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 high-calibre 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.).
Reporting Relationships & Key Interactions
Direct Reports:
Production Manager, Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Facilities Manager, Quality Control Manager, Materials Manager, Controller, Safety Engineer.
Regular Interactions:
Division executives, sales, order entry, finance, accounting, HR, engineering, and global operations teams.
The role involves managing high output and navigating complex challenges, requiring resilience and strong decision-making under pressure.
Minimum Qualifications (Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)
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.
Ability to communicate effectively at all levels, including senior executive level.
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).
Clear ability to build strong cross-functional relationships.
Preferred Qualifications
MBA or Master’s degree in manufacturing, engineering, or business.
Formal Lean/Six Sigma certification.
Extensive product and process knowledge in complex manufacturing environments.
Basic Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or Manufacturing.
10–15 years of production management experience.
Minimum 5 years leading a large manufacturing facility or major production operation.
Demonstrated success in optimizing operations, driving cost reductions, and improving productivity.
Hands-on experience in supply chain, Lean Manufacturing, and operational excellence.
Accountabilities & Key Measures
Shipping revenue, cost of sales, inventory, and manufacturing performance.
Continuous improvement of performance, quality, and efficiency metrics.
Strong project management with clear ROI delivery.
Travel Requirements
Regular regional travel (approx. 25%).
First 30/90/180 Days
30 Days:
Meet leadership teams, understand current escalations, stabilize priorities, deliver first weekly escalation dashboard.
90 Days:
Complete several deep-dive assessments, present regional initiative portfolio, implement standardized escalation playbook.
180 Days:
Deliver measurable KPI improvements, early cost savings, and rollout plans for successful pilots.
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.
Our Core Principles
Safety • Integrity • Respect • Teamwork • Diversity & Inclusion
Our Strategic Priorities
Customer Focus
Operational Excellence
High-Performance Culture
Innovation
Financial Strength
Our Behaviors
Own It
Act With Urgency
Foster a Customer-First Mindset
Think Big and Execute
Lead by Example
Drive Continuous Improvement
Learn and Seek Development
#LI-JK1 #vertivireland
