3pl Operations Manager - Lichfield, UK

The 3PL Operations Manager is responsible for managing the relationship, performance, financial oversight, and strategic alignment of Third‑Party Logistics (3PL) distribution partner at our Lichfield location. This role serves as the primary point of contact for the 3PL provider at the location. The primary objective of this role is to continuously enhance service levels, operational efficiency, cost performance, and customer experience with the outsourced distribution operations. This position plays a critical role in launching new initiatives, driving continuous improvement, optimizing financial performance, and supporting the development of Alo's flexible, customer‑centric fulfillment strategy. The role requires a balance of strategic thinking, analytical capability, and hands‑on operational leadership, with regular on‑site presence at 3PL partner facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for 3PL distribution partners.
• Manage and monitor 3PL performance across service, cost, capacity, and operational KPIs.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance KPIs and SLAs to ensure service expectations are consistently met or exceeded.
• Conduct regular service level reviews and lead monthly, quarterly, and annual business reviews with 3PL partners.
• Ensure 3PL alignment with Alo's operational plans, forecasts, and peak readiness strategies.
• Identify operational risks and proactively implement mitigation plans, particularly during peak periods.
• Be present on‑site at 3PL facilities to oversee performance and drive operational execution.

Financial & Budget Management

• Oversee 3PL financial performance, including budget management, invoice reconciliation, and cost control.
• Ensure partners operate within approved budgets and implement corrective action plans when variances occur.
• Support accrual processing and provide variance analysis to leadership.
• Develop and document internal processes to strengthen financial oversight and drive cost optimization initiatives.
• Contribute to short‑and long‑term third‑party distribution strategy and cost planning.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Lead cross‑functional initiatives to enhance throughput, efficiency, and service levels across DTC, retail, and wholesale fulfillment channels.
• Drive process improvements and systems enhancements in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prioritise projects and software feature requests while managing stakeholder expectations.
• Ensure successful system integrations by aligning requirements, timelines, and internal/external resources.
• Partner with regional and global teams to implement continuous improvement programs and adopt industry best practices.

Strategy & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Act as the operational bridge between internal teams (Customer Service, Digital, Retail, Supply Chain) and external 3PL providers.
• Provide data‑driven insights into 3PL capabilities, constraints, and performance opportunities.
• Support data integrations to ensure alignment with internal reporting platforms and effective SLA management.
• Support RFP/RFI processes and contract negotiations in partnership with logistics and category teams.
• Coordinate cross‑regionally to ensure alignment on contracts, rates, SLAs, compliance metrics, and operational standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field; or equivalent operational experience (5+ years).
• Proven leadership experience in 3PL, distribution, manufacturing, or logistics environments.
• Experience managing both e‑commerce (DTC) and retail/wholesale fulfillment operations strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of distribution center operations, supply chain management, and logistics performance metrics.
• Experience managing budgets, financial reconciliation, accruals, and cost control initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional projects in fast‑paced, process‑driven environments.
• Experience supporting RFP/RFI processes and contract management preferred.
• Startup and/or high‑growth operational experience preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills with the ability to translate insights into action.
• Sound business judgment and the ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High adaptability - able to shift between complex analysis and hands‑on operational execution.
• Technical aptitude with a solution‑driven approach to systems and process improvement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, MS Project).
• Team‑oriented mindset with the ability to operate effectively under deadlines.