Production Manager

About the role

Carlow Brewing Company is looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead and optimise its core brewery operations. Reporting to senior leadership, you will be responsible for day‑to‑day production while contributing to longer‑term planning and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Lead daily production across brewing and packaging.
• Manage and support departmental leads, fostering a collaborative, high‑performance culture.
• Develop and deliver production plans aligned with business needs and capacity.
• Monitor and improve KPIs such as efficiency, output, quality, downtime and waste.
• Identify and implement process improvements to boost productivity and reduce costs.
• Work closely with maintenance to maximise equipment reliability and minimise downtime.
• Oversee budgets and drive cost‑control initiatives.
• Ensure effective inventory management of raw materials and packaging.
• Maintain compliance with health & safety, food safety and regulatory requirements.
• Act as a hands‑on problem solver, resolving operational issues quickly.

Required profile

• 5‑10 years of experience in brewery operations, manufacturing or food & beverage production.
• Strong leadership experience managing teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• Hands‑on approach with the ability to engage directly with operational teams.
• Excellent organisational, problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Financial awareness with experience managing costs and budgets.
• Continuous‑improvement mindset and proactive, solutions‑focused attitude.

Required skills

• Lean methodology
• Six Sigma (or similar) methodology