Company Overview:
Biocel is an established Irish chemical manufacturer producing cleaning, sanitising, and related chemicals for the dairy and agri-food industry. We operate to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and FSSC 22000 v6 standards and are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead our manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement across quality, safety, and efficiency.
Role Summary: The Production Manager
The Production Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of all production operations, ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant manufacture of chemical liquids and powders to specification and in line with customer and regulatory requirements. The role carries direct line management responsibility for production supervisors and operators and works closely with the Quality, EHS, and R&D functions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, schedule, and manage all production activities to meet output targets, delivery deadlines, and batch manufacturing requirements, ensuring effective utilisation of personnel, materials, and equipment.
- Provide direct line management and leadership to Production Supervisors and General Operators; conduct regular one-to-ones, performance reviews, and skills gap assessments; manage absence, training, and team development.
- Ensure all production is carried out in strict compliance with batch manufacturing records, standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and GMP principles.
- Maintain full production traceability, including batch records, yield reconciliation, and raw material usage documentation; ensure records are accurate and audit-ready at all times.
- Take ownership of production-related quality and food safety performance; investigate non-conformances, customer complaints, and process deviations; drive root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Champion health, safety, and environmental compliance on the production floor; conduct and review risk assessments, toolbox talks, and safety inspections; ensure COSHH controls, PPE compliance, and permit-to-work systems are upheld.
- Manage production input to the HACCP and food safety management system (FSSC 22000 v6), including OPRP monitoring, food safety culture activities, and readiness for third-party audits.
- Collaborate with the Maintenance function to schedule planned preventive maintenance (PPM), minimise unplanned downtime, and prioritise equipment availability for the production schedule.
- Monitor and report on key production KPIs (output, OEE, waste, rework, downtime, safety incidents) to the Technical Director; identify trends and lead improvement initiatives.
- Manage raw material and packaging inventory levels in conjunction with procurement; raise purchase requests and liaise with suppliers on material quality or delivery issues.
- Lead or actively support internal audits and external certification audits (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, FSSC 22000); ensure production documentation and processes are consistently audit-ready.
- Drive a positive food safety and quality culture on the production floor through communication, coaching, and visible leadership.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a production management or supervisory role within chemical manufacturing, food production, pharmaceuticals, or a similarly regulated environment.
- Demonstrable experience managing production teams including scheduling, performance management, and team development.
- Strong working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, COSHH, and relevant health and safety legislation.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and/or FSSC 22000 or equivalent food safety management standards; experience of third-party certification audits desirable.
- Proficiency in production planning and batch record management; experience with quality management system (QMS) software an advantage.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; experience with root cause analysis tools (8D, fishbone, 5 Why) is desirable.
- Excellent communication, organisational, and people management skills with the ability to lead and motivate a small production team.
- Third-level qualification in Chemical Engineering, Process Technology, Food Science, or a related discipline is desirable; relevant equivalent experience will be considered.
What We Offer:
- Permanent, full-time position with a stable, growing Irish chemical manufacturer
- Competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training within a certified quality management system environment
- Supportive team environment with scope for career development
If you would like to apply, please send your CV to hr@biocel.ie
For a full list of job opportunities at Biocel, please visit our Careers page
You can find out more about Biocel on our About Page.
We are committed to implementing equal opportunities in all our employment policy practices and procedures. Please read our full policies on our Quality & Compliance page.
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