SGS Ireland | Naas, Co. Kildare

Are you highly organised, customer-focused and interested in working in a fast-paced operational environment supporting Ireland’s agri, minerals and logistics sectors?

SGS Ireland is seeking an Agri Trade & Logistics Co-ordinator to support the delivery of inspection, reporting, certification and administrative services for agricultural and mineral cargoes arriving at Irish ports. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys co-ordinating people, information and deadlines, while providing a high-quality service to clients, inspectors, laboratories and internal teams.

The role will primarily support SGS Ireland’s supervision and inspection services for bulk cargoes such as animal feed, grains, fertilisers and other commodities imported through Irish ports. SGS acts as an independent third-party inspection body, verifying cargo quantity and quality in line with contractual and industry requirements.

About the Role

As Agri Trade & Logistics Co-ordinator, you will play a key role in supporting the smooth running of day-to-day operations. You will co-ordinate inspection activities, liaise with field inspectors and clients, process inspection information and ensure that reports, certificates, billing information and related administration are completed accurately and on time.

This is a varied role that requires strong communication, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities. It would suit someone who is proactive, adaptable and comfortable working in an environment where operational priorities can change quickly.

A secondary element of the role may develop within approximately six months, involving the co-ordination of arable farm audits. This may include liaising with farmers and auditors, managing scheduling information and supporting the efficient delivery of seasonal audit activity. Comprehensive training will be provided where this element of the role applies.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Accept client nominations and issue details of the services to be provided by SGS.
• Act as a main client contact point through the shared AFL mailbox.
• Co-ordinate with inspectors to ensure nominated vessels are appropriately covered.
• Ensure inspectors have the correct contacts, information and skills for each nomination.
• Review inspector reports for accuracy and issue daily reports to clients.
• Track laboratory test results and communicate updates in a timely manner.
• Respond promptly to client queries, including situations involving problematic cargoes where additional reporting or phone communication may be required.
• Issue relevant certificates to clients in relation to cargo condition, quality and quantity.
• Maintain accurate records by storing relevant files and email correspondence on the shared drive.
• Provide billing data to SGS Accounts to support accurate client invoicing.
• Provide inspectors with updates on schedules, safety instructions and operational information.
• Assist with information required for scheduled audits and inspector training.
• Where required, provide full or partial inspection support to ensure vessel cover during periods of operational demand or limited inspector availability.
• Maintain inspector training to ensure readiness to provide inspection support when required.
• Where the farm audit co-ordination element proceeds, the role may also involve part-time helpdesk support, scheduling arable farm audits and liaising with farmers and auditors to ensure audits are completed within agreed timeframes.

Key Accountabilities

You will be expected to:

• Plan and monitor day-to-day service delivery to ensure SGS meets contractual obligations and customer expectations.
• Support operational delivery personally where appropriate, including activities that contribute to quality standards and financial targets.
• Maintain effective communication with colleagues, clients and internal teams.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships based on responsiveness, accuracy and trust.
• Communicate clearly with clients and internal teams regarding delays or any issues that may affect work execution.
• Resolve client enquiries efficiently and professionally.
• Work with local management, senior management and business development teams to support appropriate growth opportunities.
• Support training needs in conjunction with the Natural Resources team and manager.
• Promote ownership, accountability and continuous improvement within the team.
• Liaise with other terminals to support resource planning, best practice sharing and consistent inspection service delivery across Irish operational locations.
• Participate in regular team meetings, primarily via Microsoft Teams, with periodic in-person meetings where required.
• Monitor and report on annualised hours, supporting fairness for employees and compliance with working time requirements.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Some experience in report writing.
• Strong communication skills.
• A background, knowledge or understanding of shipping operations, port operations or logistics would be an advantage.
• A Level 5 qualification in Agriculture or an equivalent discipline would be an advantage.
• A full driving licence.
• The ability to work accurately, manage deadlines and remain calm in a fast-moving environment.

About You

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, reliable and comfortable working in a busy operational support role. You will be highly organised, detail-focused and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a professional and helpful approach with clients, inspectors, farmers, auditors and colleagues.

You should enjoy working as part of a team, be confident communicating by email and phone, and be willing to learn about shipping, inspection, reporting and audit co-ordination processes. Experience in logistics, port operations, agriculture, administration or customer service would be beneficial.

Working Arrangements

This is a full-time administrative position primarily based at the Naas Head Office, Kildare. The role is initially expected to be office-based, with the potential to develop into a hybrid working arrangement subject to business requirements and management approval.

The role may involve limited weekend work and some internal travel within Ireland may be required from time to time.

Why Join SGS?

This is a varied and practical role where no two days are the same. You will be part of a team supporting essential inspection and logistics services across Ireland’s Agri and minerals sectors, helping to ensure that clients receive accurate information, reliable reporting and responsive operational support.

For someone who enjoys co-ordination, customer service, logistics and problem-solving, this role offers the opportunity to build specialist knowledge in inspection services, shipping operations and audit support within a global organisation.

Closing date: 10 July