Supply Chain EMEA Lead [AQ-25201]

Aquent; Hilversum; On-site; EUR 59,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is seeking an experienced Lead Supply Chain Improvement, EMEA to join our client at their Hilversum European headquarters. You will spearhead continuous improvement across end-to-end seasonal supply chain operations while blending strategic process enhancement with hands‑on execution.

You will lead cross‑functional optimization projects, design and test process enhancements, monitor daily order management, inventory, shipments, and ensure SOPs and master data accuracy while collaborating

Qualifications

• 5+ years of operational experience within supply chain, logistics, order management, or continuous process improvement.
• Experience in retail, footwear/apparel, consumer goods, or multi‑market distribution environments.
• Experience identifying inefficiencies, performing root‑cause analysis, and standardizing processes (Lean, Six Sigma, or Agile exposure).
• Hands-on experience with ERP, planning, and reporting platforms such as SAP ERP/IBP or equivalent.
• Ability to balance project work with daily operations and order‑to‑cash workflows.
• Strong cross‑functional communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement process optimization initiatives across end-to-end retail supply chain workflows (order entry, allocation, shipping, returns).
• Build robust business cases to prioritize operational enhancements; design and test experimentation frameworks.
• Monitor daily order management, inventory availability, shipment status, and returns; drive root‑cause resolution.
• Collaborate with Marketplace Supply Chain, DSM, Logistics, Sales, and Enterprise Technology to align priorities.
• Serve as a change agent by updating SOPs and managing stakeholder communications.
• Track KPIs across Service, Convenience, Sustainability, and Profitability; maintain master data accuracy.

Skills

5+ years experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Process improvement mindset

Execution & problem solving

Communication & stakeholder mgmt

Tools

SAP ERP/IBP

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Lead Supply Chain Improvement, EMEA to join a globally recognized athletic footwear and apparel brand at their European headquarters in Hilversum. In this role, you will spearhead continuous improvement initiatives across end-to-end seasonal supply chain operations while combining strategic process enhancement with hands‑on operational execution.

You will lead cross‑functional optimization projects, design and test process enhancements, and maintain the operational rigor needed to ensure smooth order, inventory, and shipment execution across the EMEA marketplace.

Key Responsibilities

• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence: Lead and implement process optimization initiatives across end-to-end retail supply chain workflows (order entry, allocation, shipping, and returns).
• Strategy Deployment & Testing: Build robust business cases to prioritize operational enhancements; design, pilot, and scale experimentation and testing frameworks before rolling out full solutions.
• Hands‑on Operational Execution: Monitor daily order management, inventory availability, shipment status, and returns; proactively flag exceptions and drive root‑cause issue resolution to protect service levels.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Marketplace Supply Chain, Demand & Supply Management (DSM), Logistics (Transportation & Distribution), Sales, and Enterprise Technology teams to align seasonal priorities and streamline execution.
• Change Leadership: Serve as a change agent by maintaining team and process readiness, updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and managing transparent stakeholder communications.
• KPI & Performance Management: Track and report on key operational metrics across Service, Convenience, Sustainability, and Profitability to drive targeted improvements and maintain master data accuracy.

Key Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years of operational experience within supply chain, logistics, order management, or continuous process improvement.
• Industry Background: Experience in retail, footwear/apparel, consumer goods (FMCG), or complex multi‑market distribution environments.
• Process Improvement Mindset: Proven track record of identifying inefficiencies, driving root‑cause analysis, and implementing standardized operational processes (Lean, Six Sigma, or Agile methodology exposure is a plus).
• Systems & Tools: Hands‑on experience working with enterprise ERP, supply chain planning, and reporting platforms (e.g., SAP ERP/IBP or equivalent).
• Execution & Problem‑Solving: Demonstrated capability to balance project‑based improvement work with daily operational execution, exception handling, and order‑to‑cash workflows.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Excellent cross‑functional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex operational data into clear, actionable business recommendations.

Client Description

A global retailer of sportswear and innovation, our client's Amsterdam hub drives initiatives that push the limits of creativity and performance. It is more than just a brand, it's a place where individuals with passion, vision, and ambition can thrive. They empower their employees to explore potential and bring their unique skills to a dynamic, ever‑evolving environment to redefine possibilities in sport, fashion, and technology.

Aquent is dedicated to improving inclusivity & is proudly an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from under‑represented groups & are committed to providing support to applicants with disabilities. We aim to provide reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, to those with a medical condition, disability or neurodivergence.

Other Requirements

This is a 6‑months fixed term salaried position contracted via Aquent on behalf of our client as a third party. There is the possibility for extension. The role offers c. €69K /annum (pro rata), based on experience - 40 hrs/week.

Due to the contracting nature of this role, only candidates with unrestricted rights to work in The Netherlands will be considered.