Ireland is home to Bulmers, the best loved Irish cider in the world. We grow the apples there and make the cider in the heart of Clonmel, Co. Tipperary where our own orchards are the pride of the town. Our Bulmers cider is a fabric brand in Ireland, the number one by far and our teams in Ireland are proud to manufacture, market, distribute and sell to thousands of customers, with teams right across Ireland and offices in major cities like Dublin, Clonmel and Cork. About the role The Group Returnable Packaging&Apple Senior Specialist will have overall responsibility for all returnable packaging types inclusive of Kegs, locator boards, CHEP pallets, RET glass and supplier returnable packaging across C&C Group ensuring quantities are right sized for the business whilst optimising efficiency, budget management and working capital. This person in this role will act as a specialist with operational planning and inventory management. During the apple season, this role will also have responsibility for overall liaison with the apple growers on tonnage communication, spray records and daily / weekly deliveries. This role is a 24 month fixed-term contract and can be based in either our Wellpark or Clonmel site. Key Accountabilities Key accountabilities involved in this role will include: * Lead current base line regarding volume and use of current RET packaging by liaising with stakeholders across the business to gather accurate data across the C&C business units, including 3rd party customer and supplier packaging. * Engage with Close Brothers to understand keg management portal capabilities and EMS on pallet movements within the group. * Identify process, investment in infrastructure and systems required for best-in-class returnable packaging management and traceability. * Manage current keg and pallet pools to identify opportunity for optimisation and cost reduction. * Manage CCI keg returns and identify opportunity for optimisation and cost reduction. * Evaluate and resolve potential material shortages and escalate critical impacts on production schedules. * Identify methods and best practices within the industry, through Identifying, prioritising, and monitoring the execution of continuous improvement. * Lead and implement a companywide Management System, develop supporting SOP’s protocols and best practices to ensure consistency, quality, and safety in conjunction with key internal stakeholders. * Provide leadership, development, and training for group stakeholders, to generate a competent and professional function to ensure business goals and objectives are delivered. * Prepare and present detailed insights to enable the Planning and Procurement teams to create effective purchase plans to minimise costs and improve processes. Ensuring accurate inventory management through audits and reconciliation * Manage and maintain accurate stocks to minimise groupworking capital whilst also minimising risk to customer service or stock shortages to ensure a contingency for busy periods. * Contribute to production scheduling activities by monitoring material inventories, tracking progress of production and reviewing material factors that affect schedules.* Accountable for regular reporting on management and KPI’s alongside budget setting. About you * Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline (or equivalent experience). * Experience in a dynamic FMCG business, preferably drinks sector. * Wider supply chain operational experience desirable. * Proven ability to deliver results against targets. * Demonstrable Project Management experience desirable. * Focus on improving operational efficiency and reducing waste. * Experience and knowledge of manufacturing processes in a FMCG environment. * Strong knowledge ofoperational planning, inventory management. * Understand Returnable Packaging and industry regulations. * Ability to lead, make decisions, and take actions to prevent issues. * Proficiency in using MS Office Suite, and other relevant tools. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making. * Ability to work on own initiative including effective prioritisation of workload. * Excellent communication&managerial skills. * Capable of enabling change, providing fresh thinking and an alternative perspective. * Strong financial