Head Of Operations

Head Of Operations

Location: Naas, Co. Kildare
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, based on experience

Clark Recruitment is seeking an experienced and strategic Head Of Operations to lead all operational aspects of a key site based in Naas, Co. Kildare. This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially focused leader to take ultimate responsibility for all aspects of the site’s operations, driving efficiency, safety, and growth across multiple facilities.

About the Role:

As a Head Of Operations, you will play a critical role in overseeing operations, production, and engineering to ensure the smooth, efficient, and compliant running of the site. Reporting to the CEO, you will be responsible for maximising plant capabilities, managing key operational metrics, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

This role involves strategic oversight as well as hands-on management, where you’ll lead operations teams to meet business objectives, maintain food safety standards, and deliver cost-effective, high-performance operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations Leadership: Drive the operational performance across multiple sites, ensuring yield control, waste reduction, and efficiency improvements. Ensure all operating parameters are consistently reviewed to maintain food safety and cost-effective production.
Production & Engineering: Oversee daily operations, ensuring systems and processes are followed to meet business objectives. Take responsibility for the engineering and maintenance strategy, ensuring machinery and equipment run at optimal levels.
Food Safety & Compliance: Uphold the highest standards of safety, GMP, and health and safety compliance across all units, especially during customer site visits and audits.
Health & Safety: Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations for processes, people, and products.
Management Reporting: Ensure accurate and timely reporting of all operational data, financial summaries, and performance metrics to aid in decision-making and planning.
CapEx Management: Develop and manage multi-site operating and capital budgets, ensuring financial discipline and alignment with company and customer cost models.
Lean & Continuous Improvement: Lead Lean/Six Sigma projects, promoting continuous improvement across all areas to drive operational enhancements and savings.
People Management & Development: Maximise team performance through effective leadership, clear KPI setting, and a focus on staff development and engagement. Foster a positive working environment and lead team-based problem-solving initiatives.

What You Bring:

8+ years of operational experience, with a minimum of 3 years at a senior leadership level.
Strong operational and commercial awareness with a proven ability to manage multi-site operations in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment.
Experience in food manufacturing or FMCG environments, with a strong understanding of food safety, technical standards, and regulatory requirements.
Expertise in Lean/Six Sigma methodologies and driving continuous improvement projects.
Exceptional people management skills with experience leading diverse teams, conducting appraisals, and driving a positive workplace culture.
Strategic and hands-on leadership approach, capable of balancing operational responsibilities with long-term business objectives.
Strong financial acumen and experience managing CapEx and operational budgets.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and motivate others.
Proactive, data-driven decision-making capability with a focus on problem-solving and innovation.

Why Apply?

This is a senior leadership role within a dynamic and growing company that values innovation, operational excellence, and employee development. You’ll have the opportunity to shape the operational strategy of a leading site and contribute to its ongoing success.

INDCLA