At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations of a 1000+ employee plant, ensuring manufacturing excellence and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Vertiv is a global leader in mission-critical infrastructure technologies with $5B in annual sales.
- Benefits: Enjoy the stability of a global leader while having the opportunity to shape a major site.
- Other info: Regular regional travel of approximately 25% is expected.
- Why this job: This role offers a chance to elevate operations to world-class standards in Donegal, Ireland.
- Qualifications: Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or Manufacturing and significant production management experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Burnfoot, Ireland At Vertiv, we keep the world connected. From life-saving medical technologies to generative AI, from the smallest swipe to the largest data ecosystems; our products, systems, and services ensure the digital world never stops. With $5B in annual sales, customers in nearly 70 countries, and a global team committed to innovation, we are uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional value and create new opportunities for our people.
We are now seeking a Plant Manager to lead our Burnfoot plant in Donegal, Ireland. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving manufacturing excellence, fostering a high-performance culture, and enabling the plant to operate at world-class standards. You will work closely with our Letterkenny and Campsie, Ireland facilities, as well as with leadership teams across EMEA and the US.
About the Role
As Plant Manager, you will have full site leadership responsibility, overseeing the operations of a 1000+ employee plant. You will lead engineering, manufacturing, finance, EHS, quality, and have dotted-line oversight of customer operations (order pursuit and execution). Your mission: deliver operational excellence across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, Cost, and People; ultimately elevating customer satisfaction and business performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Operations
- Lead plant operations with accountability for 1000+ employees.
- Develop annual plant budgets; manage P&L performance.
- Provide direct leadership to production, engineering, quality, materials, finance, facilities, and EHS teams.
- Ensure a positive, engaged, and union-free working environment.
- Manufacturing Excellence
- Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Achieve and exceed targets in quality, on-time delivery, cost, inventory, and throughput.
- Develop and oversee flexible, resilient, and scalable production systems.
- Ensure capacity planning supports customer commitments and growth.
- People & Culture
- Recruit, train, develop, and motivate plant leadership and frontline teams.
- Build a culture of safety, ownership, teamwork, and operational excellence.
- Conduct performance reviews and implement clear development plans.
- Lead regular plant communications to ensure transparency and engagement.
- Customer & Community Engagement
- Interact professionally with customers to ensure outstanding satisfaction.
- Drive execution of new product introductions.
- Represent Vertiv in the local community, enhancing our brand and reputation.
Additional Responsibilities
- Lead special projects and deliver results against defined timelines.
- Maintain accurate financial reporting and cost control.
- Attend regional community and business events (Chambers, leadership groups, etc.).
Direct Reports: Production Manager, Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Facilities Manager, Quality Control Manager, Materials Manager, Controller, Safety Engineer.
About you
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing management: production, inventory control, variable cost productivity, quality systems, and fulfillment metrics.
- Proven leadership and coaching capability; able to motivate and inspire diverse teams.
- Demonstrated success in Lean, Six Sigma, and structured continuous improvement.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or Manufacturing or experience. Significant production management experience.
- Experience leading a large manufacturing facility or major production operation.
- Hands-on experience in supply chain, Lean Manufacturing, and operational excellence.
- Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to thrive in complex, global, and occasionally ambiguous environments.
- Experience working with suppliers, assembly processes, and formal manufacturing systems (e.g., MRP).
Travel Requirements
Regular regional travel (approx. 25%).
Why Join Vertiv?
This role is a great opportunity for a results-driven, strategic manufacturing leader ready to make a significant impact. You will shape the future of a major Vertiv site and play a key role in elevating operations to world-class excellence.
Plant Manager in Donegal employer: Vertiv
Located in Burnfoot, Ireland, Vertiv offers a dynamic work environment with a focus on safety, integrity, and teamwork. Employees benefit from a strong customer base and the opportunity to influence operational excellence in a growing industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Manager in Donegal
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Vertiv, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Plant Manager in Donegal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Vertiv specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertiv
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Vertiv, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Vertiv value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
