Production / Operations Manager

Production / Operations Manager – Global Food Manufacturing

(Craigavon area – Northern Ireland)

Contact: Conor O’Hagan

Top 3 Things to Know

• Strategic Impact: Lead key production and packing departments, driving efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement across a large-scale food manufacturing site.
• People Leadership: Inspire and develop a diverse team while collaborating closely with finance, engineering, quality, and other site leaders.
• Growth & Innovation: Join a company with strong global growth plans and significant investment in new technology and processes.

About the Role

A leading international food manufacturer is seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee operations at its Northern Ireland facility. This is a high-profile role for an accomplished manufacturing leader who can optimise production, champion safety and quality, and deliver measurable results.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate production, packing, stores, and processing to achieve site targets.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement using lean tools to identify issues, implement solutions, and enhance performance.
• Develop and manage budgets for production, processing, storage, and haulage, ensuring accountability across teams.
• Oversee daily production plans, swiftly resolving deviations and ensuring product quality meets or exceeds customer expectations.
• Partner with site leadership and cross-functional teams (engineering, quality, finance, HR, IT) to deliver efficient, safe, and sustainable operations.
• Lead, mentor, and coach team leaders and process operators, setting SMART objectives and fostering professional growth.
• Promote a proactive safety culture, ensuring compliance with health & safety standards and food safety requirements.
• Support capital investment projects and manage smaller initiatives within your departments.

The Person:

It is anticipated that the successful candidate will come from a similar background and will be looking for the next challenge in their career. Self-starting and motivated, applicants will also need to satisfy the following:

• Degree (or equivalent) in business, engineering, or a technical field.
• Minimum 3 years’ management experience in a manufacturing environment with direct team leadership.
• Strong budgeting, communication, and people-development skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and flexibility to work outside core hours when required.

Desirable:

• Formal qualifications in Lean Manufacturing, Project Management (PRINCE2), NEBOSH, or HR/Employee Relations.
• 5+ years’ leadership in a 24/7 operation, ideally within food manufacturing.
• Experience in a unionised environment and knowledge of food science or processes.

This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic, inclusive workplace that values innovation and professional growth.

For further information, and to apply for this Production / Operations Manager position or other Operations Management opportunities, please contact Conor O’Hagan or visit our Website.

Expert, confidential recruitment advice

Salary is usually negotiable, salary details listed are to be used as a guide and are based on factors such as your experience and expertise.

We reserve the right to heighten short listing criteria dependent upon the calibre of response.