Team Leader - Operations

Collins McNicholas Recruitment; Galway; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive manufacturing company in Galway is seeking a dynamic Team Leader to manage a team in a complex, make-to-order environment. The role involves motivating a team of 10 operatives, implementing lean manufacturing principles, and ensuring efficient operations. Ideal candidates will have strong people management skills and manufacturing experience. The position offers a competitive salary and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Career progression opportunities

Close-knit leadership team

Qualifications

• Proven reliability and proactive mindset in a make-to-order manufacturing setting.
• Ability to manage and motivate a diverse team effectively.
• Mechanically minded with relevant industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of production operatives.
• Manage daily production scheduling for optimal staff allocation.
• Drive lean manufacturing practices and encourage continuous improvement.

Skills

People management

Lean manufacturing experience

Effective communication

Scheduling and time management

Process flow understanding

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

About the Role

We are a progressive work surface manufacturer based in Galway. We make worktops for the domestic Irish market and have a growing export business focused on lightweight components for the leisure industry. The business has been in operation for the last 50 years and is now positioning itself for the next phase of growth. This Team Leader position is pivotal to managing that growth and shaping how we transition into the future.

We are seeking a dynamic and hands-on Team Leader to manage one of our value streams in a complex, make-to-order manufacturing environment. This is not a mass production setting—our factory operates on lean principles, with high levels of product complexity, frequent changeovers, and a continuous drive for efficiency and team engagement.

This position is central to motivating and directing a team of 10 production operatives. Your role will be to bring energy, focus, structure, and a people-first approach to foster better engagement and output.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop a team of production operatives in a respectful and consistent manner.
• Run daily team briefings and provide clear direction for the shift.
• Manage daily production scheduling and ensure optimal allocation of staff, especially during changeovers.
• Proactively coach team members during downtime to keep value flowing.
• Monitor team performance, attendance, and attitude; take corrective action when needed with calm authority.
• Collaborate with maintenance and planning to minimise downtime and ensure smooth flow of materials.
• Drive lean manufacturing behaviours and encourage continuous improvement thinking.
• Help implement non-bonus incentives to boost team engagement and morale.
• Report issues, suggest improvements, and track key production metrics.
• "Roll up your sleeves" where necessary - lead by example.

What We’re Looking For

• A strong people manager who can build rapport and respect within the team.
• A confident communicator who can be “strict but fair”.
• Prior experience in a make-to-order, high-changeover manufacturing setting (lean experience preferred).
• Practical understanding of scheduling, time management, and process flow.
• Comfortable navigating PC tools such as Word and Excel.
• Mechanically minded; experience in the woodworking or similar industry a plus.
• Proven reliability, honesty, and a proactive mindset.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• You lead from the front and don’t shy away from difficult conversations.
• You’re structured, adaptable, and organised—but also bring energy and calm to the chaos.
• You enjoy developing people and finding ways to get the best from those who aren’t natural self-starters.
• You’re solution-oriented and enjoy the challenge of complexity over the routine of repetition.

Why Join Us?

• Work in a progressive, lean-driven manufacturing business.
• Be part of a close-knit leadership team driving positive change.
• Opportunity to shape how we engage and grow our workforce.
• Competitive salary and opportunity for career progression

For a confidential discussion and more information on the role, please contact Davin Ferguson

[e-mail]

071 9140251