Senior Operations Manager

At Britvic Ireland - Part of the Carlsberg Group, we're all about creating and sharing amazing soft drinks. Our iconic brands like Ballygowan, Club Orange, Miwadi, Energise, TK, and Cidona have been loved for generations. We also partner with PepsiCo to bring you favourites like Pepsi, 7UP, and Lipton. 

We're always innovating and evolving, staying true to our vision of being the most dynamic soft drinks company, creating a better tomorrow. With over 240 years of history, our brands are rooted in authenticity and heritage. Our success is driven by the passion of our people, and we foster an environment where everyone can thrive and grow and truly be themselves. 

As we embark on this exciting new chapter under the Carlsberg Group, our purpose remains clear: striving for perfection, focusing on research and innovation, listening to our consumers, and driving sustainability to make a positive impact on society

Job Overview

Britvic Ireland is seeking a dynamic and strategic Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead our production teams across all sites. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and executing the manufacturing strategy to drive operational excellence, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and ensure alignment with business objectives and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop, execute, and oversee the manufacturing strategy to ensure alignment with business objectives and customer requirements.
• Team Management: Directly manage the Plant Managers across both sites and ensure effective execution of site-wide operational goals. Build and maintain high-performing teams through leadership development and employee engagement.
• Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance: Drive EH&S compliance for all production activities, ensuring safety protocols are upheld and proactive measures are implemented.
• Quality and Food Safety: Drive QFS compliance for all production activities, ensuring all policies and procedures are upheld and proactive measures are implemented.
• Operational Excellence: Work alongside the IOI Lean Manager to implement lean manufacturing principles to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall production performance.
• Customer Focus: Ensure on-time delivery, high quality, and excellent customer service through robust planning and execution frameworks.
• Budget Management: Plan and control budgets to deliver the most cost-effective results.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion projects that optimize lead times, boost output performance, and support site-wide operational excellence initiatives.
• Value Stream Management: Foster a value-stream-oriented culture, ensuring that processes are streamlined, and teams work effectively toward common goals.
• Change Management: Actively participate in and lead change initiatives, ensuring alignment with site strategy and organizational vision.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage with cross-departmental teams to drive operational synergies and achieve site-wide objectives.
• Collaboration: Promote and drive collaboration between sites to drive performance improvement through benchmarking both internally and externally.
• Audit: Carry out monthly audits/Gemba Walks in all plants and report on findings.
• Travel will be a part of this role.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required

• A proven track record of Operations/Manufacturing Management in an FMCG industry is essential.
• Sound understanding of end-to-end FMCG operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing principles, business excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership skills are essential.
• Leads a culture of continuous improvement.
• Takes a positive role in developing the skills of others.
• Motivates others to work together through effective teamwork.
• Proven record of Operational Project delivery.
• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to analyze data and resolve complex issues effectively.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire large, diverse teams in a high-technical and regulatory-compliant environment.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and driving cost savings.
• Knowledge of GMDP & regulatory requirements and compliance standards.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills with a proven track record of driving organizational change.

Key Behaviours

• Creates collaborative partnerships across teams and organizations.
• Demonstrates a positive 'can-do' attitude and role models Britvic Values.
• Motivates others to take decisive action when the time is right.
• Facilitates positive relationships between colleagues.
• Constantly grows influential networks across the business and organizations.
• Capitalizes on great opportunities for Britvic.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business Management, or a related field is required. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Black Belt in Lean Manufacturing is preferred, or minimum Green Belt.