Senior Specialist - DC Operational Excellence

This role is the operational cornerstone for process standardisation, quality governance, and continuous improvement across the global 3PL-operated Distribution Centre (DC) network. Operating within the Global Distribution & Logistics Centre of Excellence (CoE), it designs and harmonises global Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), governs inventory control standards, and drives operational consistency through the Audit Framework. The role acts as a bridge between central supply chain strategies and floor-level execution, championing Lean methodology, supporting network RFPs, and serving as an operational SME for channel scalability across Retail, B2B, and eCommerce fulfilment.

• Define, harmonise, and maintain global Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational standards across all 3PL-operated fulfilment facilities.
• Embed best-in-class standards into the global Audit Framework to ensure worldwide consistency and provide targeted technical and operational support during facility onboarding and solution validation.
• Champion the global operational audit framework, standardising audit criteria, scoring mechanisms, and evaluation cadences in close collaboration with regional teams.
• Systematically capture audit findings, bridge operational compliance gaps, and feed insights into the Continuous Improvement pipeline to prevent defect recurrence.
• Establish, monitor, and refine global inventory control standards, including cycle counting logic, reconciliation workflows, shrink reduction, and defect tracking.
• Partner with 3PL operations teams to safeguard high Inventory Record Accuracy (IRA) and resolve root causes of physical-to-virtual discrepancies.
• Act as the technical operations specialist during logistics tender and RFP processes, evaluating vendor operational capabilities, validating proposed process designs and labour models, and ensuring operational readiness aligns with long-term standards.
• Serve as the DC operational SME for omni-channel fulfilment nuances, defining and refining DC standard processes for retail store replenishment, delivery window adherence, and floor-ready visual merchandising requirements.
• Standardise Value-Added Services (VAS) and high-touch handling procedures for strategic wholesale accounts and specialty running retail partners, mitigating compliance chargebacks.
• Drive Lean frameworks (Kaizen, 5S, DMAIC/Root Cause Problem Solving) across the global DC footprint, quantify operational bottlenecks, translate opportunities into rigorous business cases (ROI, capacity uplift, OPEX/CAPEX justifications)
• And prioritise initiatives that unlock efficiency and throughput.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5–8 years of hands-on experience in warehouse operations, logistics process engineering, or operational excellence within multi-node distribution networks.
• Proven track record in designing, documenting, and governing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational audits in outsourced (3PL-managed) multi-channel environments.
• Solid foundation in Lean Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt or equivalent practical experience in Kaizen, 5S, and structured problem-solving tools).
• In-depth knowledge of warehouse inventory control methodologies, cycle counting programs, reconciliation logic, and quality assurance workflows.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end warehouse flows across B2B wholesale compliance, retail store distribution, and high-velocity DTC e-Commerce picking and packing.
• Data-driven problem solver skilled in warehouse analytics, productivity modelling (UPH, cost-to-serve), and familiar with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP environments (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics 365).
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, drive complex topics independently with high accountability (Grade 5 level), and effectively influence cross-functional partners (Regional Ops, Implementation, Tech, Commercial leads).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; adept at translating complex warehouse operational challenges into clear, actionable frameworks.

• Experience in footwear, apparel, sporting goods, or high-velocity consumer goods is preferred.

We are committed to creating a work environment that is fair and inclusive, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination.