Logistics Manager

Koninklijke Verkade nv; Zaandam; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fixed-term employment with possibility of a permanent contract

Development opportunities

34 holidays

Pension plan

Discounts on health insurance and gym memberships

Access to company snacks

Job summary

A leading biscuit manufacturer in Zaandam is looking for a Logistics Manager to oversee logistics and distribution activities across Europe. The ideal candidate will have a university degree and 3 to 5 years of experience in logistics, preferably in the FMCG sector. Responsibilities include managing 3PL performance, developing action plans for improvement, and collaborating with various departments to ensure operational excellence. This full-time role offers a supportive environment and opportunities for development.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience in logistics or supply chain management.
• Solid understanding of demand and supply planning fundamentals.
• FMCG sector experience is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee performance of 3PL and transport partners.
• Manage logistics budget and track expenses.
• Lead projects aimed at cost reduction and continuous improvement.

Skills

Continuous improvement

Customer-focused approach

Excellent communication in Dutch and English

Education

University degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Business Administration

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Join to apply for the Logistics Manager role at Koninklijke Verkade nv

We are looking for a Logistics Manager with a passion for logistics and biscuits. Join our team and contribute to our mission to bring ‘Happiness with every bite’.

The position involves

As Logistics Manager, you will support pladis’ ambition to expand its presence across Europe while ensuring a high level of service for our customers. You will be responsible for the effective management and execution of logistics and distribution activities, with a strong focus on continuous improvement in quality and cost control.

Reporting to the Customer Service and Logistics European Head, you will collaborate with departments such as Commercial, Customer Service, Demand Planning, Procurement, Factories, IT, and other logistics teams across Europe.

In addition to internal coordination, you will oversee the 3PL distribution center and stay informed on logistics trends and supplier developments, guiding the organization in identifying impacts and opportunities.

Your main responsibilities

• Oversee performance of 3PL 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.

What you bring

• A university degree, preferably 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.

What we offer

• Fixed-term employment (12 months) with possibility of a permanent contract.
• Development opportunities through our pladis Academy and other training programs.
• Full-time employment (37.5 hours per week).
• 34 holidays (based on full-time).
• Pension in pension fund "Zoetwaren".
• Discounts on health insurance, gym memberships, bikes etc.
• Biscuits, chocolate and other snacks from our personnel store.
• A supportive and informal working environment with the best colleagues.

Who we are

Koninklijke Verkade, founded in 1886, with amazing brands like Verkade and Sultana, is part of pladis since 2016. Pladis is one of the world's leading snacking companies, boasting a worldwide community of 16,000 colleagues. We pride ourselves on a heritage of 300 years of baking and confectionery experience, often called a family of bakers and chocolatiers who work with pride and purpose. Our goal: bring people together through biscuits and chocolate. We bake Happiness. Happiness with every bite.

Pladis success is built on people like you—excited each morning, self-driven, and looking to grow within a global community.

Diversity and inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are central to everything we do. We’re an equal opportunities employer who celebrates diverse thinking and respects everyone’s unique qualities and perspectives.

All applications will be treated with confidentiality. Third Party or Recruitment Agencies are not welcomed.

Interested?

To apply, please send your letter of application and resume to pladis Global via our website.