FRS Recruitment is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead an international award-winning, farmer-owned dairy co-operative employing over 100 people. Based in Tralee, the Operations Manager will have overall responsibility for plant operations, technical function, and sales/distribution fleet. This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO.
The Role
You will lead a multi-functional management team including:
- Production Manager
- Technical Manager
- Sales Manager
- Transport Manager
- Milk Quality and Agriculture Advisor
Key Responsibilities
Operational & Production Leadership
- Lead all day-to-day plant operations (milk in to milk out)
- Drive productivity, yield optimisation, and waste reduction
- Ensure preventative maintenance programmes are delivered
- Set and monitor operational KPIs and improvement plans
- Align production capability with market demand
- People management
Technical & Food Safety Oversight
- Provide strategic leadership to the Technical Manager
- Ensure robust HACCP and Food Safety Management Systems are in place
- Lead audit readiness and act as senior site representative during regulatory and customer audits
- Ensure product quality standards are consistently achieved
- Maintain full compliance with Department of Agriculture and Marine regulations
Environmental & Compliance Management
- Maintain ISO 14001 and Origin Green accreditations
- Drive continuous environmental improvement initiatives
- Promote strong governance and compliance culture
- Liaise with the Environmental Consultant
- Maintain compliance with relevant site environmental licences
Health & Safety
- Champion a proactive safety culture across plant and fleet
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation
- Liaise with regulatory authorities as required
Sales & Distribution
- Provide leadership to the Sales Manager and sales/distribution staff
- Ensure efficient route planning and service levels
- Oversee fleet compliance, cost control and performance metrics
- Support delivery of volume growth and customer retention targets
Supplier & Customer Relations
- Act as operational point of contact for milk suppliers
- Oversee milk intake volumes and supplier performance metrics
- Manage milk assembly and optimise milk flow
- Support resolution of retailer queries, complaints and non-conformances
Candidate requirements
We are seeking a driven and commercially aware operational leader with:
- Minimum 3+ years experience in a similar senior operations role
- Experience within dairy or food manufacturing (highly desirable)
- Strong leadership experience managing production, technical and commercial teams
- Proven track record in driving operational improvement
- Experience managing regulatory compliance and audit environments
- Experience in the implementation of strategic change programmes
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- A degree in Business, Food Science or related discipline (preferred)
What's on offer:
- Senior leadership role within a well-established, respected co-operative
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a farmer-owned organisation
- Competitive remuneration package (commensurate with experience)
- Long-term career opportunity in a stable and growing regional business
If you would like to discuss this further please call Donal on 086 0214 875 / 066-7143995 or apply through the link provided
