Operational Excellence Manager, Europe in Leighton Buzzard

Operational Excellence Manager, Europe in Leighton Buzzard

Leighton Buzzard Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive process standardisation and continuous improvement across our European network.
  • Company: Join Spreetail, one of the fastest-growing ecommerce companies globally.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with cross-functional collaboration and significant impact on efficiency.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of EU operations with your expertise in warehouse management.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in warehouse operations and a passion for Lean methodologies.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Spreetail propels brands to increase their ecommerce market share across the globe while improving their operational costs. Learn how we are building one of the fastest-growing ecommerce companies in history: www.spreetail.com.

About the Role

Spreetail is seeking an Operational Excellence Manager to drive process standardization and continuous improvement across our growing European network (including sites in the UK, Germany, Italy, France, and upcoming in Spain). In this dynamic, multi-site role you will be the ultimate owner of our warehouse standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring every facility operates to a consistent, optimized standard. If you have deep hands-on warehouse knowledge, a passion for Lean methodologies, and the ability to turn data-driven insights into tangible cost savings and service improvements, you will help shape the future of our EU operations.

Responsibilities

  • Develop, document, and maintain a comprehensive library of Spreetail EU Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering all core warehouse workflows, including inbound, outbound, returns, and inventory management.
  • Conduct regular, structured audits at each FC site to assess SOP compliance, producing detailed findings reports and actionable follow-up plans to ensure processes are actively embedded.
  • Lead continuous improvement and cost-optimization initiatives across the EU network using structured methodologies (Kaizen, 5S, Lean) to drive labor efficiency, space utilization, and process waste reduction.
  • Own the design and governance of inventory control and quality assurance (ICQA) programs, including cycle counts, wall-to-wall counts, and deep-dive investigations into inventory discrepancies.
  • Define, audit, and report on a robust KPI framework for operational performance across all EU sites, supporting local managers with root cause analysis and targeted improvement plans.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with 3PL partners, Technology, and Transportation teams to align processes, deploy system enhancements (Linnworks), and support new facility launches.
  • Develop training materials and conduct on-site process training sessions during SOP rollouts to build capability among FC Managers, 3PL supervisors, and warehouse operatives.

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in warehouse operations, fulfilment, or supply chain, preferably within a 3PL, multi-site, or cross-country distribution centre environment.
  • Demonstrated expertise in process design, SOP writing, and operational auditing, with a clear ability to write practical, structured instructions accessible to warehouse-floor teams.
  • Proven track record delivering continuous improvement initiatives using structured methodologies like Lean, Kaizen, or 5S (Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent process improvement certification preferred).
  • Deep understanding of core warehouse operations (inbound, outbound, returns, VAS) and comprehensive experience managing inventory control and cycle counting programs.
  • Proficiency in WMS platforms (Linnworks highly desirable) coupled with a strong analytical mindset to leverage operational data, build dashboards, and translate data into actionable insights.
  • Highly organised with exceptional communication and influencing skills, capable of driving change across external partners and central stakeholders without direct line authority.
  • Fluency in English is required; German is a strong advantage for the Germany-based option, and additional European languages are a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Spreetail, we are relentless in our pursuit of equity and equality, we embrace cultural differences that raise our bar, we pursue the challenges within ourselves to make Spreetail better, and we humbly acknowledge our duty to build and foster an inclusive workplace where all may succeed. Spreetail is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

Operational Excellence Manager, Europe in Leighton Buzzard employer: Spreetail

Spreetail is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across its European network. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer robust training opportunities and a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Join us in shaping the future of ecommerce while enjoying the benefits of working for one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry, with locations across the UK, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain.

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Contact Details:

Spreetail Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence Manager, Europe in Leighton Buzzard

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 Spreetail 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 Spreetail!

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 Spreetail 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 Operational Excellence Manager, Europe in Leighton Buzzard

Warehouse Operations
Process Standardization
Continuous Improvement
Lean Methodologies
SOP Writing
Operational Auditing
Inventory Control

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 Spreetail:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Spreetail. 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 Spreetail

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 Spreetail.

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 Spreetail 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 Spreetail. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!