About O’Hanlon's
O'Hanlon's is Ireland's leading grower and suppliers of fresh herbs, serving major retail customers across Ireland. Based in County Wicklow, we specialise in the production and distribution of premium-quality potted and cut herbs, delivering fresh, sustainably grown products to consumers year-round.
With decades of horticultural expertise, O'Hanlon's combines innovative growing techniques, rigorous quality standards, and a commitment to sustainability to meet the demands of modern retail markets. Our reputation is built on reliability, product excellence, and strong partnerships with retailers, distributors, and customers.
As a growing business, we are committed to fostering a professional, collaborative, and results-driven workplace where employees are encouraged to develop their skills, contribute new ideas, and play an active role in our continued success.
Role Purpose
The Packhouse Manager is responsible for the effective day-to-day leadership, management, and performance of the packhouse operation within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
The role is accountable for ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant packing and dispatch of products while driving operational excellence across productivity, quality, hygiene, people management, customer service, and cost control.
The Packhouse Manager will lead and develop a team of Line Leaders and operatives, ensuring all production activities are completed in line with Company standards, customer requirements, food safety regulations, and business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Management
- Manage all daily packhouse operations to ensure production targets and customer service levels are achieved.
- Coordinate and oversee the activities of Line Leaders and packing teams.
- Ensure labour resources are effectively planned and utilised.
- Monitor workflow and adjust staffing or production priorities as required.
- Drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure packing schedules are delivered on time and in full.
Team Leadership & People Management
- Lead, motivate, coach and develop Line Leaders and packhouse employees.
- Promote a positive, accountable and high-performance culture.
- Conduct regular team briefings and performance reviews.
- Support training and development of staff to improve capability and flexibility.
- Manage attendance, timekeeping, performance and conduct issues in line with Company procedures.
- Ensure effective communication across all shifts and departments.
Quality & Food Safety
- Ensure strict compliance with all food safety, quality assurance and traceability procedures.
- Maintain adherence to Quality Management Systems (QMS), HACCP and customer specifications.
- Ensure all line checks, product inspections and quality records are completed accurately.
- Escalate quality concerns promptly and implement corrective actions where required.
- Support internal and external audits as required.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Promote and maintain a strong health and safety culture across the packhouse.
- Ensure compliance with all Company policies, safe systems of work and relevant legislation.
- Conduct regular safety checks and risk assessments.
- Ensure all incidents, near misses and hazards are reported and investigated appropriately.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping and hygiene at all times.
Productivity & Performance Management
- Drive productivity and operational performance through effective leadership and KPI management.
- Monitor and report on key operational metrics including:
- Productivity
- Waste
- Labour efficiency
- Downtime
- Customer service levels
- Overtime
- Quality performance
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and cost reduction.
Waste & Stock Control
- Minimise waste through effective process control, training and accountability.
- Ensure correct use and management of raw materials, packaging and finished product.
- Monitor stock usage and support accurate inventory control.
- Ensure bags, labels and packaging materials are controlled and signed out correctly.
Equipment & Maintenance
- Ensure all production equipment is operated safely and correctly.
- Report maintenance issues promptly and support preventative maintenance programmes.
- Work collaboratively with Engineering and Maintenance teams to minimise downtime.
Administration & Reporting
- Complete all operational paperwork and reports accurately and on time.
- Maintain production, quality and attendance records.
- Analyse operational data and prepare KPI reports for management.
- Support planning and forecasting activities as required.
Principal Accountabilities
The Packhouse Manager is accountable for:
- Driving operational performance through effective KPI management.
- Planning and coordinating Line Leader activities and production schedules.
- Ensuring accurate control of labels, bags and packaging materials.
- Managing overtime and labour efficiency effectively.
- Minimising waste and maximising yield.
- Ensuring correct use of raw materials and packed stock.
- Maintaining quality standards and food safety compliance.
- Maintaining excellent hygiene and housekeeping standards.
- Ensuring full compliance with Health & Safety requirements.
- Developing and managing Line Leaders and wider packhouse teams.
- Maintaining customer service and dispatch performance standards.
- Acting as a professional representative of the Company at all times.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in a supervisory or management role within food manufacturing, FMCG or production environments.
- Strong people management and leadership capability.
- Experience managing KPIs and operational performance.
- Strong understanding of food safety and quality systems.
- Good knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and safe working practices.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
- IT literacy and ability to complete operational reporting.
Desirable
- HACCP qualification
- Food Safety qualification
- Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement experience
- Experience with ERP or production management systems
- 3rd level qualification desirable
Key Competencies
- Leadership & Team Development
- Communication Skills
- Operational Planning
- Accountability
- Attention to Detail
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
- Customer Focus
- Decision Making
- Resilience & Adaptability
Health & Safety
Employees are required to comply with all Company Health & Safety policies and procedures and contribute to maintaining a safe working environment for themselves and others.
Company Values
The Packhouse Manager is expected to demonstrate and promote Company values through leadership, teamwork, integrity, accountability and professionalism.
Additional Information
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities and may be reviewed and amended in line with business needs.
Pay: €45,000.00-€60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Glenealy, County Wicklow: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:
Work Location: In person
