Plant Manager
Recruiter: Hays Recruitment
Location: Donegal
Salary: Competitive + benefits
Application date: 11th Aug 2026
Your new company
As Plant Manager, you will have full responsibility for a 500+ employee manufacturing site, driving operational excellence and leading the plant to world-class performance standards.
You will oversee all key functions including engineering, manufacturing, finance, quality, materials, facilities, and EHS, while collaborating closely with international leadership teams.
Your focus will be on delivering excellence across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory, and People, ensuring both operational and customer success.
Your new role
Leadership & Site Operations
Lead and manage all site operations with full P&L accountability
Set and deliver plant budgets and performance targets
Provide leadership across all functional departments
Foster a high-performance, engaged workplace culture
Manufacturing Excellence
Drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies (ESSENTIAL) across the operation
Deliver measurable improvements in quality, cost, delivery, and productivity
Develop scalable and resilient manufacturing processes
Ensure effective capacity planning aligned to business growth
People & Culture
Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing teams
Embed a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
Lead performance management and succession planning
Maintain clear and consistent communication across all levels
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strong customer relationships
Support successful new product introductions
Represent the organisation within the local business community
What you’ll need to succeed
Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Business
Strong, proven experience in Lean Manufacturing AND Six Sigma (ESSENTIAL)
Significant experience in senior manufacturing leadership roles
Proven track record leading large-scale manufacturing operations
Demonstrated success in cost reduction, productivity improvements, and operational transformation
Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems, supply chain, and performance metrics
Exceptional leadership and people management capability
Ability to operate in a complex, global environment
Desirable
MBA or Master’s degree
Experience within a high-volume or complex manufacturing environment
What you’ll get in return
Very competitive salary with a 10% performance-related bonus
Private healthcare plus a comprehensive executive benefits package
Pension scheme and broader financial benefits
Opportunity to lead a large, strategically important manufacturing site
Significant exposure to and collaboration with international leadership teams
Strong investment in employee development, training, and career progression
A key role in driving operational excellence within a growing global organisation
Stable, long-term opportunity supported by continued regional investment and expansion