General Operative

About Ornua

Ornua is a prominent dairy cooperative that distributes premium dairy products worldwide on behalf of its Member Cooperatives, Irish dairy processors, and ultimately, Irish dairy farmers. With revenues of €3.4 billion, Ornua is supported by a global workforce of approximately 2,800 employees. The Group operates as a commercial entity across 10 business units, managing 12 production facilities in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa. Its commercial arm handles the marketing and sales of Ornua's consumer brands, including the well-known Kerrygold. Production facilities in Ireland, Germany, and the UK, along with in-market Sales & Marketing Teams across various global regions, serve consumer markets. Additionally, Ornua manages the procurement of dairy products, the sale of dairy ingredients to food manufacturing and foodservice clients globally, and implements de-risking and trading strategies to navigate market volatility.

Job Description

The General Operative role is crucial for ensuring the efficient and accurate filling of various products into tubs or foil. This position requires a thorough understanding of the product range and the ability to manage machine settings according to work instructions. The ideal candidate will be proactive in troubleshooting, possess a strong attention to detail, and be dedicated to upholding high-quality production standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain a working knowledge of the product range and how each product behaves during the filling process in tubs or foil.
• Develop a detailed understanding of consul commands and screen options to set up machine run parameters for the product range.
• Execute sequenced events or corrective actions in a timely manner to optimize machine performance.
• Consult Manufacturing Orders to adhere to product specifications.
• Set up ink-jet printers, ensuring correct print head positioning and entering product data as per the Manufacturing Order.
• Perform X-Ray tests and verify the correct functioning of the metal detection system.
• Physically change internal machine components as needed for product changeovers.
• Monitor machines during production, clearing blockages or spills promptly and cleaning up spills immediately.
• Prepare machines for cleaning according to quality schedules, including manual removal of internal components for cleaning and following CIP procedures.
• Complete and initial all relevant CIP documentation.
• Actively support the Site Health and Safety Strategy and KPIs, contributing to a strong Health & Safety culture.

Key Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing and leadership roles.
• Proven track record in leading and facilitating Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Experience in training and developing teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills.
• A flexible and committed attitude with the ability to demonstrate initiative.
• Willingness to cover different shifts and work weekends.
• Proficiency in IT, including strong skills in Word, Excel, and database management.
• A problem-solving mindset, with discipline in gathering information, identifying root causes, and developing practical solutions.

Ornua Core Competencies

• Working Together: Foster cooperation within your team and support cross-functional learning.
• Communicative: Communicate confidently, adapting your style to suit different situations.
• Ownership: Clarify accountabilities, overlaps, and gaps, and motivate others through challenging periods.
• Forward Looking: Assist others in accepting and implementing change, and anticipate future changes.

Additional Information

Location: Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, Ireland

Reports to: Shift Manager