Job Description

About the role

The Regional Warehouse and Transportation Manager Europe will be responsible for overseeing the efficient operations of multiple warehouses and solid transportation systems within Europe. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills to ensure seamless coordination of warehousing and their solid transportation activities/distribution.

The scope is full Europe reporting area, for Chocolate, Global Sweet Specialties and cocoa (excl beans), including 50 + warehouses and 80+ Solid transport suppliers.

Key responsibilities include

1. Regional Warehouse Management:

• Oversee all aspects of warehouse operations across the region, including safety & quality in the Warehouses, SL execution etc. ( 1YP –3YP – 5YP strategy)
• Implement and maintain efficient warehouse processes to maximize 3PL utilization and minimize operational costs.
• Search for, analyze and manage synergies within Warehousing for Europe.
• Owner of inventory counting process for Europe, including stock in transit, year end statutory audit procedures & returnable assets.
• Business process owner for the inbound/outbound WH tender in Europe (spend of 60+ Mio) – including internal approval process.
• Assure that the managed activities comply with internal rules and external legislation such as safety, health environment requirements
• Owner of regional warehouse complaints and regional improvement plans.

2. Regional Transportation Management:

• Develop and execute solid transportation strategies to ensure timely and cost-effective movement of goods between warehouses and distribution points. ( 1YP –3YP – 5YP strategy)
• Collaborate with transportation providers & work together with Sourcing to negotiate contracts, and monitor service levels to ensure compliance with established agreements.
• Optimize transportation routes and modes to reduce transit times and expenses while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Business process owner for the solid transportation services in Europe (spend of 50+ Mio)
• Owner of regional solid OTIF, carrier performance and improvement plans and internal root cause process .
• Responsible for ongoing digitalization of carrier base and planning tools

3. Process Improvement:

• Continuously identify opportunities for process enhancement and implement best practices to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Analyze data and performance metrics to identify trends, address issues, and develop action plans for improvement.
• Regularly review and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure alignment with industry standards and business objectives.

4. Budget Management:

• Owner of budgets for warehouse and solid transportation operations, monitoring expenses and identifying areas for cost containment.
• Collaborate with finance teams to analyze financial performance and make recommendations for resource allocation.
• Owner of regional productivity projects for both warehouse and solid transport

5. Stakeholder Communication:

• Maintain effective communication with internal teams, suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and address any issues promptly.
• Act as a point of contact for escalations related to warehousing and solid transportation matters.

About you

• Fluent English, other European languages are a plus. (E.g Dutch/Polish)
• Preferred bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.
• Comprehensive knowledge of industry best practices, regulations, and emerging trends in warehousing and transportation.
• WMS & TMS knowledge is appreciated.

• Knowledge of SAP AC3/PRD/VIM
• Preferred knowledge of major EUROPEAN Warehouse providers.
• MS Office
• Preferred knowledge of biggest TMS solutions.

• Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills
• Multitasking skills
• Stakeholder management
• Very strong analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to generate value through the implementation of new initiatives.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to align operational objectives with broader organizational goals.

The role will be based in Wieze, Belgium and requires 30% travel