Warehouse Excellence Manager

JOB TITLE:          Warehouse Excellence Manager

 GROUP:                Global Operations  >>> Planning & Fulfillment  >>> Warehousing Europe
REPORTS TO:     Director of Warehousing, Europe
LOCATION:          Remote

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Director of Warehousing - Europe, the Warehousing Excellence Manager will oversee the performance and optimization of warehouse operations across our European network.  This role is crucial in driving continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

The Warehouse Excellence Manager will continue to develop and foster a long-term relationship framework with our 3PL warehouse partners, and serves as primary point of contact between STG stakeholders and 3PL partners.  As such, the individual will ensure adherence to agreed service levels and budget through performance measurement and management tools, challenging expenses and proposing investments, and driving continuous improvements in efficiency, performance, and cost savings activities.

The role also requires support of transformational projects to support corporate initiatives and optimize the European distribution network.  This may require close collaboration with other functions to deploy new software, integrate future acquisitions, relocate or consolidate warehouse operations, or assist in future strategy definition, among some examples.

The position may grow to become responsible for small team of individuals supporting the warehousing function in the region.  In such an event, they are responsible to lead, coach, and ensure the safety of the team, and is accountable for the overall team performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Compliance: Ensure all operations comply with industry regulations and company policies, particularly regarding health and safety.
• Operational Excellence: Lead initiatives to improve warehouse processes, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.  Develop culture of continuous improvement and best practice sharing within warehouse network.  Manage portfolio of Cost Savings initiatives and report quarterly on progress with senior management.
• Performance Metrics: Develop, monitor, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess warehouse performance and implement corrective actions as needed.  Create and distribute monthly executive summaries for senior management.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other functions within Global Operations and local commercial teams to align warehouse operations with overall business objectives.  Lead changes within network to support evolving business needs.
• Technology Integration: Evaluate and implement warehouse management systems (WMS) and other technologies to streamline operations.
• Tender & Contract Management: Align with Procurement function to ensure assessment, selection, and contracting of key partners and stakeholders in support of distribution activities in Europe.  Ensure scope of services evolves in time with changing needs from local markets.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

• INTERNAL:
  • European Warehouse & Inventory Team
  • Distribution Procurement
  • European Customer Service Teams
  • Commercial Cluster Sales Managers
  • Regional / Global Finance Business Partners
  • Regional Customs & Tax Stamp Team
  • Regional Transportation Team
  • Regional Supply Planning Team
  • Production Sites in Lummen BE, Assens DK, and Holstebro DK
• EXTERNAL:
  • 3rd Party Logistics & Warehouse Suppliers serving European market.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• +7yr minimum experience in warehousing management, supply chain, or operations roles, preferably in leadership roles within the tobacco or FMCG industry.
• Preferred certifications:  CSCM, CPIM, or Lean 6 Sigma

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• You have a strong understanding of warehouse operations, inventory management, and logistics, and are comfortable proposing and challenging alternate solutions to a problem using your experience.
• You are enthusiastic, accurate, independent, and assertive.
• You are not afraid to role your sleeves up and get dirty to solve a systemic problem.
• You impact and influence, and are a champion for change, leading and driving improvement projects.
• You are a dependable team player who collaborates with colleagues in different locations, of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• You possess good business acumen and demonstrate excellent communication skills as you interact and communicate with stakeholders at different levels.
• You are accustomed to working in an international dynamic setting and at in matrix organizations.
• You are Health and Safety focused, and do not shortcut compliance requirements.
• You are proficient with all MS Office applications (Excel is a must) and use of MS Teams.
• You are comfortable navigating in different ERP or WMS systems (SAP experience highly valued)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to travel, 30% up to 50%.  Expect routine site visits at 3PL locations under responsibility.
• Languages:  English required (fluent written/spoken).  Preference for fluency in any of the following additional languages: Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish

STG CORE VALUES:

• Empower with Passion:  Uphold high standards for our products, people, and communities.
• Blend our Strengths:  Leverage our distinct strengths and internal expertise for stronger results.
• Cultivate Courage:  Continue to search for better, simpler solutions in order to take on challenges with resiliency.
• Light the Way Forward: Lead our industry towards a more responsible and innovative future, finding new ways to serve our customers and employees.