Senior Production Manager

About Kerry

About the role

We are currently recruiting for a Senior Production Manager to join the Senior Leadership Team at our production facility in Carrigaline. The successful candidate will assume responsibility for all of our production  operations on site and will be accountable for all staff in the production unit e.g Fermentation upstream, downstream, Powder blending/Spray drying and Liquid formulation, managing Toll producers.  You will play a key role in taking the site to the next level with a focus on driving performance through key metrics associated with H&S, Quality, Cost control, process improvements and developing talent.  We are looking for an accomplished and ambitious manufacturing professional who is keen to progress their career.

Key responsibilities

• Instilling a ‘Safety First, Quality Always’ approach and creating a high-performance culture where continuous improvement is embraced.


• Delivery of:




• Safety, Quality, Service, Cost and Sustainability targets at site


• Site Organisational Health targets (Leadership, Simplification and Career Development)


• Site level productivity, asset management, performance and efficiencies in line with business terms

• Developing and implementing a site operational strategy to meet the goals of the site and overall business strategy.


• Working with and through direct reports to promote a collaborative and positive working environment where all employees are focused on achieving production, quality and safety targets and standards.


• Ensure that robust people management processes are consistently applied to manage grievances, absence, poor performance and non-conformity within the manufacturing team.


• Manage and own total cost of conversion on site, focusing on systems & operational activity standardisation and improvement.


• Analysis of production performance data to identify performance gaps, trends and improvement opportunities.


• Manage internal and external audits, and non-standard investigations (where applicable)


• As part of a wider project team assist and manage the delivery of key projects that have an impact on operations 


• Identification of root cause of non-conformances within your area and ownership of the issues raised until final resolution and effective/efficient close out.


• Lead and implement cost saving improvement measures in line with the site and business strategy including optimized ways of working, staff optimitsation


• Lead and develop talent management and succession planning implementing training development plans as required.


• Liaise with other production facilities across the Enzyme pillar implementing best practice and shared learning.

Qualifications and skills

• Proven track record of leading and motivating large teams to succeed by utilising appropriate management styles, leading by example, setting objectives and defining responsibilities to give a clear sense of direction and purpose.


• Passionate about managing performance, leading and developing people


• Similar experience as manufacturing or operations manager within a high-volume, high pace manufacturing environment, preferably food, chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing. 


• Experience of Biotechnology/Fermentation is highly desirable. 5-10 yrs experience.


• Strong track record of Operational excellence including Lean Processes, Continuous Improvement, 5S etc.)


• Highly organised and analytical with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving


• Experience and knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and ideally, food safety standards. 


• Excellent communication skills with a positive ‘can-do’ attitude and the ability to positively champion change.


• Demonstrate a good Health and Safety ethos.


• Good team-working & communication skills.


• Self-motivator & good organisational skills.


• Must have a strong leadership background, and the ability to take initiative and make decisions in a timely manner.


• Strict attention to detail while completing daily tasks.