Company Description
Apex Global Resources, established in 2001, is a trusted Professional Trades Recruitment Agency specializing in permanent and contract recruitment for the Mechanical Services, Construction, and Pharmaceutical sectors throughout the UK, Ireland, and Europe. The agency prides itself on efficiently matching highly skilled candidates with roles tailored to both their expertise and client requirements. Focused on delivering quality, value, and reliability, Apex Global Resources has earned a strong reputation for client satisfaction and high levels of repeat business. With a commitment to continuous improvement and international expertise, the company has established a presence in multiple countries, ensuring full compliance alongside global partnerships.
Head of Operations
Role Overview
This is a senior leadership role responsible for
operational excellence, long-term operational strategy, and cost efficiency
across a multi-site manufacturing operation based in Cork. The role sits between ownership/directors and the senior management team and is critical to driving sustainable growth, efficiency, and profitability.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Excellence
* Lead large, multi-site production operations with responsibility for output, quality, safety, productivity, and cost control.
* Manage and develop senior production leaders, supervisors, and line managers.
* Standardise operational metrics, set performance targets, and embed consistent measurement and reporting across sites.
* Identify, develop, and retain internal talent to build long-term capability on the production floor.
Operations Planning & Strategy
* Contribute to leadership discussions on growth plans over a 5–10 year horizon.
* Develop long-term operational and capacity plans, including maintenance strategies and infrastructure requirements.
* Lead operational innovation and special projects within existing and new production facilities.
* Work closely with senior leadership to align operational capability with future business needs.
Cost Base Rationalisation & Continuous Improvement
* Analyse current processes to identify efficiency, yield, and procurement improvements.
* Build and deliver Lean and continuous improvement programmes.
* Develop and manage operational budgets and oversee performance against targets.
* Build strong business cases for change and lead change programmes to deliver measurable cost savings.
Experience & Skills Required
* 15+ years' experience in manufacturing, with significant senior leadership responsibility.
* Strong background in food or FMCG manufacturing, ideally supplying major retail customers.
* Proven experience operating to high quality and regulatory standards (e.g. BRC or equivalent).
* Strong understanding of production machinery, optimisation, and factory development.
* Experience working within ERP environments and delivering Lean or continuous improvement initiatives.
* Commercially astute, data-driven, and capable of influencing at senior leadership level.
Key Outcomes
* Improved consistency, efficiency, and cost performance across all sites.
* Clear operational metrics, planning discipline, and accountability embedded across the organisation.
* Delivery of significant efficiency and procurement gains over the medium term.
* Support business growth towards a target turnover of €100m+ through strong operational leadership.
Excellent package on offer including, bonus, pension and company car.