Purpose

The Senior Manager DC Planning has the critical responsibility of leading and steering end‑to‑end Distribution Centers (DC) planning across the European DC network, ensuring optimized capacity utilization, service level performance, and cost efficiency.

The role owns short- to mid‑term DC planning strategies and translates Supply Chain and omni‑channel priorities into executable capacity and flow plans. Acting as a subject matter expert, the Senior Manager DC Planning provides transparency on DC network health, proactively identifies risks and opportunities, and supports senior leadership decision‑making through data‑driven insights.

This position bridges strategic direction and operational execution, requiring deep supply chain expertise, strong stakeholder management, and leadership capabilities in a complex, fast‑changing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and own end‑to‑end DC utilization planning (inbound, storage, outbound) across the European DC network with a short‑ and mid‑term planning horizon.
• Translate SCM, channel, and IBP priorities into robust DC plans, ensuring alignment across functions.
• Monitor DC network health, capacity utilization, and constraints; proactively identify risks, bottlenecks, and optimization opportunities.
• Develop scenarios, trade‑offs, and recommendations to balance service, cost, and resilience in constrained situations.
• Drive continuous improvement of DC planning processes, standards, governance, and planning methodologies.
• Act as a senior interface between DC Operations, Inbound, Deployment, Product Supply, Demand Planning, Finance, and Market Operations to ensure aligned execution.
• Lead and contribute to strategic and transformation initiatives (e.g. network changes, system implementations, process harmonization).
• Provide leadership, coaching, and functional guidance to DC planners and project resources.
• Ensure delivery of high‑quality reporting, insights, KPIs, and dashboards to support senior leadership decision‑making.
• Present clear, concise recommendations and planning insights to Director‑level and Senior Leadership forums.

Key Relationships

• Europe DC Operations
• Inbound / Fulfillment Center Planning
• Deployment
• Product Supply
• Europe Demand Planning
• Europe Finance
• DC Business Intelligence
• Market Operations & Optimization
• Global IT / Systems

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strategic and analytical thinking with the ability to translate complex topics into clear actions and decisions.
• Proven stakeholder management and influencing skills across senior and cross‑functional audiences.
• Leadership capability with experience guiding teams and leading cross‑functional initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain mechanics and end‑to‑end DC operations in an omni‑channel environment.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced MS Excel and Power BI capabilities (Power Query / Power Pivot); SAP knowledge required.
• SQL knowledge is a plus.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Fluent in English (written and oral).

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications

• College or university degree with a focus on Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or equivalent.
• Minimum 7–10 years of relevant experience in Supply Chain Management, preferably with strong exposure to DC planning, network planning, or fulfillment operations.
• Experience working in international and cross‑functional environments.
• Initial people leadership experience and/or leading complex cross‑functional projects preferred.