Head of Operation

Job Introduction

Head of Operations 

Location: Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: €65,000

About the Role
Sodexo is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Operations (Integrated Facilities Management) to lead service delivery at Diageo’s new state-of-the-art brewery in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. This is a rare opportunity to shape operations in a complex, high-volume brewing environment, ensuring world-class standards of safety, compliance, and efficiency.

As the senior operational lead on site, you’ll oversee the full range of FM services – from technical maintenance and cleaning to security, catering support, and sustainability initiatives. You’ll combine strategic leadership with hands-on management to deliver exceptional outcomes in a GMP-sensitive environment.

What You’ll Do

• Act as the primary FM interface with the client, aligning services with production priorities.
• Lead delivery of both hard and soft services across a new, high-complexity site.
• Ensure statutory, regulatory, and GMP compliance with zero compromise on safety.
• Manage budgets, financial performance, and supplier relationships.
• Lead and develop a multi-disciplinary team across technical and support services.
• Drive continuous improvement in operational efficiency and sustainability.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree-level education in engineering, business, or management (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5 years’ leadership experience in Integrated Facilities Management, ideally within manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of GMP compliance and food-safe practices.
• IOSH or NEBOSH certification.
• Proven track record in managing large teams, budgets, and subcontractors.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and client engagement skills.

Desirable

• Professional qualifications in Electrical, Mechanical, or Building Services.
• Experience mobilising FM in new-build industrial environments.
• Knowledge of asset management and authorised person systems.

Why Join Us?

• Lead operations at a landmark site in the brewing industry.
• Work with a global leader in FM services, driving innovation and excellence.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to make a real impact on safety, compliance, and sustainability.

Apply now to be part of a team setting the standard for world-class facilities management.

Why Sodexo?:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. 

Belong in a company and team that values you for you. 

Act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions.

Thrive in your own way. 

We also offer a range of perks, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:

• Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing support 
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or life's larger problems, including legal and financial advice, support with work or personal issues impacting your wellbeing
• Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 across popular high street retailers (also open to friends and family)
• Save for your future by becoming a member of the Pension Plan
• Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools
• Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit
• Sodexo UK and Irelands enhanced benefits and leave policies

A little more about Sodexo:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.

Ready to be part of something greater?

**Chatter Line

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications