Manager Operations - EU

SUMMARY The Manager, Operations – EU/UK, has ownership of our supply chain network across Europe and the UK. This critical leadership role is centered on the management of our integrated Third-Party Logistics (3PL) partner, who handles all warehousing, customer order fulfilment, and transportation operations. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations EU/UK, the ideal candidate must thrive in a complex, high-paced environment, demonstrating flexibility and agility to adapt to constant changes in priorities and market conditions. This position is based in the Kids2 UK Office and requires regular travel to the European warehouse in Maastricht, NL, the Amsterdam sales office and the UK Warehouse in Peterborough.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Act as the primary point of contact and relationship owner for our integrated 3PL partners, who manage receiving, warehousing, customer order fulfilment, and transportation activities across Europe and the UK.
• Monitor and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for the 3PLs to ensure consistently accurate order processing and on-time delivery across the region.
• Participate in business reviews with the 3PLs in conjunction with the Director of Operations – EU/UK to evaluate operational performance and identify cost-reduction opportunities and efficiencies
• Provide a rolling 6-week volume forecast to the 3PLs on a weekly basis, with a longer- term view where significant volume uplifts are expected.
• Analyze cost to serve and recommend cost reduction opportunities. Validate 3PL invoices against contracted rates and support contract renewals and rate negotiations.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a small team of two direct reports based in the Amsterdam office
• Define clear roles, responsibilities and objectives for each team member, conduct performance evaluations, and foster a collaborative culture that ensures effective oversight of the 3PLs' daily execution against customer-specific requirements.
• Define team roles and objectives, conduct performance evaluations, and foster a collaborative culture that supports and effectively oversees the 3PLs daily execution.
• Monitor the end-to-end supply chain execution managed by the 3PLs, from inbound receiving and inventory control to final-mile customer delivery.
• Rapidly assess and adjust operational priorities based on shifts in demand, market requirements, supply chain disruptions, or regulatory changes.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives for the supply chain, leveraging data and 3PL capabilities to improve process efficiency, delivery speed, and overall service quality.
• Act as a point of escalation for critical service failures or operational disruptions, coordinating rapid resolution with the 3PLs and internal teams, and escalating further if needed
• Lead and participate in special projects as needed QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
• 7+ Years of experience.
• At least 2 years' experience in a management or supervisory role. EDUCATION & SKILLS
• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Demonstrated experience managing 3PL relationships covering warehousing, fulfilment, and transportation across multi-country territories (specifically Europe and the UK).
• In depth knowledge of international shipping, customs requirements, and the specific regulatory environment for EU-UK trade (post-Brexit).
• Proven ability to define and use performance data (KPIs/SLAs) to hold a vendor accountable and drive performance improvement.
• Confident presenting to multiple levels of leadership
• Hands on approach, comfortable getting involved in and finding better processes in day-to-day activities
• Experience using AI tools to automate reporting or improve processes is highly desirable
• Strong analytical mindset with experience in using data to identify trends, forecast demand, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is required; familiarity with SAP is highly desirable.
• Exceptional leadership and negotiation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly across all levels of the organization

COMPUTER/TECHNICAL SKILLS Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables and data visualization tools, with the ability to extract insights from complex datasets to inform operational decisions and identify trends PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The team member frequently is required to sit; have flexible use of hands; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel or crouch.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Location: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday UK Office, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire; Monday / Friday - option to work from home or work in the office.
• Travel: Monthly travel to the European warehouse in Maastricht and the Amsterdam sales office. Monthly travel to the UK warehouse in Peterborough. Occasional (annual/bi-annual) International travel further afield.