Job Summary
Grá Chocolates are an artisan chocolate company located in Galway. We run an online chocolate boutique and supply chocolates to our retail partners and concessions. We are a fast-growing business that strives to create delicious chocolates.
Our chocolate confections are produced on site and include a wide range of chocolate products such as chocolate bonbons, truffles and hot chocolates. We also produce seasonal confections. Our market niche is hand-crafted premium chocolate products for sale directly to the end customer.
We are currently recruiting for an Operations Manager to join Grá Chocolates.
As Operations Manager you will work alongside the chocolate manufacturing, packaging, operations, finance and marketing teams and report to Grá Chocolates founder Gráinne Mullins. The Operations Manager will be responsible for managing and maintaining all operational activities across Gra Chocolates HQ, and other business partners. They will oversee all aspects of operations including, but not limited to managing, staffing, planning, budgeting, procuring, training, quality assurance programs, process improvements and performance reviews. Demonstrate integrity, honesty, and knowledge to promote the vision, values, and goals of Grá Chocolates.
Our people are the heart of our business. As our greatest asset, they make Grá Chocolates a great place to work and in return we aim to be the very best place to work, grow and thrive. We are now inviting applications for the position of Operations Manager to join our Headquarters in County, Galway.
We are growing fast, and as we grow this role will adapt with it. This is a chance to shape the first few years of a new brand, from new product development to execution to innovation.
Job Description
Grá Chocolates Ltd is seeking a talented and experienced Operations Manager to lead a substantial process improvement project for its manufacturing operations. This role is crucial in driving efficiency, improving quality, and increasing production capacity.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic and Operational Leadership:
- Specify (map), design, develop and implement optimal manufacturing processes to increase capacity and reduce waste.
- Apply modern professional techniques for process improvement embedding them in the company for the future sustainability of the business.
- Lead a team of skilled production staff.
- Consider quality in process improvement initiative.
- Evaluate and identify methods to improve inventory management.
- Integrate and implement modern resource planning software for supply chain management.
- Design and implement standard operating procedures to aid the roll out of new manufacturing processes ensuring the effective management of change across the organisation.
- Evaluate and manage cost at every stage in the process improvement project.
- Formulate and execute strategic and operational objectives to drive business growth.
- Analyse financial data and KPIs to improve profitability and manage budgets/forecasts.
- Identify and capitalise on business opportunities.
- Develop and maintain operational management systems, processes, and best practices.
- Ensure legal and regulatory compliance across all operations.
- Develop and implement operational strategies and plans.
- Oversee the company's financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
- Ensure the quality and safety of the company's products and services.
- Manage the company's supply chain and logistics.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and investors.
- Represent the company at industry events and conferences.
People Management and Development:
- Recruit, train, and supervise staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
- Provide ongoing coaching and development to team members.
- Monitor and evaluate staff performance, providing constructive feedback.
- Ensure proper SOP and Operations Instructions are followed.
Quality Control and Inventory Management:
- Implement and maintain quality assurance programs to ensure products and services meet or exceed customer expectations.
- Monitor production KPIs and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Manage inventory levels, purchase materials, and oversee stock efficiency.
- Implement and maintain food and safety procedures.
Customer Service and Experience:
- Model and promote a "customer comes first" attitude, ensuring exceptional customer service.
- Address customer complaints and implement corrective actions.
- Solicit and analyse customer feedback to improve services.
- Maintain a presentable shop area.
- Coordinate with stakeholders and customers to ensure satisfaction.
Financial and Sales Management:
- Monitor daily sales and sales reports.
- Provide feedback to marketing and management on sales trends.
- Present quarterly reports on market trends and brand performance.
- Manage delivery module to ensure efficiency.
Operational Efficiency:
- Constantly review store environment and key business indicators to identify improvement opportunities.
- Implement and manage training activities.
- Coordinate seasonal events.
- Support new branch specifications and equipment allocation.
- Work with other departments on new product development and launch.
- Manage cash handling and banking needs.
If you are a highly motivated individual with a passion for operations excellence, we encourage you to apply.
What it is really like to work here:
At Grá Chocolates we do things differently and that extends to our internal culture, we are a small team with a happy work environment that offers a flexible work environment with social working times.
We have ambitious goals and know that every one of our team will play a vital role in hitting them. There is no micro-management. We trust each other to get things done.
It is a fast paced, ever-changing environment which also allows you to flex your creative muscles. We know that the best ideas can come from anywhere and anyone, so we always encourage new ideas from our own team and our partners that will help push the business forward and are always open to bouncing ideas or, having brainstorms.
Just like our brand, we know that this style of work is not for everyone, but if you have a fire in your belly to create something new, we would love to have you join Team Grá.
Benefits:
- Fully funded Post-Graduate Diploma awarded by Queen’s University Belfast.
Interviews will be held approximately week commencing: 12/05/2025