Ireland’s FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) and food production sector continues to thrive, driven by exports, innovation and consumer demand. But in such a competitive market, salary expectations are a crucial factor for both candidates and employers.
At Next Generation, we specialise in Food & FMCG hiring across Ireland. Drawing on our latest FMCG salary surveys and industry insights, here is a breakdown of what you need to know.
Current FMCG & Food Production Salary Landscape in Ireland
These are the salary benchmarks you might see when recruiting or job-hunting in the Food & FMCG space (2025 estimates):
1. Quality & Technical (QA, Food Safety, Compliance)
Quality roles are critical in food production, ensuring product safety, compliance and consistency. Demand for strong QA leaders is growing, especially as sustainability, food safety and traceability become more central to consumer trust.
QA Technician: €30k-35k
QA Supervisor: €42k-50k
Quality Manager: €50k-65k
Head of Technical: €70k-90k
2. Innovation & New Product Development (NPD)
NPD drives FMCG growth. Employers in Ireland increasingly value candidates who can balance creativity with regulatory and commercial awareness.
NPD Technologist: €30k-40k
NPD Project Manager: €50k-60k
NPD Manager: €55k-70k
Head of NPD/Innovation: €70k-90k
3. Supply Chain & Procurement
Efficient supply chains are the backbone of FMCG. From sourcing raw materials to ensuring shelves stay stocked, these roles carry increasing strategic weight.
Sustainability in sourcing and resilience in supply chains are pushing procurement roles into higher salary brackets.
Procurement Director: €125k-160k
Procurement Manager: €70k-95k
Procurement Specialist: €50k-70k
Supply Chain Manager: €70k-95k
Demand Planner: €45k-65k
Supply Chain Coordinator: €35k-45k
4. Production & Operations
Food production remains the largest employment base in Ireland’s FMCG sector. Salaries scale quickly with seniority, reflecting responsibility for output, safety and efficiency.
Production Operator: €28k-40k
Production Supervisor: €45k-58k
Production Manager: €60k-75k
Factory Manager: €90k-120k
Operations Manager: €80k-110k
Operations Director: €140k-200k
5. Logistics & Warehousing
The FMCG sector relies on complex logistics networks to ensure products reach retailers quickly. E-commerce growth and tighter delivery schedules also mean logistics and warehousing roles are increasingly strategic in FMCG.
Logistics Coordinator: €35k-45k
Transport Manager: €55k-70k
Warehouse Manager: €55k-75k
Logistics Manager: €65k-85k
Logistics Director: €120k-150k
What Benefits Are Included in Salary Packages for FMCG Jobs in Ireland?
Salary packages for FMCG jobs in Ireland usually include a combination of the base salary plus benefits. Key benefits commonly offered are:
Retirement or pension plans
Performance-related bonuses or profit sharing
Access to professional development programs
Employee wellness programmes
What Influences FMCG & Food Production Salaries in Ireland?
Location: Dublin commands higher salaries, with averages often €3k-5k above the national norm.
Experience and Skills: Regulatory expertise, automation and sustainability skills can increase overall compensation.
Company Size: Multinationals typically pay more and offer broader benefits.
Labour Market Pressures: Skills shortages in QA, NPD and logistics are pushing salaries upwards.
What Candidates Should Consider
Based on the discussion so far, we can conclude that working in the FMCG industry in Ireland is a great opportunity with pathways for career progression and better compensation. However, candidates must remember to:
Research current salary ranges by role and location to negotiate effectively.
Look beyond salary. Benefits, career progression and training add long-term value.
Highlight in-demand skills like regulatory compliance or automation tools. Upskill constantly with certifications to stand out.
What FMCG Employers Should Know
For employers in Ireland’s FMCG sector, staying ahead in the talent market means more than just offering attractive compensation packages:
Focus on retention through culture, training, recognition initiatives, flexibility and strong employer branding.
Regularly review salary bands against market data to stay competitive.
Partner with specialists like Next Generation to optimise your hiring and recruitment strategy.
The Irish FMCG sector offers strong career opportunities, but salary transparency is key. At Next Generation, we help employers attract the right talent and guide candidates in securing the best offers. If you would like tailored advice on FMCG salary benchmarking and talent strategy in Ireland, contact us today.
