Group Supply Chain S&OP & Digitisation Lead in Newtownards

Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited (The Group) is the second largest dairy processor on the island of Ireland. The business is complex and ambitious with a milk supply pool of 2 billion litres of milk, drawn from over 3,200 family farms across 16 counties. With the most modern dairy manufacturing facilities in 8 locations on a cross-border basis, the Group supplies to a broad customer base including some of the world's foremost blue chip companies across the dairy food ingredients, foodservice and consumer food channels on a domestic Ireland, UK, European and global basis. Internationally we export some 240 different products to over 100 countries worldwide.

The Groups Agribusiness Division (Lakeland Agri) operates a state-of-the-art Animal Feed Manufacturing Facility and is a leading and innovative provider of the highest quality feeds and agricultural inputs to dairy, beef, and sheep farmers across the north and south of Ireland. Applications are invited for the above position that will be based at our Newtownards site.

This brand-new, exciting role will play a central part in transforming how our global supply chain operates. The successful applicant will lead the design, delivery, and deployment of innovative supply chain solutions that enhance performance across all functions worldwide. As the driving force behind our group-wide digitisation and S&OP agenda, you will shape an agile, fully embedded S&OP/S&OE process and spearhead digital projects that integrate forecasting, AI-enabled planning, production capacity, valorisation, inventory, and customer service.

A key focus will be challenging and advancing the use of SAP and digital tools to streamline processes, strengthen decision-making, and deliver meaningful operational improvements across the Lakeland Group.

Additional key responsibilities will include:

• Lead and develop a fully integrated, agile S&OP process across the Group.
• Chair weekly S&OE meetings and monthly S&OP reviews with SLT to deliver a single, aligned plan.
• Own a long-term 7-year sales vs capacity model in partnership with Commercial, Operations, Finance, Engineering, and Supply Chain.
• Drive automation and digitisation to replace manual processes and improve reporting and planning efficiency.
• Act as a key member of the Supply Chain Leadership Team, championing progress and modernisation.
• Oversee Supply Chain process governance to ensure alignment, consistency, and measurable improvement across the Group.
• Develop and deliver a digital roadmap that enhances supply chain performance, efficiency, OTIF, and milk valorisation.
• Introduce new ideas, best practice, and build digital capability across the Supply Chain function.
• Serve as the main link between Supply Chain and IT for all digital initiatives.
• Identify and implement AI opportunities to improve cost, agility, accuracy, customer service, and valorisation.

The person we are looking for is a forward-thinking, data-driven professional who thrives on shaping strategy and driving meaningful change across complex operations. The successful applicant will bring strong experience working with data, building processes, and leading continuous improvement initiatives, with the confidence to challenge the status quo and influence stakeholders at all levels. You will hold a third-level qualification in Business, Economics, Data Analysis or a related discipline, and ideally have a solid understanding of supply chain and manufacturing environments.

You will be highly skilled in stakeholder engagement, able to communicate clearly and persuasively, and comfortable working across functions to deliver results. Experience with ERP systems, strong Microsoft Office capability, and the ability to translate insights into action are essential. Above all, you will be someone who brings curiosity, structure, and a solutions-focused mindset to everything you do. Experience of SAP would be advantageous.

If you have the necessary skills and attributes to meet this exciting opportunity in a dynamic, high volume and fast-moving business, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Application Process: To apply or for further information, please submit a copy of your CV by no later than Monday 25th May 2026. Lakeland Dairies Ltd is committed to having an inclusive workplace where every employee feels they belong. If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process or have questions relating to accessibility, please contact us.

Skills: Digital transformation, Supply Chain, Data analytics