Head of Warehouse Operations & Systems

National Beauty Distribution is the leading importer and wholesaler of products to the beauty and cosmetics industry in Ireland. We work closely with a wide variety of customers, ranging from high-end retailers, pharmacies, salons and clinics to end consumers. We support over 20 high-growth beauty brands and manage their online and physical supply chain from our distribution centre in Blarney.

We carry over 5,000 SKUs in our 27,000 sq ft facility and ship over 130K+ boxes per annum to business customers and end consumers.

Role Summary

This is a full-time, on-site role located in Blarney. The Head of Warehouse Operations and Systems, reporting directly to the CEO, plays a senior and strategic leadership role in the business. This individual will oversee all day-to-day warehouse functions, including team leadership (15+ employees), inventory control, process development, and operational performance.

In a milestone moment for National Beauty Distribution, we are proud to be only the second company in Ireland to implement AutoStore, a world-class automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS).  This investment provides the platform for a state of the art warehouse and fulfilment operation and the capacity to support our growth ambitions. As the AutoStore installation nears completion (May / June), the successful candidate will lead the operational integration of AutoStore into our warehouse operations across our systems, processes, and people. 

The automation investment is part of an overall vision to create a highly efficient fulfilment operation that is data and metrics driven, embeds quality and continuous improvement and leverages available technology to deliver a brand-centric customer experience at scale across the brands that we serve.   

The head of warehouse operations will responsible for leading the development of our warehouse operations to realise this vision and deliver the benefits from the automation investment.

This position is critical to the future of our supply chain operations. 

The successful candidate will be expected to have a strong track record in managing multi-channel fulfilment operations and be in a position to lead the integration of warehouse processes and physical flows with the available systems and technology  

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic implementation and ongoing management of AutoStore within our warehouse operations

• Spearhead the warehouse automation and optimisation strategy, encompassing both physical infrastructure and digital systems.

• Guide updated warehouse layout and flows to take account of the new ASRS and forecasted volumes 

• Implement a data-led approach to resource scheduling, quality and performance management

• Lead and develop the warehouse team in delivering operational KPIs and supporting company growth.

• Oversee warehouse operations, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, safety, and high service levels across all functions.

• Champion the adoption of new technology and continuous improvement opportunities within warehouse systems.

• Deliver weekly performance reports and operational updates to the CEO.

• Manage logistics, goods movement, and inventory processes in alignment with best practices and business needs.

• Drive Lean initiatives and process enhancements across warehouse functions.

• Support commercial contract management and vendor negotiation where applicable.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, operations, or a related field an advantage but not essential

• Minimum 5 years of experience in senior warehouse operations management.

• Demonstrated experience  in the deployment of systems and physical automation in a warehouse environment 

• Experience in working with AutoStore or similar warehouse automation systems would be an advantage

• Experience with ERP systems and WMS; integration and optimisation expertise required.

• Proven experience in Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies.

• Strong leadership, communication, people management, and team development capabilities.

• Strategic mindset with excellent problem-solving, project management, and analytical skills.

• Knowledge of health, safety, and compliance regulations.

Holidays: 20 Days

Benefits: 40% staff discount, Death in Service Benefit, Aviva Care, PRSA Access, Free onsite parking, Bike to Work Scheme.

Join us at National Beauty Distribution and be part of something big. Help lead the future of our warehouse operations as we take automation to the next level. National Beauty Distribution are an equal opportunity employer.