Supply Chain and Logistics

In parts of the market, yes. SOLAS lists HGV and bus and coach drivers as shortage occupations in its National Skills Bulletin 2025. Demand is growing as well: the Employment and Recruitment Federation's Irish Labour Market Monitor for Q2 2026 reported that construction, industry and transport together added 56,500 jobs in the year to Q1 2026. For professional roles such as planning, trade compliance and transport management, a direct search and a clear salary range usually achieve more than a second advert.

Decide first whether you need someone to prepare declarations, manage a broker or own compliance for the whole business, because those are different people. Ask candidates which procedures and authorisations they have worked with, what volumes they handled and how they dealt with a customs audit or query. Where the pool is thin, a strong logistics coordinator with customs exposure and a training plan can be the quicker route. We test practical knowledge at screening and tell you what the market can supply at your salary.

Earlier than feels necessary. IrishJobs put the median time to hire at 10 weeks in a survey carried out in September 2025, and a manager's notice period comes after that. Count back from the date you need the person trained and on the floor, then add both. For interim cover the lead time is shorter, but the best people are booked first. We aim to agree dates, rates and handover with you well before the season starts.

Use the access you already have. Volunteer for stock counts, slotting, inbound scheduling and any project involving the warehouse management or ERP system, and learn how the numbers you produce feed the plan. Get comfortable with spreadsheets and basic forecasting. On your CV, describe results such as pick accuracy, stock accuracy or on time dispatch in figures you can explain at interview. We tell you which kinds of employer hire planners from operations, and we never charge candidates a fee.