Head of EU Supply Chain, Netherlands Europe

About Us

URBN UK Limited is part of the URBN Group, a global retailer, with its European Head Office located in London. Its retail offering in Europe takes the form of three brands. With stores in more than 10 European countries and a strong e-commerce presence, we are driven by the same core values as our customers, and we approach our work with a sense of community and purpose that sets our brands apart. We love what we do.

Role Summary

LOCATION: To be based onsite from our 3PL provider site in Almelo, Netherlands with flexibility to travel to UK Logistics Head Office in Peterborough.

CONTRACT: This will be a 2 year fixed term contract.

The Head of EU Supply Chain Operations will manage and challenge effectively a 3PL partner on the delivery of operational & transport plans, meeting people, service, process, and cost metrics, and proactively drive continuous improvement efforts across the site. The role involves reporting on performance and providing analysis to support strategic decision making. This position requires building and maintaining positive relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, leading teams in line with URBN's vision and values, and ensuring both operational excellence and compliance whilst managing a 3PL provider to contracted performance.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operational Leadership & Management: Contract management of third-party provider to ensure delivery of plans in line with brand and customer expectations for all channels in line with contracted SLAs. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to ensure successful and effective operations. Manage 3PL partner on the strategic direction, focusing on cost, resource requirements, and high operational standards. Work with the Director of Operations to understand and provide clarity on expectations for performance, all departmental KPIs, and service level agreements included in the contract and the wider business. Ensure accurate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are in place and that all employees are trained in them. Drive a "Safety first" culture, ensuring Health & Safety best practice is maintained.
• Continuous Improvement & Financial Management: Proactively lead continuous improvement efforts, driving the evolution of the contract in line with overall business growth and strategy. Meet people, service, process and cost metrics through setting clear expectations and holding the relevant stakeholders accountable. Make use of key partner functions applying data driven decisions to ensure performance across the contract is achieved and identify areas for improvement. Supporting Transport Operations to identify and use appropriate cost, quality, speed levers. Confidently and credibly report on performance, seeking out and proposing improvements and innovation. Collaborate with Finance and Director of Operations on annual budget and provide month end commentary and insight. Manage the budget risks and opportunities for the contract. Provide regular Market Insights and Updates for C-Suite publication.
• Stakeholder & Team Management: Build and maintain positive and effective internal and external stakeholder relationships (e.g. 3PL onsite leadership, brands, carrier partners, peers & EU Supply Chain leadership team). Interact daily across all teams to maintain and promote engagement and clear communications. Promote URBN's culture, by operating in line with our vision, values & competencies. Work closely with the brand teams, operations, customer service, and tech teams to ensure contract service levels are achieved.

What You'll Need

• Experience: Previous experience in a management role within a fast-paced distribution/warehousing environment. Extensive experience within logistics and leading within a complex and evolving environment. Previous experience of managing a 3PL contract, inclusive of multi user site experience. Knowledge of end-to-end supply chain solutions, ideally gained in the fashion/lifestyle or other FMCG industry. Experience in managing multiple stakeholders with conflicting priorities. Experienced in creating, developing, and managing budgets, with skilled in P&L analysis, forecasting, resourcing and reporting.
• Skills & Attributes: Ability to influence at all levels (senior, upwards, and laterally where required). Results-orientated, with a drive to get projects over the line. Ability to gather carefully selected data from appropriate sources, probe and consider facts, conduct root cause analysis, act decisively, and offer solutions.
• Other: Flexibility to travel as required between UK & EU. Valid passport & working permit for mainland Europe and UK.

The Perks

• Employee assistance programme and virtual psychological and wellbeing support through OpenUp.
• Employee discount (20% off full price goods).
• Work related costs travel scheme (reiskostenvergoeding).

Equal Opportunity Statement

URBN is an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, marital status, religion, race, or disability. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.