Job Title: Site Manager, Dairy Manufacturing
Location: Nenagh
Reports To: General Manager, Dairy Division
Job Purpose
The Site Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and compliance of the dairy manufacturing site. This role ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective production while meeting quality, food safety, and regulatory standards. The Site Manager leads cross-functional teams to deliver operational excellence, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
Operations, Production and Despatch
Lead day-to-day site operations, ensuring production targets are met safely, on time, and within budget
Oversee milk intake, separation, evaporating, drying, processing, packaging, storage, and dispatch activities
Ensure optimal plant efficiency, equipment utilization, and minimal downtime
Coordinate production planning in line with demand forecasts and raw milk supply
Set and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), ensuring accountability and driving continuous improvement across departments.
Ensure the division is adequately staffed with skilled employees, providing coaching, training, and performance feedback.
Engineering and Maintenance
Manage the development and implementation of strict maintenance and repair procedures, including preventive maintenance schedules, to extend equipment life and minimize downtime.
Develop robust preventative maintenance procedures
Optimise commissioning of newly installed plant
Quality, Food Safety & Compliance
Ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulatory requirements
Maintain HACCP systems and ensure adherence to hygiene standards
Act as the site's senior food safety and quality champion
Promote clean as you go and 5S principles.
Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
Ensure environmental compliance, including waste, water, and energy management
Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with health and safety legislation
Lead risk assessments, incident investigations, and continuous safety improvements
People Management & Leadership
Lead, coach, and develop site leadership and operational teams
Ensure effective workforce planning, training, and performance management
Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
Manage industrial relations
Financial & Commercial Performance
Own the site budget and manage costs, including labour, maintenance utilities, and consumables
Drive productivity improvements and cost-reduction initiatives
Support capital investment planning and project delivery
Continuous Improvement
Champion Lean, Six Sigma, or similar improvement methodologies
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and yield
Drive digital and automation initiatives where appropriate
Key Skills & Experience
Proven experience in a senior manufacturing leadership role within dairy or food manufacturing
Strong knowledge of dairy processing (milk intake, evaporation, drying, powders)
In-depth understanding of food safety, quality systems, and regulatory compliance
Demonstrated leadership and people management capability
Strong financial acumen and experience managing site budgets
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills
Qualifications
Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Engineering, or a related discipline (preferred)
Relevant food safety and H&S knowledge
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Safety performance (leading and lagging)
Production efficiency and output
Production yields
Adherence To Schedule
Maintenance and preventative maintenance
Quality and audit performance
Cost control and budget adherence
Employee engagement and retention
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