European Logistics Manager: Cost, KPI & 3PL Leadership

Zaandam; Zaandam; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12-month contract

Permanent contract potential

Development opportunities

Full-time 37.5 hours/week

34 holidays

Pension Zoetwaren

Discounts on health insurance

Snacks from personnel store

Job summary

Koninklijke Verkade nv, part of pladis, is seeking a Logistics Manager to lead end-to-end logistics across Europe and ensure high service levels for customers. You will manage 3PL partners, inbound/outbound operations, and drive cost efficiency while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Reporting to the European Head of Customer Service and Logistics, you will collaborate with Commercial, Demand Planning, Procurement and IT to optimize distribution networks and implement best practices

Qualifications

• A university degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration or related field.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in logistics or supply chain management; FMCG sector experience is a strong plus.
• Solid understanding of demand and supply planning fundamentals.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.
• A strong drive for results, continuous improvement, and change management.
• A customer-focused approach with the ability to balance service and efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, in Dutch and English.

Responsibilities

• Oversee 3PL performance and transport partners, including international flows between factories, co-packers, co-makers, and the Distribution Center.
• Supervise inbound and outbound logistics at the 3PL distribution center, ensure quality standards, manage disputes, and oversee storage and co-packing operations.
• Monitor KPIs and develop action plans to drive continuous improvement.
• Manage the logistics budget, track expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement best practices for process optimization.
• Collaborate with Procurement to define tender specifications and select logistics partners.
• Represent pladis in operational and strategic committees with 3PL partners, focusing on operational excellence and long-term development.
• Lead and coordinate tactical and operational projects aimed at continuous improvement and cost reduction, including supply chain projects across planning, warehousing, distribution, transport, and co-packing.
• Manage projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery within budget and reporting progress to Steering Committees.
• Support co-packing initiatives in collaboration with Marketing and co-packers.
• Manage KPI reporting and develop action plans to reach best-in-class standards.
• Analyze distribution profiles and supply chain inventories to identify and reduce logistics costs.
• Evaluate logistics performance in collaboration with the Commercial department.
• Ensure new product developments are logistically optimized.
• Lead lean implementation initiatives and continuously evaluate and optimize the logistics network and execute strategic initiatives.
• Standardize and streamline processes between pladis and its logistics partners and drive development of documentation and reporting standards.

Skills

Logistics experience

Forecasting & planning

Supplier coordination

Bilingual Dutch/english

Change management

Education

University degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Job description

Koninklijke Verkade nv, part of pladis, is seeking a Logistics Manager to lead end-to-end logistics across Europe and ensure high service levels for customers. You will manage 3PL partners, inbound/outbound operations, and drive cost efficiency while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Reporting to the European Head of Customer Service and Logistics, you will collaborate with Commercial, Demand Planning, Procurement and IT to optimize distribution networks and implement best practices