Operations Manager – Álainn Superfoods (Full-Time)
Location: Galway, Ireland (On-Site)
Sector: Food Production & Wholesale Supply
About Álainn
Álainn is one of Ireland’s fastest-growing health food brands, supplying high-quality scoopable açaí, overnight oats, and other superfood products to cafés, restaurants, and foodservice partners nationwide. Our business has scaled quickly, and we’re now looking for an experienced and dependable Operations Manager to take the lead on day-to-day operations from our base in Galway.
Role Summary
This is a pivotal role within the company. The Operations Manager will oversee food production, manage inventory and supplier relationships, coordinate deliveries, ensure food safety compliance, and implement efficient systems to support sustained growth.
The ideal candidate will have a background in food manufacturing, foodservice operations, or commercial kitchens — preferably within a growing or established business. Familiarity with the Irish food sector is highly advantageous. Experience with frozen product handling, particularly açaí and ice cream, is also desirable.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Quality Control
- Manage and supervise daily production of all core products, including açaí and overnight oats
- Maintain and improve batch recording systems, quality control protocols, and production SOPs
- Monitor consistency, portioning, and preparation standards across all outputs
Inventory & Supply Chain
- Oversee stock management of raw ingredients, packaging, and finished product
- Place and manage orders with both local and international suppliers
- Coordinate with cold storage and distribution partners as required
Staff Management
- Lead, train, and manage production and packing staff
- Create staff rotas and oversee daily task scheduling
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, professionalism, and team morale
Logistics & Wholesale Distribution
- Coordinate fulfilment of wholesale and distributor orders on a daily/weekly basis
- Optimise delivery scheduling and routing to ensure timely service to customers
- Monitor KPIs such as fulfilment accuracy, waste reduction, and turnaround times
Compliance & Food Safety
- Maintain HACCP records and ensure full compliance with food safety regulations
- Conduct internal audits, manage traceability systems, and prepare for inspections
- Oversee allergen tracking, labelling accuracy, and cleaning procedures
Operational Improvement
- Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements across production and logistics
- Assist in setting operational targets and aligning activity with business objectives
- Work closely with the founder to implement systems that support scaling the business
Candidate Profile
Essential:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a relevant operations, food production, or kitchen management role
- Strong understanding of HACCP and food safety requirements
- Proven ability to lead and motivate small teams in a fast-paced environment
- Highly organised, proactive, and solutions-focused
- Proficient with spreadsheets and familiar with inventory tracking or workflow tools
- Experience working within a structured or scaled food business, ideally with established operational processes
- Strong understanding of the food industry in Ireland, including supplier landscape, regulatory requirements, and distribution norms
Desirable:
- Experience working with frozen products, particularly açaí and ice cream, is a bonus. However, experience in other food production environments will also be considered.
- Familiarity with supply chain management and production forecasting
- Understanding of the food wholesale or foodservice sector in Ireland
Remuneration & Benefits
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
- Opportunity to play a key role in a values-driven, scaling Irish business
- Training and development opportunities
- A positive, team-oriented working environment
To Apply
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter to [email protected]
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: €35,781.86-€44,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Employee discount
- Food allowance
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Schedule:
- Flexitime
- Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Ballybane, Galway, CO. Galway: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Language:
- English (required)
Work Location: In person
Expected start date: 01/07/2025
