Supply Chain Manager

Real; Breda; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Real is seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager in the Netherlands to lead GDP-compliant cold chain operations, optimize distribution, and strengthen supplier partnerships for reliable product supply and cost efficiency.

You will collaborate with internal and external partners to drive performance, manage SLAs, and implement innovative solutions across the regional supply network.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in logistics with supplier management.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain operations, cold chain logistics, and warehousing.
• Proven project management across multiple departments and regions.
• Experience managing suppliers and driving process improvements.
• Strong analytical abilities, including advanced Excel.
• Fluent English written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Ensure product availability while meeting service levels and budget targets in GDP-compliant environment.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement innovative cold chain solutions across the supply chain.
• Lead regular business and performance reviews with logistics and supply chain partners.
• Manage supplier relationships, escalations, and contractual agreements.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, cost savings, and operational efficiencies.
• Monitor industry trends and regulatory changes impacting distribution and cold chain practices.
• Build relationships with regional affiliates and global stakeholders to support key initiatives.
• Design, establish, and manage distribution lanes across the region.
• Drive process improvements to enhance quality, compliance, and operational performance.

Skills

Supply chain management

Logistics

Cold chain logistics

Supplier management

Project management

Excel

Analytical skills

English communication

Education

Master's degree in Supply Chain / Logistics

Tools

SAP

BW

Job description

Are you an experienced supply chain professional with expertise in logistics, cold chain operations, and supplier management? We are looking for a Supply Chain Manager to play a key role in ensuring reliable product supply, driving operational excellence, and strengthening strategic partnerships across the supply chain network.

In this role, you will collaborate with internal stakeholders and external logistics partners to optimise distribution solutions, improve performance, and ensure compliance with GDP requirements while maintaining service levels and cost efficiency.

What You'll Do

• Ensure product availability while meeting service level targets and budget requirements in a GDP-compliant environment.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement innovative cold chain solutions across the supply chain.
• Lead regular business and performance reviews with logistics and supply chain partners.
• Manage supplier relationships, escalations, and contractual agreements.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, cost savings, and operational efficiencies.
• Monitor emerging industry trends and regulatory changes impacting distribution and cold chain practices.
• Build strong relationships with regional affiliates and global stakeholders to support key business initiatives.
• Design, establish, and manage distribution lanes across the region.
• Drive process improvements that enhance quality, compliance, and operational performance.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Supply Chain, Logistics, Change Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience within the logistics industry in a supplier management role.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain operations, cold chain logistics, and warehousing.
• Proven project management experience across multiple departments and geographical regions.
• Demonstrated experience managing suppliers and driving process improvements.
• Strong analytical abilities, including advanced use of Microsoft Excel.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of GMP and GDP regulations.
• Experience with Operational Excellence methodologies, Six Sigma, or FMEA.
• SAP and BW experience.
• Experience creating and managing Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Analytical and conceptual thinking
• Negotiation and influencing skills
• Stakeholder management and networking
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Operational Excellence and continuous improvement focus
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability