Fulfilment Site Lead (Automated Site)

Picnic Technologies; Ridderkerk; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Picnic Technologies is seeking a Site Lead for our automated warehouse in Ridderkerk. You will oversee a large team (300+ FTEs) across a high-throughput site, guiding lean improvements and data-driven decision making to sustain safe, efficient operations.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams in Europe to deliver end-to-end performance, shaping a mature, high-performing operation and fostering a culture of ownership and accountability.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have 10+ years in operations with 3–5 years leading large, multi-shift teams (300+ FTEs).
• Hands-on leadership in high-volume, automated or semi-automated fulfilment/production environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, operations managers, value stream leads, and support functions to empower large, diverse teams.
• Drive a culture of execution and accountability across the site, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and efficiency.
• Set the direction for day-to-day operations, build operational maturity, and own business continuity and crisis management.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Lean

Data-driven

KPIs

Dutch language

English language

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in logistics/engineering/business

Job description

At Picnic, we’re transforming the way people buy groceries, combining advanced automation with a people-first approach. To strengthen our fulfilment operations, we’re looking for an experienced Site Lead to take full responsibility for one of our automated warehouses in Ridderkerk.

In this key leadership role, you’ll oversee a large and diverse team of 500-1000 colleagues in a high-throughput, automated fulfilment center that processes around 100k weekly deliveries. You’ll lead operations supported by advanced material‑handling systems and data‑driven processes, with a strong focus on developing people, building capable teams, and shaping a mature, high‑performing site that supports sustainable growth.

Tricks of the trade

Lead, coach, and develop a team of supervisors, operations managers, value stream leads, and support functions: enabling large and diverse teams to reach their full potential.

Drive a culture of execution, where every day counts, complacency has no place, and the site is treated as your own kitchen: clean, organized, and running efficiently.

Set the direction for day‑to‑day operations, building operational maturity and ensuring performance, safety, and quality standards are met, while owning business continuity and crisis management.

Create a culture of ownership and accountability, where people take pride in delivering results and supporting one another.

Drive continuous improvement, applying Lean principles and using data, experience, and team insights to identify opportunities and implement effective solutions.

Collaborate closely with the last‑mile teams, central operations, analysts, and colleagues at other sites in Germany and France to ensure seamless end‑to‑end performance.

Lead by example on the floor: visible, approachable, and focused on long‑term operational maturity.

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in logistics, engineering, business, or a related field

10+ years of experience in operations, including 3–5 years leading large, multi‑shift teams of 300+ FTEs

Hands‑on leadership experience in high‑volume, automated or semi‑automated fulfilment or production environments, managing high SKU complexity

Proven hands‑on leader with a calm, pragmatic style, able to build engagement, trust, accountability, and inspire confidence and cooperation

A results‑driven mindset with clear ownership and a strong bias for action in fast‑paced environments

Demonstrated success in lean operations and continuous improvement, bringing structure and stability, while maintaining agility and focus on daily improvement

A data‑driven, comfortable using KPIs and insights to guide strategical decisions.

Excellent communication skills in Dutch and English, with the ability to align and inspire both leadership and operational teams

A calm, pragmatic, and hands‑on leadership style that inspires confidence and cooperation.

A bit about us

When you join Picnic, you’re joining the shopping revolution, delivering groceries to millions of people across Europe, and we’re growing fast. Think super fresh products and personal service but in a modern, sustainable way. The people in Supply Chain make it all work - from designing strategies and implementing improvements to ensuring smooth and safe daily operations. 18000 colleagues, hundreds of thousands of daily orders, and millions of loyal Picnic fans, ready to join the ride?

Recruitment Process

1. CV screening
2. Online test
3. Phone screening
4. Interviews
5. Assessment day
6. Closing interview
7. Offer

Commitment to equal opportunities

Picnic is an equal opportunity employer—this means that all decisions regarding applications will be based on qualifications and merit. Applicants will be regarded independently of age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, skin color, civil status, religious beliefs, physical or mental disability, or any other factors protected by law. At Picnic, we celebrate and value our differences and are committed to building a safe and inclusive working environment where everyone can be themselves.

Our Mentality

At Picnic, we build from scratch with an owner’s mindset. We dive into the unknown, taking end‑to‑end responsibility for every outcome, going the extra mile to tackle complex challenges. We turn insights into action, working as a team to get things done. We move fast, never compromising on quality or long‑term impact. With grit and commitment we build what has never been built before!