Operations Manager

Location: On site / Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Ireland

Job Type: Permanent / Full-time

Sector: Supply Chain Logistics

Salary: Negotiable

The Operations Manager is accountable for end to end performance of warehouse operations, delivering safe, efficient, and cost effective service to a high expectation retail customer.

The role is both inward facing and outward facing, requiring strong leadership of internal teams while acting as a senior operational interface with the customer and wider stakeholders.

Leading by example, actively promoting a culture where health & safety, hygiene, quality, and customer service are of the highest priority.

Reporting & Scope

• Direct reports: Team Leaders, Supervisors, Duty Managers, Operational Support
• Environment: High volume, time critical retail distribution
• Customer profile: Demanding, service driven, performance focused

Key Performance Indicators Inward Facing (People & Operations)

• Lead and develop operational teams to deliver daily, weekly, and peak plans
• Own labour planning, shift structures, productivity, and cost control
• Drive health & safety compliance and a strong safety culture
• Manage performance through KPIs, coaching, and structured reviews
• Ensure accurate execution across inbound, outbound, inventory, and replenishment
• Champion continuous improvement, standard work, and operational discipline
• Ensure effective use of WMS / SAP and internal systems

Outward Facing (Customer & Stakeholders)

• Act as a key operational contact for a high expectation retail customer
• Translate customer demand, forecasts, and priorities into executable plans
• Lead discussions on service level, capacity, constraints, and recovery actions
• Manage escalations professionally while balancing service, cost, and risk
• Represent operations in reviews, audits, and peak readiness forums
• Work cross functionally with Transport, Inventory, IT, Finance, and HR

Experience Required

• 5+ years' experience in logistics or warehouse operations
• Proven people management experience in a live, fast paced environment
• Strong understanding of operational KPIs, labour planning, and cost control
• Experience with WMS / ERP systems (SAP desirable)
• Ability to move confidently between warehouse detail and customer level discussion
• Strong communication, decision making, and problem solving skills