Operations Manager

Operations Manager (Ireland and Europe)

Division: MSR‑FSR – QAQC
Location: Europe (with regional travel)
Employment Type: Full‑time, Permanent
Reports To: QAQC Executive Program Manager

Salary: €110 – €120k

Position Overview

MSR‑FSR’s European QAQC Division delivers third‑party Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Analytical Testing, and Staff Augmentation services to clients in highly regulated industries, including pharmaceutical and semiconductor sectors.

As Operations Manager, you will own the day‑to‑day operational delivery across multiple client sites and projects in Europe, ensuring services are delivered safely, within budget, on margin, and fully compliant with Quality, Environmental, and EHS standards. You will lead multi‑disciplinary teams, optimize resources, manage financial performance (P&L, forecasting, cash flow), and cultivate a performance‑driven, collaborative culture that enables repeat business and long‑term client partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Delivery

·       Oversee all business unit functions to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to required Quality, Environmental, Health & Safety (QEHS) standards.

·       Maintain front‑end, customer‑facing excellence through disciplined project management driving consistency, continuous improvement, and repeat business.

·       Ensure full implementation of company management systems, project quality plans, and controls throughout project lifecycles.

Financial Ownership

·       Deliver financial results in line with targets and growth plans.

·       Lead monthly operating reviews, ensuring accurate forecasting of revenue, margins, overheads, and cash flow.

·       Monitor financial performance of active projects, ensure accurate project progress and performance reporting and adherence to contractual scope.

Client & Stakeholder Management

·       Act as the primary operational point of contact for clients and key stakeholders; ensure clear, proactive communication internally and externally.

·       Lead high‑level progress, commercial, and risk resolution meetings, manage escalations for safety or quality incidents.

·       Support business development by maintaining and growing client relationships, contribute to solution design, resource planning, and tender inputs from an operations perspective.

People Leadership & Resource Management

·       Recruit, allocate, and lead Project Managers, QA Leads, Inspectors/Analysts, and multi‑site teams across Europe.

·       Set clear goals and performance expectations; provide mentoring, coaching, and development to build a high‑performing, inclusive culture.

·       Ensure efficient resource planning across Irish and international markets to avoid duplication and drive delivery excellence.

Compliance, Governance & Risk

·       Ensure compliance with MSR‑FSR and client standards, alongside relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 17025, GMP/GLP as applicable), and local/regional legal requirements.

·       Lead or support audits, supplier assessments, and root‑cause / corrective action programs (CAPA).

·       Drive change management (cost, scope, and schedule) with robust documentation and approvals.

Continuous Improvement & Reporting

·       Champion Lean / Operational Excellence initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce waste across engagements.

·       Create effective status/progress reports with clear analysis and actions for all stakeholders (including month‑end reporting).

·       Develop and implement corrective action plans where needed and monitor outcomes to closure.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

·       Safety & Compliance: Zero harm, audit outcomes, regulatory adherence

·       Quality: Right‑first‑time, defect rate, CAPA closure time, client audit scores

·       Delivery: On‑time delivery, schedule adherence, milestone achievement

·       Financial: Revenue, margin, forecast accuracy

·       People & Culture: Retention, engagement, utilization, training & development

Essential Criteria

·       Strong background in semiconductor construction/tool‑install delivery.

• 10+ years’ experience in Quality Assurance/Quality Control/Analytical Testing within highly regulated environments (e.g., pharmaceutical, semiconductor, biotech, advanced manufacturing).
• Demonstrated success leading multi‑site QA operations and delivering services across complex construction, tool‑install, or manufacturing environments.

·       Strong working knowledge of QA/QC methodologies, inspection/auditing, documentation control, and applicable standards (ISO 9001, ISO 17025, GMP/GLP) and EHS requirements across EU jurisdictions.

• Proven leadership of Project Managers, QA teams, subcontractors, and supply chain partners; adept at building collaborative, high‑performance cultures.
• Experience managing forecasting, budgeting, margin improvement, and operational reporting.
• Strong risk management capability: identification, mitigation, escalation, and resolution.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills (written and verbal), including executive‑level engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects to scope, quality, schedule, and cost.

Desirable Criteria

• Qualifications such as PMP/PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent operational excellence credentials.
• Proficiency with ERP/PSA/BI tools and project controls (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).
• Additional European language(s).

Working Arrangements

• Travel: Regular travel across Europe to client sites and regional offices (estimated 25–40%, depending on project portfolio).
• Flexibility: Hybrid working aligned to business and client needs.