At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supply chain planning for a top food producer in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Established dairy and food producer with strong local roots in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Salary of £45,000 to £55,000, hybrid working, competitive leave, and staff benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and autonomy in a dynamic role.
- Why this job: Influence senior decisions and shape supply chain processes in a market-leading company.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in supply chain, strong leadership, and commercial awareness required.
Lead the supply chain function for one of Northern Ireland's best known food and drink producers. Hybrid working based in Belfast. Salary of £45,000 to £55,000 depending on experience.
Own end to end planning across a complex, fast moving FMCG operation. Genuine scope to shape process, drive efficiency and influence senior decisions.
About the Company
Our client is a long established, market leading dairy and food producer based in Northern Ireland. They turn locally sourced milk into a broad range of branded and own label products that reach supermarket shelves across the UK, Ireland and beyond. With a substantial farmer supplier base, multiple production sites and a reputation built over decades, they combine the scale of a major manufacturer with a strong sense of local roots and community.
The Role
This is a senior, hands on role owning supply chain planning and performance across a high volume, perishable goods operation. You will sit at the centre of demand planning, production scheduling, inventory and logistics, working closely with commercial, manufacturing and procurement teams to keep product flowing reliably and cost effectively. It suits someone who enjoys both the detail of day to day planning and the bigger picture of process improvement, and who can bring calm, clear leadership to a fast paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end to end supply chain planning across demand, production scheduling, inventory and distribution.
- Own forecasting accuracy and drive close alignment between commercial demand and production capacity.
- Manage inventory levels to balance service, freshness and waste across a perishable product range.
- Optimise logistics and distribution to meet retailer service level commitments.
- Partner with manufacturing and procurement to remove bottlenecks and improve flow.
- Build and develop a high performing planning team.
- Drive continuous improvement across processes, systems and reporting.
- Report on supply chain KPIs and present recommendations to senior leadership.
What You'll Need
Essential:
- 5+ years of supply chain or planning experience, ideally within FMCG, food or manufacturing.
- Proven track record in demand planning, production scheduling and inventory management.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance cost, service and quality.
- Confident leading teams and influencing across functions.
- Right to work in the UK.
Desirable / Nice to Have:
- Experience with perishable or short shelf life goods.
- Familiarity with ERP and advanced planning systems.
- Recognised supply chain qualification such as APICS or CIPS.
Why Apply?
- Salary of £45,000 to £55,000 depending on experience.
- Hybrid working based in Belfast.
- Competitive annual leave allowance plus pension and staff benefits.
- A genuinely influential role with visibility to senior leadership.
- The scale and stability of a market leader with a strong local identity.
- Real autonomy to shape how the supply chain function operates.
Next Steps
If this sounds like the right move, get in touch with Luke Davidson at Ocho People. Connect on LinkedIn or email your CV for a confidential conversation.
Supply Chain Lead in Belfast employer: Ocho
As a leading dairy and food producer in Northern Ireland, our client offers an exceptional work environment that combines the stability of a major manufacturer with a strong commitment to local community values. Employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements, competitive salaries, and a culture that encourages innovation and personal growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the supply chain sector. With genuine opportunities to influence senior decisions and drive process improvements, this role is perfect for professionals eager to shape the future of a well-respected brand.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Lead in Belfast
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at Ocho, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Supply Chain Lead.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Lead in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at Ocho. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research Ocho and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocho
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at Ocho.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Ocho
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Ocho might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
