Lead Operator

HEINEKEN Ireland invite applications for the position of Lead Operator based in our Ladyswell Brewery in Cork

We are building a future that embraces innovation, sustainability, and diversity.

We are a business that will bring out the best in you - providing great opportunities for people with ambition and drive. People are at the heart of our company – It is undoubtedly the pride and passion of our colleagues that makes us stand out from the crowd. Our success simply would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our employees. We always looking for new talent to help build and grow our company and our brands.  Our careers are journeys paved with richness, accomplishments, and a few beers and ciders with friends or strangers along the way.  Your journey will be one of close connections and growing friendships as is the beating heart of our company. We collaborate with colleagues in every single other function to do what HEINEKEN does best: brew the highest quality, premium beers, and ciders.   If you are as excited about our future as we are, then we’d love to hear how you can help us shape it.

Description: Lead Operator – Packaging (Technical) 

Location: Cork 
Reporting to: Packaging Manager 

Role Overview: 

As the Lead Operator in the Packaging department, you will be responsible for overseeing the production process to ensure efficiency, safety, and adherence to quality standards. In this role, strong leadership is essential. You will set the standard by guiding your team to follow operational procedures and safety protocols. A crucial aspect of your leadership will involve mentoring and supporting your team through complex tasks, troubleshooting issues, and managing daily operations. Furthermore, you will drive continuous improvement efforts and uphold the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance within the packaging department. 

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Delivered Production / Controlled Production Process: 

• Monitor and process production orders according to established standards and regulations. 

• Manage workstations, ensuring they operate efficiently, with at least one under non-standard conditions. 

• Commission, set up, operate, and adjust machines to maintain peak efficiency. 

• Reconfigure and clean machinery to ensure operational readiness. 

• Perform visual checks on the process flow and equipment operations to ensure smooth production. 

• Report deviations (product, safety, quality) and escalate as needed. 

• Coordinate the production process, ensuring alignment with production orders. 

• Manage machine changeovers, start-up, and shutdown procedures. 

• Block packaging materials and products not meeting quality standards. 

• Consult with relevant departments to monitor production progress and resolve issues. 

2. Maintaining Basic Conditions and Resolving Losses: 

• Proactively identify and propose improvements based on process trends and deviations. 

• Contribute to Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Perform quality controls as per sample requests and intervene when necessary. 

• Implement corrective actions to resolve quality issues and prevent recurrence. 

3. Workplace Management and Realized Maintenance: 

• Conduct quality controls and ensure adherence to standards and regulations. 

• Perform autonomous maintenance tasks (cleaning, lubricating, inspecting, tightening). 

• Inspect systems (fluid transport, control, pneumatics, drive & transmission) for functionality. 

• Identify technical issues, report malfunctions, and resolve first-line problems. 

• Support Maintenance during planned activities, minimizing production disruption. 

4. Responsible Production and Functioning: 

• Take initiative to halt production in case of hazardous situations or quality/technical deviations. 

• Ensure compliance with legal and company procedures on health, safety, and environment. 

• Maintain a safe and compliant work environment for all employees. 

Key Competencies and Skills: 

• Strong Leadership & Team Management: Lead by example, motivate the team, and ensure adherence to processes. 

• Technical Expertise: Proficient in machine operation, setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting. 

• Continuous Improvement: Actively contribute to TPM and efficiency-driving initiatives. 

• Safety & Quality Focus: Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations. 

• Communication Skills: Effective collaboration and clear communication, especially during shift handovers and issue resolution. 

• Time Management: Prioritize tasks based on production schedules, efficiently managing time. 

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Proven experience in packaging operations, including machine setup, operation, and troubleshooting. 

• Knowledge of TPM, continuous improvement, and quality control methodologies. 

• Experience in first-line maintenance and supporting complex repairs. 

• Understanding of health and safety regulations in manufacturing environments. 

• Packaging certification or related field is preferred. 

• Familiarity with fluid transport, pneumatics, and mechanical systems is a plus. 

• Detail-Oriented: Maintain high safety, quality, and operational efficiency standards. 

• Strong Problem-Solving: Quickly and decisively resolve issues as they arise. 

• Proactive & Self-Motivated: Work independently with minimal supervision. 

• Organized: Thrive in a fast-paced environment while staying focused and organized. 

• Commitment to Safety & Collaboration: Prioritize safety while promoting a collaborative work environment. 

This Lead Operator role offers a unique opportunity to lead and drive operational excellence in a dynamic production environment. You will play a key role in ensuring the success of the packaging department while upholding the company’s commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement. 

“Embracing and celebrating diversity is core to HEINEKEN’s purpose of “brewing the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world”. We believe that people as diverse as our brews – including and not limited to gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religious belief, nationality, social background, disability and thinking style – enrich our lives and strengthen our business. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates as we champion a culture of belonging that provides fair and equal opportunities for all”.