VP, Operations Europe

Join the Cold Chain That Feeds the World. For over 120 years, Americold has connected producers, processors, distributors, and retailers to ensure food stays safe, fresh, and accessible. With 240+ facilities across four continents and 14,000+ team members, we’re a global leader in temperature‑controlled logistics. Our mission is to help our customers feed the world – and we’re looking for people who share that purpose. We value customer service, innovation, and inclusion, and we invest in our people’s growth and well-being. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in a company that puts people first, Americold is the place for you.

Role Summary

The Vice President Operations, Europe leads and optimizes Americold’s operational performance across Europe, with a strong emphasis on supporting food retail customers. This role requires deep experience in multi‑temperature logistics, grocery/food retail distribution, and high‑velocity operational environments. The VP drives operational excellence, strengthens customer partnerships, and ensures Americold’s European network delivers consistent, efficient, and high‑quality service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead optimization of warehousing and transportation operations, focusing on food retail service requirements.
• Implement operational standards and best practices for high‑throughput, multi‑temperature environments.
• Use data, automation, and continuous improvement to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
• Improve site contribution, reduce shrinkage, and strengthen operational discipline.
• Lead Directors of Operations across Europe, ensuring alignment with global operating models.
• Build a high‑performance culture focused on accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen leadership capability through coaching and succession planning.
• Partner with commercial teams to align operations with food retail customer needs.
• Build strong relationships with grocery retailers and food producers.
• Support business development by shaping operational solutions for new and existing customers.
• Own the P&L for the European region.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance.
• Monitor KPIs related to service, safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Develop long‑term operational strategies supporting Americold’s growth in Europe.
• Identify opportunities for network optimization, automation, and capacity expansion.
• Evaluate new technologies and innovations relevant to food retail logistics.
• Lead transformation initiatives that improve performance and standardization.
• Embed Lean and continuous improvement practices across Operations.
• Ensure effective communication and change adoption.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and Americold policies.
• Strengthen safety culture and adherence to food safety and temperature‑control requirements.
• Support sustainability initiatives aligned with Americold’s ESG goals.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Preferred fields: Supply Chain Management, Logistics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or Business Administration with a supply‑chain focus.
• Minimum 12 years in operations or supply chain leadership, including 5 years in senior multi‑site roles.
• Strong background in food retail logistics, grocery distribution, cold‑chain operations, or FMCG supply chains.
• Experience leading operations across multiple European countries, ideally Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, UK and others.
• Proven P&L ownership.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong operational leadership with strategic capability.
• Deep understanding of food retail service requirements.
• Strong analytical and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Experience with automation, WMS/TMS, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.

What We Offer

Americold offers a range of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance, STD/LTD coverage, 401(k) with company match, FSA, life insurance, EAP, and paid time off, some of which may vary depending on the particular position and whether it is covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).