Senior Supply Chain Specialist

Next Generation; Leinster; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Next Generation is seeking a Senior Supply Chain Specialist for its Irish manufacturing site. You will own end-to-end supply chain across planning, procurement and logistics, ensuring on-time, in-full delivery while protecting working capital.

The role demands hands-on leadership, 5+ years in food manufacturing supply chains, experience with SAP Business One, and proven ability to coordinate with suppliers, QA and 3PL providers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' supply chain experience in food manufacturing or similar batch-controlled environment.
• Hands-on experience across planning, procurement and logistics.
• Experience in SAP Business One (MRP, purchasing, inventory) and audited environments.

Responsibilities

• Own sales forecast process and convert demand into a feasible supply plan.
• Lead production planning across weekly, monthly, quarterly horizons.
• Manage supplier relationships, lead times and 3PL/logistics.
• Monitor KPI and maintain on-time delivery and inventory targets.

Skills

Demand planning

Production planning

Procurement management

Logistics coordination

Education

Degree in supply chain

APICS/CIPS qualification (advantage)

Tools

SAP Business One

Job description

Our client is an Irish manufacturer of premium food products, supplying leading retail and brand partners across Ireland and Europe. The site runs in a structured, audited, batch controlled environment and is scaling quickly, which makes planning accuracy, material availability and service performance critical. The Senior Supply Chain Specialist owns the site’s end-to-end supply chain across three connected areas: planning, procurement and logistics. The role makes sure the factory has the right materials at the right time, that production plans are achievable, and that customer orders are delivered on time and in full (OTIF), while protecting working capital and keeping inventory under control. This is a senior, hands‑on role. It suits someone who can run day‑to‑day supply chain execution with a high degree of autonomy and also improve how the supply chain works as volumes grow.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning: demand and production

Own the sales forecast process and convert demand into a feasible supply plan.

Own production planning across weekly, monthly and quarterly horizons, aligned to customer demand, site capacity and inventory targets.

Build and maintain the site planning tool, using OEE and capacity assumptions to improve plan stability and execution. Provide 6–12-week forward supply visibility and regular ATP (Available to Promise) reporting, flagging material, capacity and lead‑time risks early.

Procurement: materials and suppliers

Lead procurement of raw materials, ingredients and packaging, ensuring continuity of supply and adherence to supplier lead times.

Manage supplier relationships, confirmations, delivery schedules and inbound planning to prevent shortages.

Monitor supplier performance (on‑time delivery, lead‑time adherence) and support commercial reviews and negotiations.

Work closely with QA and Operations on material readiness, prioritisation and issue resolution.

Logistics: 3PL and outbound

Own the 3PL relationship, including dispatch planning, scheduling alignment, service level expectations and performance reviews.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Typically 5+ years’ supply chain experience within food manufacturing or a similar batch controlled, traceable manufacturing environment.

Demonstrable hands‑on experience in all three of the following:

• Planning: production and demand planning, including forecast ownership.
• Procurement: buying raw materials, ingredients and packaging, and managing suppliers.
• Logistics: managing 3PL / warehousing partners, dispatch and outbound fulfilment.

SAP Business One (MRP, purchasing, inventory).

Experience in audited environments (BRCGS or equivalent).

Degree in supply chain, business or a related discipline; APICS or CIPS qualification an advantage