet current and future business requirements.
• Track and report on key performance indicators including productivity, yield, efficiency and downtime.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement projects across all operational activities.
• Ensure adherence to all quality standards, regulatory requirements, and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with technical, quality, and commercial functions to support business objectives.
• Support the development of production systems, processes, and best practices as manufacturing operations continue to expand.
• Oversee plant maintenance and develop and implement maintenance programs

Facilities & engineering oversight

• Take responsibility for the overall management and upkeep of the facility, utilities, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Develop and coordinate preventative maintenance programmes to maximise plant reliability and uptime.
• Manage relationships with maintenance contractors, equipment suppliers, and service providers.
• Ensure the facility remains audit-ready and operates in accordance with regulatory, HACCP, GMP+ and safety requirements.

Support future facility expansion and process development initiatives.

People leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop production and operational teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, teamwork, and safety.
• Support workforce planning and recruitment as operational requirements increase.
• Conduct performance reviews and identify training and development needs.
• Promote strong communication and collaboration across all departments.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Champion a strong health and safety culture throughout the organisation.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, safety, and operational regulations.
• Investigate incidents, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in audits and inspections as required.

Requirements:

• Degree or qualification in Engineering (bio-engineer, industrial engineering, biochemistry), Manufacturing, Food Science, Biotechnology, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Production Manager, Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Plant Manager, or similar leadership role.
• Proven track record of improving productivity, efficiency, and operational performance within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading teams and driving operational change.
• Strong understanding of maintenance planning, facilities management, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of pasteurisation CIP systems and HACCP / GMP+ requirements.
• Excellent leadership, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance operational performance and business objectives.
• Experience within biotechnology, food production, fermentation, dairy processing, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or related sectors would be highly advantageous.
• A proactive, hands-on management style with the ability to thrive in a growing and evolving business. 

Key success measures

The Production Manager will be expected to:

• Significantly increase facility output and operational capacity.
• Improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and production efficiencies.
• Maintain best-in-class quality and safety standards.
• Build and develop a high-performing operations team capable of supporting future growth.
• Successfully implement scalable production processes and systems.
• Support the continued growth and commercial success of the business. 

The successful individual will receive:

• Opportunity to join a growing Irish biotechnology company at an exciting stage of development.
• Leadership role within a newly established, cutting-edge production facility.
• Significant opportunity to influence the future direction of operations.
• Opportunity to play a key role in designing, developing, and scaling manufacturing operations within a brand-new production facility.
• High level of autonomy and influence, with the ability to shape operational processes, systems, and team structures as the business grows.
• Direct involvement in strategic decision-making alongside senior management and company leadership.
• Collaborative and innovative working environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.

For additional information and a confidential discussion on this Production Manager position and similar opportunities contact: Chris 056-7786631 / 083 1220295 or Chris@optimizerecruitment.ie

Chris is available for a call between 9am and 5.30pm daily (outside of work hours calls / meetings can be arranged upon request). 

Please submit your CV via the link provided, in confidence.

All applications will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and your CV will never be released without your prior approval.

Job Ref Number: OR-14815

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