Transformation and Operations Lead

Join Musgrave: Where Innovation Meets Heritage, and People Drive Change

Musgrave is one of Europe's most successful family owned businesses, with a rich 150 year legacy in food and brand innovation. We're proud to serve communities across Ireland and Spain, feeding one in three people every day through 19 iconic brands like SuperValu, Centra, Mace, Frank and Honest, and Musgrave MarketPlace. By supporting thousands of retail and foodservice family businesses, we make a positive impact on the communities they serve. We're committed to becoming the most trusted and sustainable business in Ireland, and we're looking for dynamic, forward thinking individuals to join us on this journey.

The I&I Transformation and Operations Lead will operate as the I&I Director's senior business partner and orchestration lead - translating intent into action, aligning priorities, and creating the operating rhythm that allows Insight & Innovation to perform at its best. This role will advance and drive the transformation agenda within the Insight & Innovation department, taking a leading role in AI initiatives and ensuring their successful implementation. The Lead will also be responsible for organising, planning, and facilitating both team and management meetings, working closely with the I&I Director and leadership team to maintain momentum on strategic priorities and keep the department at the forefront of industry advancements.

Please note that this role couldbe based in Dublin, Cork or Belfast

What you'll be doing Transformation and Operational excellence

• Act as a sounding board and risk anticipator for the Director while also translating priorities into action.
• Serve as the main coordinator for I&I interfaces, define ownership, and streamline collaboration.
• Support the planning and delivery of transformation projects that advances I&I's transformation agenda, with an emphasis on efficiency and scalability.
• Design and facilitate decision focused forums with clear agendas and action tracking.
• Regularly update the I&I Director on project progress, making sure to highlight the progress connected to the transformation agenda.
• Manage and facilitate management meetings and department meetings, ensuring agendas are focused on insight and innovation priorities, actions are tracked, and outcomes support strategic objectives while maintaining operational discipline.

AI Transformation

• Lead the development and implementation of AI initiatives, supporting the discovery of new opportunities, identifying operational efficiencies, and driving excellence across the function.
• Champion best practices and agile methodologies, empowering the I&I team to respond rapidly to emerging opportunities and challenges through AI driven solutions.
• Foster a collaborative environment for piloting AI driven ideas, ensuring cross team/functional engagement and knowledge sharing.
• Continuously scan the horizon for emerging AI trends, positioning the I&I team as pioneers of technology enabled innovation.
• Drive thought leadership in AI by creating and sharing insights and representing Musgrave at industry events and conferences.

Demand Management

• Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for demand management, setting benchmarks for response times, request prioritisation, and escalation protocols. Encourage adherence to these procedures by providing training and resources to all department members. Foster a mindset of continuous improvement by regularly evaluating demand management processes, analysing performance metrics, and soliciting input from colleagues.
• Develop detailed workflow diagrams and process maps that clearly outline each stage of the request lifecycle, from initial intake to final resolution.
• Establish a centralised tracking system to monitor the status of all requests, helping teams identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
• Identify and implement opportunities for automation or process enhancements, such as integrating AI driven tools to streamline request handling and improve accuracy.

Measures of success

• The Director has more time for leadership, fewer escalations.
• I&I operates with clarity, pace and consistency; less re work.
• Stakeholders experience smoother interactions and clearer expectations.
• A calm, controlled operating rhythm

What we're looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Data Science, Innovation, Retail Management, or related field; postgraduate preferred.
• Extensive experience leading insight and innovation projects in grocery or retail.
• Proven ability to turn data insights into effective strategies and improvements.
• Skilled in analytics, AI, and digital transformation within innovation teams.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills for cross functional collaboration.
• Creative problem solver with enthusiasm for insight and innovation in retail.
• Thought leadership through publishing, speaking, or industry engagement is a plus.
• Experienced in project management, handling multiple initiatives and coordinating teams to meet deadlines.

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong judgement and organisational awareness; high levels of organisation and follow-through.
• Exceptional relationship building and influencing skills without formal authority.
• Comfort operating at senior levels with discretion and credibility.
• Ability to translate strategic intent into practical actions; comfort with ambiguity.
• Fluency in AI/analytics as an enabler rather than deep technical expertise
• Career Development: With a commitment to your personal and professional growth, Musgrave offers numerous opportunities for advancement and learning.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a passionate team, where your contributions will make a significant impact
• Innovation Focus: Be part of a company that values forward thinking solutions
• Community Focus: Be part of a company that truly values its communities and strives to make a positive impact.
• Be Part of a Legacy: Join a company with a long standing commitment to community and innovation.

Ready to make an impact?Apply now and be part of a forward thinking company that values your expertise and vision.

Musgrave is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from diverse candidates. If we can make any accommodations to enable you to be the best version of yourself during the interview, please let us know

Musgrave operate a Work Smart hybrid working model where you can alternate your time between connecting and collaborating in the business and working remotely.