Head of 3PL Operations, Grocery and Textiles

Dunnes Stores; Dublin; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Irish retailer is looking for a Head of 3PL Operations, Grocery and Textile, based in Dublin. This senior role involves overseeing logistics and warehousing strategy, leading a diverse team, and optimizing operations across the supply chain. Candidates should have over 15 years of experience in logistics and a proven ability to drive digital transformation. This position offers a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 15+ years running warehousing & logistics for a dynamic business.
• Experience in managing & optimising logistics 3PLs.
• Proven track record in warehousing & logistics strategy.

Responsibilities

• Oversee warehousing & logistics strategy for Grocery and Textiles.
• Lead a diverse team in transport and warehousing operations.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Industry Expertise

Team Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Decision Making Ability

Tools

WMS

TMS

Job description

Overview

Dunnes Stores is Ireland's leading retailer positioned at the cutting edge of food and fashion retailing. We operate over 130 stores across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Spain, as well as a growing online store. We are expanding our services and product offering to enhance the shopping experience for our customers. Our guiding principle is to deliver excellent quality own label products through our Dunnes Stores and Simply Better brands, complemented by Ireland's favourite grocery brands at competitive prices. We strive to deliver an unrivalled selection of high-quality innovative food in partnership with local Irish suppliers. As part of our store development plans we are introducing new categories across all areas of our business in both the food experience and non-food household and toiletries in response to market trends.

In response to evolving market dynamics and to support its ambitious growth agenda, Dunnes Stores is undertaking a major investment programme focused on optimising and digitising its supply chain ecosystem for both Grocery and Textiles. This strategic endeavour aims to enhance agility, scalability and efficiency throughout its supply chain operations.

As a key part of this investment initiative, Dunnes Stores is looking for a Head of 3PL Operations, Grocery and Textile to oversee how we manage warehousing and logistics across our entire business. The role will be based at Dunnes Stores Head Office in Dublin City Centre. This is a senior leadership position requiring a strong mix of strategic vision, operational expertise and deep knowledge of retail market dynamics and trends.

The Head of 3PL Operations, Grocery and Textile will be:

• Future Planning – Accountable for the warehousing & logistics strategy design, innovation, implementation, continuous improvement and performance.
• Team – Lead a diverse team across warehousing & logistics, including transport.
• Stakeholders – Build strong cross-functional relationships with Heads of Demand Fulfilment, Demand Management, Buying and Store Operations and our store managers to align supply to commercial priorities.
• Operational – Responsible for developing regional and local implementation of warehousing & logistics strategies and end-to-end cost reduction in the logistics network.

Key Responsibilities

• Own, manage and optimise the day-to-day operational relationships with the network of 3PL warehousing partners across both Textiles & Grocery businesses. Design, drive & deliver industry-leading warehousing operational performance from our 3PL partners to the Dunnes Stores store network and Dunnes Stores eCommerce customer base.
• Own, manage and optimise the Dunnes Stores transport & logistics operational performance with the company’s third-party transport partners for both Textiles & Grocery, including eCommerce. Deliver value to the business across outbound transport, reverse logistics (backhauling) and asset management.
• Deliver value to the business (cost savings, quality & safety, service level, innovation, risk mitigation and corporate responsibility) by leveraging warehousing & logistics strategies, cross-functional collaboration, technology and supplier relationships.
• Lead and build the existing team across the warehousing & logistics function. Develop and maintain a close relationship with the Directors responsible for Grocery, Textiles and Store Operations and build a robust network of internal experts.
• Strategy – help lead the design, development & implementation of the future-state long-term warehousing & logistics network for Dunnes Stores, supporting Store Network Delivery and eCommerce for all business units, including Textiles and Grocery, with Ambient, Frozen & Fresh product warehousing requirements.

Other Responsibilities

• Drive digital transformation and automation across the warehousing & logistics network (WMS), introducing data-led decision-making and improved visibility across the supply chain.
• Cross-functional alignment – Translate commercial sales plans into operational warehousing strategies (including promotional or launch volume planning). Mitigate risk for high-demand or constrained products and collaborate on trade-driving initiatives.
• Support sustainability – Contribute to compliance goals through efficient transport, packaging and supplier management practices in logistics. Ensure ESG legislative requirements are incorporated and met within the Dunnes Supply Chain.

Experience and Expertise

• Industry Expertise – 15+ years of experience running warehousing & logistics for a large, fast-moving and high-SKU complexity business with seasonal & category-specific dynamics, operating multi-channel to market.
• Industry Expertise – Experience managing & optimising logistics 3PLs and/or company-owned distribution facilities, including contract design; retail experience an advantage.
• Functional Experience – Experience in warehousing & logistics strategy design and economics for establishing warehousing & logistics networks to serve new channels or geographic markets.
• Functional Expertise – Experience delivering the digital optimisation of warehousing & logistics networks, such as WMS, TMS, and e-commerce platforms.
• Executive Presence – Gravitas and stakeholder engagement skills; ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organisation and with Dunnes Stores Supply Chain Partners.
• Team Leadership – Successful experience in setting up high-performing organisations and teams.
• Tools and Capabilities – Experience with fulfilment technology, WMS, TMS, and e-commerce platforms.

Leadership Capabilities

• Leading Change: Ability to promote an environment that drives change and innovative thinking to strengthen the company's competitive advantage.
• Inspiring Leader: Develop and coach a diverse team, hold members accountable and recognise successes.
• Collaborative & Influencing: Seek colleagues' input in decision-making and rally internal and external stakeholders to drive positive change.
• Determined and Resilient: Proactive in pursuing significant challenges and remains committed to achieving goals.
• Decision Making Ability: Make clear, timely decisions in fluid situations, using analytical, solutions-oriented and financially-savvy thinking.
• Execution Skill: Energised by new challenges and ability to exceed expectations under adversity.
• Strategic: Translate company strategy into divisional results and pursue best practices and external insights for improvement.

Cultural Fit and Impact

• Integrity and Values: Unquestionable integrity and strong personal values.
• Collaborative Style: Team leader and team player who builds coalitions and listens well.
• Results-Oriented: Holds self and others accountable for results and pursues challenging goals.
• Change Agent: Inspires others to pursue ongoing improvement and significant impact.

If this sounds like the perfect job for you, please apply now and see what difference you could make!

Dunnes Stores is an Equal Opportunities Employer