Head of Operations – Site Lead (Manufacturing)

About the role

We are seeking an experienced manufacturing leader to take full ownership of site performance at Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore. As the Site Lead you will drive operational excellence, champion continuous improvement and lead a high‑performing team across production, engineering, supply chain, finance, technical and people functions.

Key responsibilities

• Translate business strategy into an actionable plan owned by the Site Leadership Team.
• Deliver on production, people and financial performance targets.
• Identify and implement efficiency improvements through process optimisation and capital investment.
• Embed strong governance, KPIs and performance improvement plans.
• Foster a culture of challenge, empowerment and continuous improvement.
• Champion food safety, hygiene and GMP standards, driving a quality‑first culture.
• Maintain a safe working environment in line with H&S policies and SHE objectives.
• Lead the site’s CI / Lean / MANEX agenda using structured problem‑solving techniques.

Required profile

• Strategic, commercially astute leader with graduate calibre.
• 10+ years leading large‑scale FMCG or high‑risk ready‑to‑eat food manufacturing operations.
• Proven senior leadership experience as Factory Manager, Operations Director or similar.
• Strong grasp of Lean, Six Sigma or CI methodologies.
• Deep knowledge of own‑label manufacturing, retailer standards and short‑shelf‑life products.
• Qualifications in Health & Safety and Food Hygiene.
• Competence in strategic planning, people development, change management and commercial thinking.

Required skills

• Lean
• Six Sigma
• Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologies
• Health & Safety (H&S)
• Food Hygiene
• Own‑label manufacturing
• Retailer standards compliance
• Short shelf‑life product manufacturing

What we offer

• Company Bonus Scheme
• Company Pension Scheme
• Relocation Assistance
• Support from an established leadership team and investment in people, process and plant