At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations across Europe, focusing on food retail logistics and customer partnerships.
- Company: Join Americold, a leader in multi-temperature logistics with a commitment to operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership development, and opportunities for growth in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Ideal candidates are located in Spain or the Netherlands, ready to lead transformative initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on food retail logistics while driving innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in operations leadership, preferably in food retail logistics across Europe.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 € per year.
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. Preferred candidate locations include Spain and the Netherlands.
Key responsibilities:
- Operational excellence and efficiency
- 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.
- Leadership and team development
- 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.
- Customer focus and growth
- 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.
- Financial and operational performance
- Own the P&L for the European region.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance.
- Monitor KPIs related to service, safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
- Strategic planning and market expansion
- 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.
- Change management and continuous improvement
- Lead transformation initiatives that improve performance and standardization.
- Embed Lean and continuous improvement practices across Operations.
- Ensure effective communication and change adoption.
- Sustainability and compliance
- 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.
VP, Operations Europe employer: Americold
Americold is an exceptional employer that prioritises operational excellence and employee development, particularly in the dynamic food retail logistics sector across Europe. With a strong focus on fostering a high-performance culture, employees benefit from robust leadership support, continuous improvement initiatives, and opportunities for career advancement in vibrant locations like Spain and the Netherlands. The company also champions sustainability and compliance, ensuring a meaningful work environment that aligns with modern values.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP, Operations Europe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than a CV.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Americold’s operations and values. Show us you understand our focus on food retail logistics and how you can drive operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with our needs, especially in multi-temperature logistics and team leadership. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace VP, Operations Europe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of VP, Operations Europe. Highlight your experience in multi-temperature logistics and food retail distribution. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your leadership style and how you’ve driven operational excellence in previous roles. Let us know why you’re passionate about working with Americold and how you can contribute to our success.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve operational performance. Use data and examples to illustrate how you've made a difference in past roles – we love numbers!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Americold
✨Know Your Numbers
As a VP of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on your P&L management skills and be ready to discuss how you've driven financial performance in previous roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've optimised budgets and improved KPIs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading Directors of Operations across Europe, so it's crucial to articulate your leadership philosophy. Think about how you've built high-performance cultures in the past and be prepared to share stories that highlight your coaching and team development strategies.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the food retail logistics landscape in Europe, especially in Spain and the Netherlands. Be ready to discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the industry. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role but also have a strategic vision for the future.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Americold values operational excellence and continuous improvement. Prepare to discuss specific initiatives you've led that have resulted in enhanced productivity or reduced waste. Highlight your experience with Lean practices and how you've embedded these into operations.
