SUMMARY
The Manager, Operations – EU/UK, has ownership of our supply chain network across Europe and the UK. This critical leadership role is centered on the management of our integrated Third-Party Logistics (3PL) partner, who handles all warehousing, customer order fulfilment, and transportation operations. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations EU/UK, the ideal candidate must thrive in a complex, high-paced environment, demonstrating flexibility and agility to adapt to constant changes in priorities and market conditions. This position is based in the Kids2 UK Office and requires regular travel to the Maastricht warehouse and the Amsterdam sales office.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Serve as a liaison for our integrated 3PL partner, who manages all warehousing, customer order fulfilment, and transportation activities across Europe and the UK.
Monitor and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for the 3PL to ensure consistently accurate order processing and on-time delivery across the region.
Participate in business reviews with the 3PL in conjunction with the Director Operations – EU/UK to evaluate operational performance and identify cost-reduction opportunities and efficiencies to improve service to our customers
Ensure the 3PL adheres to all relevant European and UK customs, trade, transport, and safety regulations, including seamless management of import/export processes
Provide a weekly rolling 6-week volume forecast to the 3PL on a weekly basis. Where there are significant uplifts in volumes, provide a long-term view to the 3PL
Analyze cost to serve and recommend cost reduction opportunities
Manage, mentor, and develop a small team of two direct reports based in the Amsterdam office
Define clear responsibilities for each team member, ensuring the 3PL's execution across both physical warehousing and transportation/delivery functions based on customer specific requirements
Define team roles and objectives, conduct performance evaluations, and foster a collaborative culture that supports and effectively oversees the 3PL's daily execution.
Monitor the end-to-end supply chain execution managed by the 3PL, from inbound receiving and inventory control to final-mile customer delivery.
Rapidly assess and adjust operational priorities based on shifts in demand, market requirements, supply chain disruptions, or regulatory changes.
Proactively manage inventory accuracy within the 3PL's facility, ensuring accurate stock levels, cycle counting compliance, and efficient returns processing.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives for the supply chain, leveraging data and 3PL capabilities to improve process efficiency, delivery speed, and overall service quality.
Act as a point of escalation for critical service failures or operational disruptions, coordinating rapid resolution with the 3PL and internal teams, and escalating further if needed
Lead and participate in special projects as needed
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
7+ Years of experience in a commercial role, ideally in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or Operations, with at least 2 years in management or supervisory role.
EDUCATION & SKILLS
Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
Demonstrated experience managing 3PL relationships covering warehousing, fulfilment, and transportation across multi-country territories (specifically Europe and the UK).
In depth knowledge of international shipping, customs requirements, and the specific regulatory environment for EU-UK trade (post-Brexit).
Proven ability to define and use performance data (KPIs/SLAs) to hold a vendor accountable and drive performance improvement.
AI experience is preferred
Strong analytical mindset with experience in using data to identify trends, forecast demand, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is required; familiarity with SAP is highly desirable.
Exceptional leadership and negotiation skills.
Ability to communicate effectively and clearly across all levels of the organization
COMPUTER/TECHNICAL SKILLS
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data visualization tools, with the ability to extract insights from complex datasets to inform operational decisions and identify trends
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk or hear.
The team member frequently is required to sit; have flexible use of hands; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The team member is occasionally required to stand, walk, and taste or smell.
The team member must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Location: UK Office
Work Schedule: This role requires regular travel to Maastricht and to the office in Amsterdam, and potentially to a new UK warehouse from 2027