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