PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANIZATION

The Global DC Excellence team is at the forefront of driving the establishment of key standards, toolboxes, and frameworks that our own and 3PL managed Distribution Centers (DCs) can rely on for operational excellence. Our focus is on defining and/or updating the standards that shape DC operations to deliver exceptional results in all markets. We strive to create an environment that fosters healthy competition between the DCs by enabling best practice sharing through maturity self-assessments, certifications & awards, as well as through community exchange platforms. We make fact-based decision making on investments possible & strongly contribute to the DCs site improvement plans. We connect diverse stakeholders to engage in a valuable dialogue to elevate the performance of the DC to the next level. We analyze developments and trends to serve markets as competent consultants. As the Senior Manager, in this role you will be part of the driving force behind defining the north star to DC excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define and implement high-impact standards across diverse areas of Distribution Center operations, fostering excellence in collaboration with key global stakeholders. Take the lead in creating and curating a global repository of standards (examples: operational standards, DC performance data standards, returns handling, 3PL standards, golden flows & key DC processes, inventory management)
• Define what good looks like for DC operations & orchestrate a holistic and consistent actions management process for DCs globally, which will feed into the operations improvement plans & investment decisions.
• Act as a sparring partner to the market operations and guide standards implementation. Incubate process optimization initiatives to boost efficiencies in the DCs, while leveraging your deep operational background and understanding of logistics and warehouse operations. 
• Comprehend and interpret key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to DC operations. Innovatively develop new methodologies and calculations to steer performance management, enabling internal benchmarking and gap analysis for operational advancements. 
• Orchestrate multiple initiatives simultaneously. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, while maintaining a steady momentum within tight timelines.
• Influence key stakeholders on a global scale, as well as operational leaders across different markets to challenge status quo and secure buy-in on improvement plans. Your collaborative approach and expert insights will drive alignment and operational excellence.

KNOWLEDGE, CAPABILITIES, AND SKILLS

• Operational Expertise: comprehensive understanding of logistics and warehouse operations, underpinned by extensive operational background.
• Effective Project Management: Outstanding project management acumen, exemplified by successfully managing multiple projects concurrently while influencing cross-functional teams within constrained timeframes.
• Analytical Proficiency: profound analytical skills and a firm grasp of relevant KPIs in the context of DC operations.
• Ability to work effectively with data and devise innovative methodologies and calculations to drive performance steering, KPI definitions, and actionable insights.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-functional Collaboration: Showcase your strong teamwork capabilities by working collaboratively across functions to achieve shared goals and objectives.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• SCM Markets & Local DC Operations management teams
• Corporate Audit & Internal Controls
• Procurement & 3PL vendors
• Data and Analytics 
• Digital & Tech
• SCM Finance/Controlling & legal
• Supply Chain Control Tower
• External consultants (as needed)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Four-year college or university degree with focus on Supply Chain Management
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive work experience in mid- to large-scale project or program management with a global nature with focus on Logistics & Warehouse operations.
• Proven track record in driving change & influencing globally without direct reports
• Vast experience in supply chain/logistics in multi-national companies within the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry (preferably apparel/fashion background)