Production Manager
Role Summary
Kilkenny Cheese is a joint venture between Tirlan and Royal A-ware, a 130-year-old Dutch family business with strong positions in EU and global markets. The facility, located in Belview, Co Kilkenny, started up in 2024 as a greenfield site.
Royal A-ware specializes in producing, ripening, cutting, and packaging cheese, as well as cream and fresh dairy products. The company values tradition, entrepreneurship, and customer-tailored products, with recent investments in supply chain development for independence and flexibility.
Based in Belview, South Kilkenny, the role reports to the Operations Manager. We seek an ambitious and driven professional to lead effectively in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will be a key member of the Operations team, contributing to the business's success by providing challenge and support.
The candidate will be responsible for delivering the milk and manufacturing process plan aligned with business strategy, safety, and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Lead operational management of the plant, focusing on core KPIs.
2. Embed Kilkenny Cheese’s cultural values within the operations team.
3. Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
4. Execute the cheese production plan, meeting planning and customer demands.
5. Manage daily operational planning and execution to fulfill customer and plant requirements.
6. Own the operational capacity model, headcount planning, and training plans.
7. Manage labour, material, and operational efficiency to meet financial targets.
8. Oversee product delivery, quality, and yields daily.
9. Ensure compliance with hygiene standards and audit readiness of production areas.
10. Manage shift team leads, driving accountability for KPI performance.
11. Deliver daily production meetings.
12. Address production deviations through corrective and preventative actions.
13. Collaborate with H&S, Environmental, QA, Process Technology, and Maintenance teams for performance and improvement.
14. Work with HR to recruit, manage, and develop staff through training and communication.
15. Contribute operational input to change management systems.
Key Requirements:
1. Third-level qualification in Food Science, Microbiology, Engineering, or similar.
2. Knowledge of cheesemaking is desirable.
3. 3-5 years’ management experience in food, manufacturing, or pharma sectors.
4. Strong organizational and planning skills.
5. Experience with DMAIC methodology.
6. Knowledge of operational excellence practices.
7. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and motivational skills.
8. Results-driven with high performance in a dynamic environment.
9. Strong technical and analytical abilities.
Competencies:
* Attention to detail.
* Teamwork and initiative.
* Planning and prioritization.
* Business acumen.
* Customer focus.
If interested, please apply with an up-to-date resume.
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