Logistics & Operations Manager

About the business:

Uludag is a well-known multi-site drinks manufacturer/distributor with this site based in Heerlen, Limburg, south of the Netherlands. The business are going through an exciting period of growth and expansion and are looking for top level talent to support and drive this.

About the role:

The successful Logistics Manager will be fully autonomous, owning the end-to-end logistics operations, from inbound materials through production support and outbound finished goods whilst ensuring optimal stock levels. They will provide a flawless service to major retailers whilst driving continuous improvement across processes, systems, and supplier/3PL performance.
 

• Serve as the logistics point of contact for leading supermarket retailers; translate customer requirements (delivery windows, shelf-life, packaging) into executable plans.
• Manage OTIF (On-Time, In-Full) performance, delivery accuracy, and retailer logistics requirements.

Inventory, Stock & Planning

• Lead inventory management for raw materials, packaging, WIP, and finished goods; set min/max levels and safety stocks aligned to demand variability and service targets.
• Oversee master data accuracy (SKU, BOM, pack sizes, pallet configs) and cycle counts/perpetual inventory; drive inventory health (aged stock, write-offs prevention).
• Partner with Demand Planning/Sales on S&OP and short-interval planning; convert plans into feasible production and dispatch plans.

Warehouse & Transportation

• Manage internal warehouse operations and external 3PLs (storage, picking, loading); define SLAs and KPIs, audit performance, and resolve exceptions.
• Optimise transport planning and carrier selection to balance cost, lead time, and service; oversee inbound supplier deliveries as well as outbound processes.
• Ensure correct documentation and retailer labelling/compliance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales (promotions, new listings, forecasts), Quality (HACCP, traceability, batch release, shelf-life), Production (capacity, changeovers), Procurement (supplier OTIF), and Finance (cost control, stock valuation).
• Lead logistics readiness for any production changes; coordinate run-in/run-out to avoid obsolescence.

Continuous Improvement (CI)

• Identify and deliver CI projects across warehouse layout, picking accuracy, slotting, route optimisation, and system enhancements.
• Use Lean/Six Sigma tools (5S, VSM, DMAIC, Kaizen) to reduce waste, improve throughput, and stabilise service.
• Implement root cause analysis for service failures and inventory discrepancies, standardise preventative and corrective actions.

Compliance, Safety & Sustainability

• Ensure compliance with food safety (HACCP/BRC), health & safety, and retailer protocols.
• Champion safe loading, pallet stability, and transport temperature controls as applicable.
• Support sustainability initiatives (transport consolidation, packaging optimisation, CO₂ reduction).

The requirements:

The business are looking for someone with:

• A strong logistics, operations and/or supply chain background who understands the end to end process from goods in to distribution. 
• The ability to be autonomous in their role whilst collaborating with a growing team and leading from the front. 
• FMCG background is preferred,
• English speaking. Dutch and German in addition is preferred.