Operations Packhouse Manager
Company Profile
Located in the beautiful vale of Glenealy Co. Wicklow, O'Hanlon Herbs has been providing fresh herbs to Irish customers since 1988. From small beginnings O'Hanlon Herbs has grown to become a leading specialist in fresh herbs. We supply to supermarkets, foodservice and speciality gourmet stores throughout Ireland. Our mission is always to provide excellent service and quality produce to our customers.
Role Purpose
The Operations Packhouse Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective running of the packhouse and associated facilities. This includes managing production, people, machinery, and building systems to ensure daily customer orders are delivered on time and to the highest standards of quality and food safety. The role also drives continuous improvement and cost control.
Key Requirements
Operations & Production
* Oversee daily packhouse operations to ensure sales orders are fulfilled efficiently, on time, and to quality standards.
* Manage workflow across production lines, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.
* Operate and oversee production machinery, pumps, refrigeration, and watering systems, ensuring safe and effective use.
* Maintain accurate HACCP, traceability, and compliance records.
* Manage production budgets, monitor labour and material usage, and work with procurement and inventory teams to ensure raw material availability.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
* Ensure adherence to food safety, hygiene, and quality procedures at all times.
* Conduct audits to check compliance with SOPs, technical standards, and customer requirements.
* Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, legal, and regulatory requirements.
* Lead by example in promoting a strong safety culture.
People Management
* Supervise, train, and develop production team members to meet operational targets and quality standards.
* Manage staff rosters, holiday and sickness cover, and resource allocation.
* Lead team communications, ensuring clarity on responsibilities, priorities, and performance expectations.
* Address performance issues and support employee motivation, engagement, and development.
Continuous Improvement & Reporting
* Implement lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste, improve throughput, and maximise productivity.
* Identify and deliver efficiency improvements and cost-saving initiatives.
* Report regularly on KPIs, including production volumes, efficiency, costs, and quality performance.
* Liaise with other functions (logistics, quality, procurement, operations) to ensure smooth site operations.
* Deputise for senior managers and colleagues as required.
* Proven experience in an operations, production, or maintenance management role, ideally within food manufacturing, or horticulture.
* Experience with HACCP, food safety, and quality assurance systems.
* Strong financial acumen with experience in budget and cost control.
* Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
* Excellent people management skills, with the ability to lead, train, and motivate teams.
* Strong organisational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
* Excellent communication and influencing skills
Leadership & Team Management
* Operational Efficiency & Continuous Improvement
* Health & Safety & Risk Management
* Food Safety & Quality Focus
* Communication & Collaboration
* Problem Solving & Decision Making
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From €20.00 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 40 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Employee assistance program
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Glenealy, CO. Wicklow: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work Location: In person