How did you get to where you are today?
I graduated from Ulster University Business School with first class honours in Consumer Management and Food Innovation. During my studies I completed a 14-month placement with a dairy co-operative in the Republic of Ireland, and returned again shortly after graduating. I worked through roles across Supply Chain (Exporting) and Retail Cheese Procurement for the next four years, before deciding to move home to Northern Ireland. When I did, I joined Dale Farm as a Supply Chain Manager.
I had the pleasure of leading the Customer Service team for just under three years, before moving into a new role as Group Retail Planning Manager in 2025. I have recently become APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management through ASCM, which I’m so proud of!
What does a day in your role look like?
I work with my team to oversee and optimise the short to medium-term retail planning requirements across the group, identifying bottlenecks in demand vs supply and working with key stakeholders to resolve. I work closely with site planners and commercial teams to bridge the gap between the ‘what’ customers want, and the ‘how’ we’re going to supply it. No week is ever the same - consumer and market trends continuously shift which can make planning a very nuanced game, the aim of which is to balance site efficiencies with a great service level. Centralised retail planning has evolved as a function over the last number of years in line with the growth of the business, so I place a strong focus on supporting my team in our curiosity, learning and continuous improvement.
What do you enjoy the most about your role and working at Dale Farm?
What makes supply chain so rewarding for me is that you’re a touchpoint for almost every part of the business. Working closely with sales, marketing, procurement, operations, warehousing and beyond – everyone understands their part to play in keeping things moving. I also really enjoy having the autonomy to review and change outdated processes, so I spend a lot of time working with our data team internally to look towards system-driven replacements. Outside of the day-job, I’m grateful to be a part of our charity committee. Seeing the impact of the team’s fundraising efforts pay-off for our charity partner is really fulfilling.