Overview
Within our manufacturing facility in Northern Ireland – Leprino is seeking a Production Manager to move our organization to even larger levels of cheese and dairy ingredient growth! We take pride in our vision to be "world's best", it is why we work harder, invest more, and continually innovate.
What you’ll do
* Lead and guide four core departments — Cheese Production & Packing, Stores, and Whey Processing — to deliver site goals.
* Build strong relationships with managers, team leaders, and process operators, ensuring effective two-way communication at all levels.
* Partner with Site Leadership, Finance, Engineering, Quality, IT, and HR to deliver efficient, safe, and sustainable operations.
* Coordinate the development of annual budgets for production, processing, storage, and haulage, ensuring ownership within your teams.
* Oversee daily production plans, track deviations, investigate issues, and implement corrective actions quickly.
* Champion continuous improvement by using lean tools to identify root causes, create solutions, and deliver measurable progress.
* Ensure product quality meets or exceeds customer expectations, supporting customer visits and building trust.
* Promote effective KPI management to optimize safety, people development, quality, efficiency, and sustainability.
* Work with capital project teams to deliver site investment projects and directly manage smaller-scale initiatives in your department.
* Inspire and develop your team, setting clear SMART objectives and holding regular one-to-one meetings to coach and encourage growth.
* Drive a proactive safety culture, ensuring compliance with Health & Safety legislation and company standards.
* Act as an ambassador for Leprino, supporting excellent standards of food safety, sustainability, and positive community relations!
Required qualifications
* A third-level qualification in business, engineering, or a technical subject.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages.
* At least 3 years’ management experience in a manufacturing environment, with accountability for results through direct reports.
* Experience recruiting, coaching, and developing team members.
* Flexibility to operate outside of core hours when required.
Preferred qualifications
* Formal qualification or accredited training in one or more of the following: Business Management, LEAN Manufacturing, PRINCE2, NEBOSH General Certificate, or HR/Employee Relations.
* 5+ years’ leadership experience in a 24/7 manufacturing operation.
* Background in dairy or food manufacturing.
* Experience working in a unionised environment.
* Knowledge of food science or engineering applications in dairy processes.
* Advanced expertise in organizational development, influencing skills, and structured problem-solving.
EEO statement: Leprino believes in equal employment opportunity and makes employment decisions based on each individual’s talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on any personal characteristics. We are committed to an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.
What we offer
A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. We offer competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, and the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded as you contribute to our company, our customers, and one another.
Our story
Leprino’s history dates back to the 1950s. We are the world’s largest mozzarella and lactose manufacturer and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” From a small corner grocery store we have grown to over 5,500 employees worldwide.
The “Easy Apply” option through LinkedIn is not considered an official application with Leprino Foods. If you would like to formally apply for this position, please visit careers.leprinofoods.com
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