Job Title: Head of OperationsIndustry:FMCG / Chilled ManufacturingLocation:Dublin (Relocation Considered - Must have Full Rights To Work)Salary:Highly Competitive + Bonus + Benefits + Relocation PackageOverviewA fast-growing chilled food manufacturing business is seeking an experiencedHead of Operationsto lead multi-site manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence across the organisation.This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the Managing Director, with full responsibility for production performance, operational strategy, and cost optimisation across multiple production facilities. The successful candidate will play a critical role in supporting the business through its next phase of growth, targeting significant turnover expansion over the next 3–5 years.The RoleOperational ExcellenceLead and develop a large production organisation, including senior managers, supervisors, and operational teams.Ensure consistent delivery of daily production volumes across chilled and frozen product lines.Drive performance, quality, productivity, and cost control across all manufacturing sites.Build leadership capability within the operations team and develop succession planning frameworks.Operations Planning & StrategyContribute to long-term operational strategy and business growth planning.Evaluate and implement capital investment, automation, and capacity expansion opportunities.Lead key operational projects to support innovation, efficiency, and scalability.Cost Base Rationalisation & Continuous ImprovementAnalyse operational performance and identify opportunities for cost reduction and productivity improvement.Implement Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement programmes.Develop and manage operational budgets and track performance against financial targets.Deliver measurable cost savings and efficiency gains across production and procurement.Key ResponsibilitiesOversee multi-site manufacturing operations to maximise yield, efficiency, and compliance.Develop and monitor KPIs and operational dashboards to improve performance visibility.Implement Lean and CI initiatives to improve throughput and reduce waste.Ensure compliance with all regulatory, food safety, and workplace safety standards.Collaborate with HR on workforce planning, leadership development, and succession planning.Act as the senior operational advisor to the executive leadership team.Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and external partners.Candidate ProfileExperience & SkillsMinimum 15 years' experience in manufacturing, with significant senior leadership exposure.Proven track record leading large production teams in FMCG, chilled, or food manufacturing environments.Experience operating in BRC, retail-facing, or equivalent high-compliance environments .Strong understanding of production machinery, process optimisation, and factory operations.Experience implementing Lean, CI, or operational excellence frameworks .ERP system experience preferred.Commercially astute with strong budgeting and cost management capability.Leadership AttributesStrategic thinker with hands-on operational credibility.Strong people leader with experience developing high-performing teams.Data-driven with the ability to translate operational metrics into strategic decisions.Comfortable operating in a family-owned or entrepreneurial business environment.