Product Traceability Specialist

Primark is an international clothing retailer employing more than 70,000 colleagues across 16 countries in Europe and the US. Founded in Ireland in 1969 under the Penney’s brand, Primark aims to create maximum joy at minimum cost – less money and less impact on the planet. Primark continues to expand across new and existing markets with the aim of reaching 530 stores by the end of 2026. Every person impacts the culture at Primark.

Our values: Caring (we always strive to put people first), Dynamic (we bravely push the boundaries to stay ahead) and Together (we learn more, laugh more and achieve more as a team) outline the behaviours we expect of our people as we work with each other, our customers, our suppliers and our partners. Let’s see what impact you can make!

As Primark’s Product Traceability Specialist, reporting to the Product Traceability Operations Manager, you will be responsible for leading a team that ensures Primark obtains accurate traceability data for all products. You will be part of a team that seeks visibility across the products’ supply chain enabling the identification of potential risks and ensuring compliance with legislative requirements in all regions where Primark operates.

You will contribute to the expansion of Primark’s traceability program by providing tactical recommendations for program rollout and supporting supplier training and engagement initiatives. You will develop strong relationships with suppliers, providing coaching and support to embed processes and controls that enable Primark to meet our traceability internal targets. You will also play a vital role in driving and supporting the improvement of traceability systems and processes.

With team members based across multiple locations the ideal candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, thriving in a global work environment. They will be adaptable, proactive, and able to coordinate effectively across time zones, ensuring timely collaboration and maintaining productivity.

Key Responsibilities of the role:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with all Primark suppliers.
• Support Primark suppliers in developing effective internal traceability processes to enable their compliance with Primark Traceability policy.
• Collaborate with internal Primark teams and external traceability partners to support the Traceability strategy.
• Conduct traceability audits to validate suppliers’ traceability information. Ensure all information and supporting evidence is collected and well documented.
• Responsible for training, onboarding and supporting suppliers to comply with Primark traceability requirements.
• Proactively identify and recommend improvements to internal traceability systems and processes.
• Escalate non-compliance issues through established governance and reporting channels.
• Ensure the completeness and accuracy of materials’ the supply chain, with particular attention to those subject to legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance against traceability compliance KPIs, and proactively support suppliers in developing and implementing corrective action plans.
• Independently manage and resolve supplier non-compliance issues, requiring minimal oversight.
• Ensure all Traceability trackers are maintained with up-to-date information of suppliers’ traceability status.
• Develop, maintain, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and relevant documentation to support traceability operations.

Collaboration:

• Lead team of traceability coordinators to achieve the agreed traceability rollout.
• Engage and facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among team members in different time zones.
• Demonstrate commitment to promoting inclusivity in all interactions, and that collaboration is grounded in respect and mutual understanding.
• Foster a supportive atmosphere where diverse ideas and experiences are encouraged, contributing to a positive and unified global team dynamic.
• Prioritise and manage competing matters utilising a team approach whilst maintaining high and consistent standards.
• Build trust and credibility across Primark and develop strong internal networks and partnerships.
• Facilitate learning, ideas and information sharing across teams.
• Collaborate with and influence stakeholders in all relevant business areas.

Essential:

• Experience in Product Traceability with strong understanding of fashion retail traceability requirements, regulatory frameworks, and supplier management commensurate with 2-3 years of experience in this field.
• Alternatively, at least 4-6 years of experience in a related field of supply chain management, sourcing or quality.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.).
• Very strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Must be able to interact and work efficiently and effectively with colleagues across the organisation.
• Strong organisational skills, including effectiveness in delivering project plans to achieve target dates.
• Demonstrate initiative with strong work ethic.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and pro-actively.
• A critical thinker who asks the right questions and is strong in the ‘what if’.
• Action orientated and solutions focused, with a passion and drive to grow the business.
• Ability to identify risks & opportunities with the confidence to present solutions in a methodical manner.
• Ability to work in an agile environment with ad-hoc, project-based activities.