At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead logistics operations across EMEA, ensuring efficient product distribution.
- Company: Join Mattel, a global leader in toys and family entertainment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, generous leave, and health benefits.
- Other info: Embrace a flexible work culture that values collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a creative environment while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years in logistics with strong leadership and strategic skills.
The predicted salary is between 112000 - 133000 £ per year.
Company Description: CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.
The Team: The EMEA Logistics team is responsible for goods flowing from Mattel manufacturing sites to EMEA customers, including providing internal and external stakeholders with information that builds confidence in Mattel’s brands and Mattel’s global supply chain. This includes developing and implementing strategic plans, productivity, quality, and service metrics and continuous improvement. Our Logistics team thrives on collaboration, as well as empowering everyone in the team to bring forward new ideas and improvements, to help us deliver best-in-class operations.
The Opportunity: The Logistics Director, EMEA is responsible for leading end-to-end logistics operations across Europe, Middle East, and Africa, ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and reliable distribution of products from manufacturing sites to retailers and consumers. This role is critical in supporting seasonal demand peaks (e.g., holiday periods), maintaining high service levels for key retail partners, and driving continuous improvement across the logistics network.
What Your Impact Will Be:
- Transportation & Distribution: Oversee inbound and outbound transportation (ocean, air, road, rail). Manage relationships with 3PLs, freight forwarders, and carriers. Ensure on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery to major retailers (e.g., Amazon, Walmart, Carrefour, Smyths Toys).
- Warehousing & Fulfilment: Manage regional distribution centres and e-commerce fulfilment operations. Ensure scalability during peak seasons (Q3–Q4 toy surge). Drive warehouse productivity, accuracy, and safety standards.
- Cost & Performance Management: Own the EMEA logistics budget (transport, warehousing, duties). Identify and deliver cost-saving initiatives without compromising service. Track and report KPIs (OTIF, cost per unit, lead times, inventory turns).
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with demand planning, manufacturing, sales, and customer fulfilment teams. Align logistics plans with product launches and promotional cycles. Support S&OP / IBP processes.
- Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, customs, and ESG standards. Manage risk related to geopolitical disruptions, port congestion, and supply shocks. Lead contingency planning and crisis response.
- Team Leadership: Lead, develop, and mentor a geographically dispersed team. Foster a high-performance, accountable, and collaborative culture. Build succession plans and talent pipelines.
Qualifications: What We’re Looking For:
- 10–15+ years in logistics/supply chain, ideally in FMCG or consumer goods.
- Proven leadership across multi-country logistics operations in EMEA.
- Strong experience managing 3PLs and complex distribution networks.
- Experience with seasonal/high-demand volatility (toys, retail, fashion, etc.).
- Strategic thinking with strong operational execution.
- Deep knowledge of international transportation and trade compliance.
- Financial acumen (budget ownership, cost optimization).
- Data-driven decision making (ERP/WMS/TMS systems).
- Stakeholder management at senior levels.
- Outstanding communication skills in different forums.
- Able to influence convincingly internally and externally.
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field or equivalent experience.
Additional Information: What We Offer:
- Gross annual salary range of GBP 112,000 - GBP 133,000.
- Bonus scheme: Participation in Mattel Incentive Plan (MIP) with the target of 30% of base salary, payout is determined by company and individual performance results.
- Paid time off: 25 vacation days (with option to buy up to 5 extra days) + 2 volunteer days/year + a day off on your birthday!
- Car allowance.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Employee assistance program: Access to Help@Hand (Unum), Modern Health, Headspace, and Maven.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Private health insurance.
- Dental insurance & dental service app.
- Life & disability insurance.
- Employee discount program
Director, Logistics in Slough employer: Mattel
Mattel UK Limited is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity thrives and every team member's voice is valued. Located in Slough, employees benefit from a comprehensive package including generous paid time off, a robust employee assistance program, and family-friendly policies, all designed to support personal and professional growth. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, Mattel empowers its employees to contribute meaningfully to the development of iconic brands that inspire and entertain children worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Logistics in Slough
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Mattel and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Mattel!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Mattel keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Logistics in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Mattel:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Mattel. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mattel
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Mattel.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Mattel that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Mattel. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
