IRCA is a prominent international provider of semi-finished ingredients for the bakery, pastry, and gelato markets. They cater to independent producers as well as large food manufacturers, including consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. The company's core product offerings consist of chocolate, chocolate decorations, creams, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and various other bakery and pastry ingredients.
Headquartered in Italy, IRCA was acquired by Advent International, a global private equity firm, in July 2022. The company has demonstrated a strong history of growth over the past decade. As part of its growth strategy, IRCA made two bolt-on acquisitions in 2022. They acquired Cesarin, a provider of candied fruits, and Anastasi, a supplier of pistachio ingredients. These acquisitions expanded IRCA's product portfolio and market reach.
More recently, IRCA acquired the leading manufacturer of sweet and cereal products in Europe and the US. The target company focuses on high-value specialty ingredients for the Food Manufacturers segment. Their product range includes sweet particulates, chocolate confections, baked inclusions, variegates, and fruit purées. This deal, successfully completed in March of 2023, is a transformative move for IRCA, establishing them as a global leader in the semi-finished ingredients industry.
With this acquisition, IRCA has a combined revenue of €1 billion in 2023 and a presence in 22 manufacturing facilities across Europe, the US, and Vietnam. This expanded manufacturing footprint and diversified product portfolio positions IRCA as a key player in the market, serving a wide range of customers in the bakery, pastry, and gelato sectors, as well as food manufacturers.
IRCA Group is seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager to lead and actively manage our North American Supply Chain operations. This role will partner closely with corporate functions, manufacturing sites, TPMs, and external vendors to ensure efficient day-to-day operations, service excellence, and continuous improvement across the network.
Essential Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the Central Supply Chain function for IRCA NA, providing strong leadership while remaining actively engaged in daily operations, including order management, supply constraints, and demand fluctuations.
- Own and drive the S&OP process, facilitating monthly cycles, challenging assumptions, resolving gaps, and ensuring cross-functional alignment to achieve OTIF and service goals.
- Directly manage and execute inventory and capacity planning activities, including safety stock levels, MOQ optimization, production planning parameters, and mitigation of excess and obsolete inventory.
- Actively coordinate with TPMs and internal sites to resolve operational issues, manage priorities, and ensure continuity of supply.
- Oversee Import/Export activities from a Supply Chain perspective, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and alignment with operational needs.
- Lead KPI tracking, financial analysis, and monthly reporting, translating data into actionable plans and driving cost-saving and operational excellence initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
- 8+ years of progressive Supply Chain experience within a manufacturing environment, including at least 3–5 years in a leadership role.
- Strong hands-on experience in manufacturing planning, inventory management, and material flow optimization.
- Direct involvement in S&OP execution, including data analysis, cross-functional coordination, and driving actionable outcomes.
- Solid understanding of production planning, procurement, logistics, and distribution processes.
- Experience managing KPIs, financial analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Knowledge of Import/Export processes and third-party manufacturing coordination.
- Advanced proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Hands-on, execution-driven leader who is comfortable working in operational details and resolving day-to-day challenges.
- Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective communicator and collaborative partner across functions, with the ability to motivate teams and drive results.
- Willingness to travel domestically up to 15%
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field
- 8+ years of progressive supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment, including 3-5 years in a leadership role
- Hands-on experience in manufacturing planning, inventory management, and material flow optimization
- Direct involvement in S&OP execution, data analysis, cross-functional coordination, and driving outcomes
- Solid understanding of production planning, procurement, logistics, and distribution processes
- Experience managing KPIs, financial analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Knowledge of Import/Export processes and third-party manufacturing coordination
- Advanced proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
- Hands-on, execution-driven leadership with strong problem-solving and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Effective communicator and collaborative partner across functions, able to motivate teams and drive results
- Willingness to travel domestically up to 15%
What We Do
Founded in 1919, IRCA Group is a global leader in the production of high-quality ingredient solutions for the pastry, bakery, chocolate, and gelato markets. Serving both artisans and industrial food manufacturers in over 100 countries, the company combines Italian heritage with innovation to provide a comprehensive portfolio of products, including creams, fruit preparations, and inclusions, helping professionals create extraordinary culinary experiences with simple, reliable, and scalable solutions.
