Operations Manager
ARTIGARVAN
Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited (The Group) is the second largest dairy processor on the island of Ireland. The business is complex and ambitious with a milk supply pool of 2 billion litres of milk, drawn from over 3,200 family farms across 16 counties.
With the most modern dairy manufacturing facilities in 8 locations on a cross-border basis, the Group supplies to a broad customer base including some of the world’s foremost ‘blue chip’ companies across the dairy food ingredients, foodservice and consumer food channels on a domestic Ireland, UK, European and global basis.
Internationally we export some 240 different products to over 100 countries worldwide.
The Group’s Agribusiness Division (Lakeland Agri) operates a state-of-the-art Animal Feed Manufacturing Facility and is a leading and innovative provider of the highest quality feeds and agricultural inputs to dairy, beef and sheep farmers across the north and south of Ireland.
Applications are invited for the above position at our Artigarvan site.
The Role:
Reporting directly to our Head of site Operations, the successful applicant will support the management of our site and ensure that the departments run to the highest standards of operational efficiency, quality, cost effectiveness and safety standards.
Our Operations Manager will contribute and promote the highest standards of excellence in all aspects of operations including implementing and managing continuous improvement initiatives and projects.
Key responsibilities will include (not limited too):
* Ensure the departments are run efficiently and effectively in line with customer needs, best practice, site standards and procedures, relevant legislation and are audit-ready at all times.
* Encourage, support, coach & develop employees to represent and lead their area/function effectively and the broader business.
* Provide leadership and direction as required to all aspects of manufacturing operations at the Artigarvan site including health, environmental, quality assurance, manufacturing, engineering and associated operations.
* Analyse, collate and review performance data, constantly striving to improve efficiency, yield and performance.
* Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to develop production plans to deliver the business objectives in terms of production volumes, manufacturing controlled costs, quality and health and safety requirements ensuring both group and site needs are addressed.
* Deputise for Head of Site Operations as and when required.
* Support and lead the promotion of a continuous improvement culture across the site through lean manufacturing principles.
The Person
Our team is seeking an individual that possesses:
* A proven track record in manufacturing operations increasing productivity and efficiency.
* A strong leader with people management experience
* A passion for leading & driving change across multiple departments.
* Skilled in budgeting, cost control, resource management, and strategic planning to ensure the operation stays within budget and meets profitability goals.
* Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
* A commercial mindset focused on driving measurable improvements.
***Experience of dairy/food manufacturing would be advantageous***.
If you have the necessary skills and attributes to meet this exciting opportunity in a dynamic, high volume and fast-moving business, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Application Process:
To apply for this role, please send a copy of your CV by email to Glen Young (glen.young@lakelanddairies.com) by no later Monday 1st December 2025.
Lakeland Dairies Ltd is committed to having an inclusive workplace where every employee feels they belong. If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process or have questions relating to accessibility, please contact us at recruitmentni@lakelanddairies.com.