What Are the Most In-Demand Procurement & Supply Chain Jobs in Ireland?
Thinking about pursuing a career in the Supply Chain Sector? Read our guide to discover the benefits of Supply Chain jobs and to find out the top five most in-demand roles in Ireland today.
Why Work in the Procurement & Supply Chain Sector?
Between the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Evergreen Suez Canal obstruction, and now the war in Ukraine; Supply Chains have gone from something rarely discussed to a major news topic. As such, there has never been a more exciting time to work in this sector.
Increasing globalisation, ever-changing markets and constant technological innovation mean that today’s Supply Chain landscape is highly dynamic and ever-changing. As such, careers in Supply Chain are uniquely well-suited to adaptable individuals who seek out varied and challenging work.
What’s more, demand for talented Supply Chain professionals has surged in the past few years. With a limited talent pool to choose from, the employment market is highly competitive and weighed in the candidate’s favour. Consequently, employers are willing to pay top dollar for the right candidate. For job-seekers, the Supply Chain sector offers well-remunerated and stable work with plenty of opportunities for advancement.
Top 5 Most In-Demand Supply Chain Jobs in Ireland
1. Demand Planners
A key part of supply chain management, demand planning describes the process of “forecasting the demand for a product or service so it can be produced and delivered more efficiently and to the satisfaction of customers” (Source: TechTarget). To achieve this, Demand Planners employ a range of techniques such as data collection, statistical analysis, and data modelling. They also need to be able to successfully communicate and collaborate with representatives from many other departments. The Demand Planner then collates this information into a demand forecast and a demand plan.
Demand Planning is key to ensuring an organisation’s survival in today’s competitive, fast-paced and ever-changing market. A talented Demand Planner stays ahead of the market and helps businesses find the optimal balance between sufficient inventory levels and customer demand.
Demand Planning is a fascinating field and is currently undergoing a wave of innovation as a result of new digital technologies. Industry pundits predict that the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence will come to play a central role in this field in the not-too-distant future.
How Much Do Demand Planners Earn?
In Dublin, Demand Planners typically earn a salary of €48 – 65,000, whereas salary bands in the rest of the country tend to fall between €45 – 53,000.
2. Supply Chain Project Managers
The Project Management Institute (PMI) defines a Project Manager as a professional who “make project goals their own and use their skills and expertise to inspire a sense of shared purpose within the project team”. Within the supply chain sector, Project Managers play a valuable role in managing and coordinating discrete projects in different areas along the supply chain. Some examples of supply chain projects could include:
- Designing and implementing new software and systems
- Reducing lead times
- Enhancing supplier efficiency
To work as a Supply Chain Project Manager, it is essential to have the necessary Supply Chain Management certification (e.g. APICS). In addition, candidates should have Project Management training (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma). Our consultants have also noticed that employers are increasingly seeking our professionals with strong technical skills and experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software systems such as SAP or Oracle.
How Much Do Supply Chain Project Managers Make?
In the capital, Supply Chain Project Managers can earn a salary of €58 – 103,000 depending on how much experience they have. In the rest of Ireland, typical salary bands for this role can range between €52- 85,000.
3. Procurement Engineers
A Procurement Engineer is responsible for overseeing the procurement of technical equipment and services for an industrial operation and ensuring that these meet their organisation’s unique needs. In addition to performing comprehensive analyses of new equipment, they must also assess new and existing suppliers in order to drive continuous improvements.
Typically employed in manufacturing environments, procurement engineering is a highly specialised field. Currently, little to no third-level institutions offer degrees in this area. As such, most Procurement Engineers have moved from other disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, civil, or manufacturing engineering.
How Much Do Procurement Engineers Make?
Procurement Engineers in Dublin can earn a salary of €70- 85,000. In the rest of Ireland, typical salary bands for this role can range between €70- 80,000.
4. Supply Chain Managers
Supply Chain Managers are senior professionals who oversee every step of the supply chain from purchasing raw materials to delivery of the final product to the customer. Put simply, their remit is to optimise the organisation’s supply chain by maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs.
Our consultants have found that there is significant demand for high-calibre professionals with experience in rolling out lean ‘best-in-class’ supply chain processes. Many organisations today are seeking out top talent to serve as strategic leaders and are willing to pay a highly competitive salary for the right person.
How Much Do Supply Chain Managers Make?
A typical salary band for a Supply Chain Managers in Dublin is between €70- 98,000. In the rest of Ireland, salaries for this role ranges between €63- 84,000.
5. Buyers
A key member of the Procurement team, Buyers are responsible for managing the purchase of a specific portfolio of materials/services. As part of their role, Buyers must ensure the purchase items are of good quality and reasonable value. What’s more, they must also work to develop positive working relationships with a range of suppliers.
Major employers in this area include the manufacturing and life science industries. According to our consultants, the most in-demand Buyers are those with strong experience and a wealth of market-specific knowledge. There is plenty of opportunity for detail-oriented, financially-savvy candidates who excel at relationship management.
How Much Do Buyers Make?
Buyers working in Dublin can expect to earn between €39 – 59,000. In the rest of Ireland, salaries for this role ranges between €36 – 58,000.
Advance Your Supply Chain Career Today!
If you are a Supply Chain professional who is looking to make a change in your career, why not contact Berkley’s dedicated Supply Chain & Procurement team. They can talk you through current opportunities on the market and advise you on how to advance your career. To learn more, reach out to us today by phone or email. While you’re here, why not check out our dedicated library of customisable Supply Chain & Procurement CV Templates?