Location: Cork, County Cork, Ireland
Company: Bitrecruit
Client / Employer: Occupop
Role: Head of Warehousing
Contract: Permanent
Kilkenny Design, an iconic FMCG omnichannel business, is seeking an experienced Head of Warehousing to join our Cork‑based team. This key leadership role reports to the CEO and oversees all logistics operations across warehousing, inventory, transportation, and supply chain for the online platform and the group’s 20 retail stores nationwide. The incumbent will ensure efficient, cost‑effective flow of stock from suppliers to warehouse and stores while delivering a best‑in‑class customer experience across B2C and B2B channels. A hands‑on leader, you will build and develop high‑performing teams, drive operational excellence, and work closely with Retail, Buying, IT and Ecommerce to deliver a seamless fulfilment experience in a fast‑paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lead inventory accuracy and stock integrity across 20 stores and online operations through robust controls, cycle counting, and KPI governance.
Optimise warehouse layout, space utilisation, and stock flow while supporting retail teams with effective storeroom design.
Lead workforce planning and resource allocation in line with annual budgets and operational demand.
Deliver key transformation projects, including systems integration and technology implementation.
Champion health & safety compliance and operational standards across all logistics activities.
Develop and lead a high‑performing team through hands‑on coaching, training, and on‑the‑floor leadership.
The Role
Own end‑to‑end supply chain planning across warehouse and omnichannel operations, ensuring alignment with demand and capacity.
Develop and optimise the warehouse operating model to support growth, efficiency, and scalability.
Lead cross‑functional initiatives to improve efficiency across fulfilment, stock handling and dispatch, embedding continuous improvement.
Own P&L and Capex budgets, ensuring cost control, efficiency, and alignment with business priorities.
Lead WMS development, automation and data capability in partnership with IT.
Define and manage operational KPIs across inventory, cost, safety and carrier performance.
Own inventory governance and supplier performance management in partnership with Buying.
Manage logistics partners and carriers, ensuring SLA delivery, service quality and commercial value.
Partner with Retail and Ecommerce to deliver seamless omnichannel fulfilment, including OTIF, speed, accuracy, productivity and same‑day delivery.
Drive continuous improvement through operational reviews and post‑peak learnings.
Own and enhance inventory systems to ensure control, accuracy and efficiency across the Group.
Leadership & Culture
Build a customer‑first, high‑performance culture across all warehouse and logistics teams.
Develop capability through structured performance management, coaching and succession planning.
Drive engagement, retention and team development at all levels.
Ensure clear accountability for KPIs, standards and operational delivery.
Lead health & safety strategy with a zero‑compromise approach.
Own audit readiness, risk management, SOP governance and incident reporting.
Champion Kilkenny Group values – One Team, Doing the Right Thing, Champion Irishness, Customer First through consistent leadership behaviours.
Demonstrate agility and commercial awareness in a fast‑changing retail and logistics environment.
Candidate Profile
10+ years’ experience in supply chain, warehouse operations, including at least 5 years in a managerial role.
Omnichannel retail warehousing experience (advantage).
Proven track record in project delivery, operational improvement and team leadership.
Commercial and numerical capability, including P&L and budget management.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and lead at all levels.
Innovative, solutions‑focused approach to planning and problem‑solving.
Health & safety knowledge; relevant certifications (fire, first aid, forklift) an advantage.
Demonstrated ability to deliver a best‑in‑class logistics and customer service operation.
Kilkenny Design is a progressive employer with a values‑based culture and a strong emphasis on people development.
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