At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at our new Distribution Centre, ensuring top-notch service and efficiency.
- Company: Join Columbia Sportswear, a passionate outdoor brand with a vibrant team across Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy unlimited LinkedIn Learning, in-house training, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting start-up phase and make a real impact from day one.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in logistics or warehouse operations, strong communication skills, and data analysis proficiency.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of continuous learning and personal growth in a diverse environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Reports to: Distribution Director Europe
Permanent contract
Tamworth, Staffordshire, UK
Start date: at the earliest convenience
OUTGROWN YOUR OWN BACKYARD? COME PLAY IN OURS.
At Columbia Sportswear, we are as passionate about the outdoors as you are. Every product we make and every task we undertake is inspired by the famous words of our founder Gert Boyle: "It's perfect. Now make it better." As pioneers of relentless improvement, we are constantly evolving.
Discover a world of diversity within our team of 700+ across 13 European countries, united by the common goal of elevating Columbia to the pinnacle of outdoor brands in Europe. Our omnichannel approach seamlessly integrates Columbia and Sorel brands' engaging in-store and online experiences.
We believe the outdoors is ours to protect and strive to keep our planet healthy. We believe in empowering people to experience the outdoors to the fullest. And we believe in you.
ABOUT THE MISSION
To support our fast-growing business in the UK, we are opening a new Distribution Centre in Tamworth (Birmingham Area) in partnership with Maersk (3PL). This site will serve both wholesale and e-commerce customers, reinforcing our ability to deliver best-in-class service and flexibility in one of our most dynamic markets.
This is a new position created to ensure operational excellence and service reliability at our future 3PL-run Distribution Centre in Tamworth. As our 3PL Operations Manager, you will be Columbia's on-site representative and the key interface between Columbia's European logistics organization and Maersk, our logistics partner operating the facility. You will report to the Distribution Director Europe, based in Cambrai (France).
Your mission:
- Ensure our 3PL delivers best-in-class service, quality, and efficiency aligned with Columbia's standards;
- Build a strong and trustworthy partnership with Maersk;
- Anticipate and resolve operational issues;
- Communicate proactively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment.
This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of the start-up and ramp-up phase of a new strategic facility β from project preparation to go-live and steady-state operations.
HOW YOU'LL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
- Act as Columbia's operational representative on-site, monitoring 3PL performance on service, cost, and quality metrics.
- Ensure Maersk's daily operations (receiving, storage, picking, packing, shipping) run smoothly and according to contract and service level agreements.
- Lead daily/weekly performance reviews, track KPIs, and ensure corrective action plans are implemented when needed.
- Proactively communicate with internal teams (Planning, Customer Service, Transportation, Finance) to align priorities and solve issues.
- Participate in project preparation and go-live activities for the Tamworth DC launch in 2026.
- Support seasonal ramp-ups and ensure readiness for peak periods.
- Identify process improvement opportunities and drive continuous improvement initiatives with the 3PL.
- Ensure health, safety, and compliance standards are met at all times.
YOU ARE
- A strong communicator and relationship builder, capable of collaborating effectively with external partners and internal teams.
- Assertive, structured, and solution-oriented β able to challenge the 3PL constructively and ensure commitments are met.
- Autonomous, organized, and accountable β comfortable working independently while keeping your manager informed.
- Analytical and pragmatic, combining operational understanding with data-driven decision-making.
- Proactive and curious β eager to contribute to the success of a new logistics site and make an impact from day one.
YOU HAVE
- 7+ years of experience in warehouse operations or logistics management, ideally within a 3PL or distribution environment, with strong knowledge of warehouse processes (inbound, outbound, fulfillment, returns).
- A background in retail, apparel, or consumer goods distribution is a strong plus β it will help you navigate fast-moving, seasonal operations.
- Solid understanding of performance management, KPIs, and continuous improvement methodologies (LEAN, Kaizen).
- Excellent communication skills in English (French is a plus).
- Proficiency with WMS/ERP systems and data analysis tools (e.g. Excel, Power BI).
- The ability to travel occasionally to France for training and collaboration with the European DC team.
PERKS & BENEFITS
- Unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning
- A monthly Learning Hour for training, discovery and learning
- Unlock your potential: access to in-house training courses (feedback, leadership, Insights...)
- DEI initiatives to exchange and strengthen our involvement around these themes
ABOUT THE CULTURE
At Columbia Sportswear, we value an inclusive and open culture that emphasizes the absence of barriers between team members. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging by encouraging personal connections at all levels, which creates a cohesive and supportive work environment.
Team members serve as ambassadors for our brand, finding motivation in being part of an organization dedicated to activities they are passionate about. This dedication reflects our commitment to building a team that takes pride in our products and values.
We offer the opportunity to work for a US-based company within a multicultural environment, where your job has an impact across different countries.
Our "Always Be Learning" culture of continuous learning enables our employees to identify and develop skills that will enable them to continue to grow within the company. "Unlock Your Potential" is the spirit that characterizes our vision of employees' development: to offer them opportunities to grow, in their job, in their team or even to change jobs completely. We grow our people to grow our business.
To learn more about us and our culture, visit our page on Welcome To The Jungle:
ABOUT THE HIRING PROCESS
Ready to unlock your potential at Columbia Sportswear Company? Apply now to help us connect active people with their passion. The hiring team will review your application in the following weeks. If your application is selected: a 30-45mn introductory interview with our Talent Acquisition Team to talk about yourself, your motivations and the role; Interview with the hiring manager (online or in-person interview); Interview with the main stakeholders + case study presentation (if applicable). Your unique strengths align perfectly with our team: we are thrilled to extend you an offer.
This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.
3PL Operations Manager in Tamworth employer: Columbia Sportswear Company
Contact Detail:
Columbia Sportswear Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land 3PL Operations Manager in Tamworth
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Columbia Sportswear. Attend events or join online groups where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Columbia's values and mission. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement. Show them you're not just a fit for the role, but for the team!
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a 3PL Operations Manager, you'll need to build strong relationships. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you can articulate your thoughts clearly.
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Columbia family and ready to contribute to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace 3PL Operations Manager in Tamworth
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the 3PL Operations Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in warehouse operations and logistics management, especially if you've worked with 3PLs before. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for the outdoors and how you can contribute to Columbia's goals. Be sure to mention your experience with performance management and continuous improvement methodologies.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a key interface between teams, strong communication is essential. In your application, give examples of how you've effectively collaborated with internal and external stakeholders in the past. We love seeing those relationship-building skills!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Columbia Sportswear!
How to prepare for a job interview at Columbia Sportswear Company
β¨Know Your 3PL Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding 3PL operations and how they align with Columbia's standards. Familiarise yourself with Maersk's services and their performance metrics, as this will show your commitment and readiness to ensure operational excellence.
β¨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a 3PL Operations Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships and resolved issues in past roles. This will demonstrate your strong communication skills and ability to collaborate.
β¨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your analytical and solution-oriented mindset. Think of specific challenges you've faced in logistics management and how you tackled them. Highlight your experience with KPIs and continuous improvement methodologies like LEAN or Kaizen.
β¨Emphasise Your Passion for the Outdoors
Columbia values a passion for the outdoors, so don't shy away from sharing your personal connection to outdoor activities. Relate this passion back to how it drives your work ethic and commitment to delivering best-in-class service in the logistics sector.