Supply Chain & Account Management - Retail & Foodservice

Programme Overview

You will undertake overseas placements with some of the world’s leading global retail companies, while gaining an internationally recognised Masters.



We have assembled the world’s best food industry educators from business schools including Harvard, IMD, NYU Stern and UCD Smurfit School.



This is a full scholarship programme. All tuition fees are paid and, in addition, you receive a tax free bursary of €28,000 per 12 months. (Bursary is approximate and depends on the location assigned).



With Brexit and other challenges currently facing the Irish food industry it has never been more crucial for industry practitioners to be well educated in one of the most important business and export channels - the international retail sector.



Placements are overseas, at the headquarters of the world’s leading retail and other food firms, such as Marks & Spencer, Sodexo, Sainsbury’s and Tesco among others.



Key Benefits

The 18-month action learning programme involves completing a commercial placement in an international market with recognised retail companies. Classroom-based taught modules and skills training and development take place in UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School during a number of block release visits back to Dublin. All applicants will undergo a selection process and candidates demonstrating the most potential to add value to the Irish food and drink industry will be selected.



Employment prospects from these programmes are outstanding with numerous companies regularly recruiting directly from the programmes, including Kerry, Glanbia, Ornua, Teelings Whiskey, Keoghs Crisps, Dawn Farm Foods, Dairygold, among many more.



Bord Bia and UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School will be accepting applicants for 10 students from February 2023- April 2023 to take part in the next Bord Bia Supply Chain & Procurement programme (MSc in Supply Chain & Account Management (Retail & Foodservice)) which commences in October 2023.



Who is it for?

Successful candidates will be resilient self-starters with demonstrable records of self-motivation and self-discipline. In addition, they will:



- Have a min. of 3 years’ professional experience, ideally including a role(s) in: supply chain, commercial, retail management, business development/ sales; client management; marketing; key account management; project management; communications; consultancy; or similar.



- Hold a primary degree with a 2.1 honours result from a recognised/ relevant third-level institution.



- Be committed to relocating overseas for approximately 15 months.



- Be driven to pursue a career in retail management and the food industry.



- Be committed to learning and professional development.



- Have leadership potential with strength in communications, listening, presentation, influencing, relationship management, self-motivation, management, independence, resourcefulness, diplomacy, business development, self-motivation, proactivity, commercial awareness, relationship building, among other areas of leadership potential;



- Have shown interest/background in the retail and/or food industry through relevant memberships, networks, interest groups, projects, awards and/or background in the industry.



- Be committed to a career in the food industry.



- Have fluency in a second language (not an absolute requirement).



Additional requirements:

It is a requirement that the graduates are willing/able to live in an overseas location.

MODULE 1 - DATA ANALYSIS FOR PROCUREMENT

MODULE 2 - MANAGING ACCOUNT RELATIONSHIPS

MODULE 3 - COST ACCOUNTING

MODULE 4 - PROJECT MANAGEMENT & NEGOTIATION

MODULE 5 - LEADERSHIP THEMES IN FOOD AND AGRIBUSINESS

MODULE 6 - MANAGING CUSTOMER DATA

MODULE 7 - INNOVATION AND MARKETING IN THE ORGANISATION

MODULE 8 - INTRODUCTION TO SUPPLY CHAIN

MODULE 9 - PROFESSIONAL & CAREER DEVELOPMENT

MODULE 10 - APPLIED PROJECTS

To be eligible for the programme, applicants must meet the following entry requirements:



- Hold a primary degree with a 2.1 honours result from a recognised/ relevant third-level institution;



- Have a min. of 2-3 years’ professional experience, ideally including a role(s) in: supply chain, commercial, retail management, business development/ sales; client management; marketing; key account management; project management; communications; consultancy; or similar;



- Although fluency in certain foreign languages is beneficial, this is not an absolute requirement as there are also English speaking locations. Note: locations are subject to confirmation.

Applications will open February-April 2023* with expected programme start month October 2023.



Application Procedure:

A completed application form, digital photograph and copy of transcripts for all university-level degrees (if applicable and excluding those taken at UCD) will be required.



Applications Open: February - April 2023.

Interviews: May 2023.

Programme Start: October 2023.



How to Apply

Applications are welcomed from all graduates. Some placements will require fluency in a second language (for example French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Japanese or Chinese.)



There are 10 places available on this programme and participants will be selected following a rigorous and exacting recruitment process. Interested participants must be available if selected to take part in the interview and assessment process in May 2023, and if successful must be ready to commence the programme in October 2023 (exact date TBC). A second round interview may be applicable.

18 months full-time.

Next Intake: October 2023.