3PL Operations Manager – UK Distribution Centre (Tamworth, Birmingham Area)

Overview

? 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’re as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And while our gear is available worldwide, we’re proud to be based in the Pacific Northwest, where natural wonders are our playground.

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 — 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 — able to challenge the 3PL constructively and ensure commitments are met.
• Autonomous, organized, and accountable — comfortable working independently while keeping your manager informed.
• Analytical and pragmatic, combining operational understanding with data-driven decision-making.
• Proactive and curious — 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 — 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: https://bit.ly/49bl1i5

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.