Head of Supply Chain

ID Recruitment are working with a leading electrical contracting company who provide national lighting solutions throughout Ireland to recruit a Head of Supply Chain.

This key leadership role which will report to the Chief Operations Officer will head the company’s Supply Chain and will be responsible for ensuring that the procurement, production, inventory, distribution, and logistics functions work in tandem to meet business goals, including cost efficiency, timely delivery, and quality control. The manager will work closely with suppliers, internal teams, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations across the supply chain. The work environment is primarily office-based, with occasional travel to supplier sites, warehouses, or project locations in a fast paced, deadline driven environment that requires strong multitasking and prioritisation skills.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.      Procurement & Supplier Management:

o   Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure a consistent supply of quality materials.

o   Negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery terms with suppliers.

o   Monitor supplier performance, addressing issues related to quality, delivery times, or compliance.

o   Evaluate potential new suppliers based on cost, quality, and reliability.

o   Oversee and optimise inventory levels to avoid excess stock or shortages.

o   Implement strategies to improve inventory turnover and reduce carrying costs.

o   Manage the transportation of raw materials and finished goods, ensuring timely deliveries to customers or project sites.

o   Work with logistics partners to optimise routes, reduce shipping costs, and enhance delivery efficiency.

o   Address any issues related to shipping, customs clearance, or regulatory compliance.

o   Work with cross functional teams to develop accurate demand forecasts.

o   Align supply chain processes with forecasted demands to ensure adequate production schedules and timely deliveries.

5.      Cost Management & Optimization:

o   Continuously seek opportunities to reduce costs across the supply chain while maintaining quality.

o   Conduct cost-benefit analysis for different suppliers, logistics methods, and inventory strategies.

o   Ensure that all processes are compliant with company budgets and financial goals.

6.      Quality Control & Compliance:

o   Ensure that all materials and processes comply with industry standards and government regulations.

o   Implement quality control measures across the supply chain to maintain product standards.

o   Work with the quality team to address any quality issues or product defects.

7.      Team Leadership & Development:

o   Lead, train, and develop the supply chain team to ensure a high-performance culture.

o   Provide guidance and support to team members to help them achieve departmental objectives.

o   Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, production, and sales.

8.      Data Analysis & Reporting:

o   Track key supply chain metrics (KPIs) such as lead times, costs, inventory turnover, supplier performance and on-time delivery rates.

o   Prepare regular reports for senior management highlighting supply chain performance and opportunities for improvement.

o   Use data analytics to make informed decisions on procurement, inventory, and logistics strategies.

Required Qualifications, skills and experience

·       Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.

·       Experience: 10+ years of experience in supply chain management

·       Certifications: APICS, CSCP, or Lean Six Sigma certifications are a plus.

·       Strong Negotiation Skills: Ability to effectively negotiate with suppliers and logistics partners.

·       Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyse data, forecast demand, and make decisions based on data insights.

·       Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address supply chain disruptions and improve processes.

·       Leadership & Communication: Strong leadership skills to manage teams and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

·       Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and supply chain management software.

·       Understanding of Public Lighting Projects: Familiarity with the specific requirements of public lighting systems, including timelines, safety standards, and environmental considerations.