Logistic Manager Automated Warehouses

You have a passion for automation and wish to work in an innovative environment. As a Logistic Manager of Automated Warehouses, you are responsible for all automated sites in Zeebrugge. The focus is on innovation in terms of digitization and automation, as well as the daily operations and coaching of operational teams and planning activities. 

ECS has 3 automated warehouses in Zeebrugge: Highbay I, Highbay II, and a Lowbay. About 40 of our own workers operate in early-late shifts. In Highbay II, around 30 dock workers are employed. Additionally, there are 2 automation engineers, each with their own operators/automation technicians to maintain the automation. 

You are responsible for the complete management of operational processes across the various automated warehouses and hold the final responsibility for performance. These processes and departments include all inbound and outbound transport flows, storage, supply and expectation management, planning, customer service, quality, safety, maintenance, and automation and information systems. 

You promote and encourage safety in the workplace. You strive for continuous improvement of service in collaboration with internal stakeholders. You initiate improvement processes within the warehouse to enhance productivity. You play a crucial role in optimizing supply chain processes and ensure seamless coordination between the various operational and administrative departments. 

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional to apply their expertise in a dynamic and growing organization, reporting to the Operational Director Supply Chain. 

Responsibilities

• Continuous improvement: cost and efficiency improvement 

  • In-depth knowledge of logistics and transport processes to identify all opportunities for cost improvements. 

  • Understanding of automation, deep knowledge of inbound and outbound processes to achieve efficiencies. 

  • Analytical thinking and insight through data analysis to optimize the operation of automated warehouses 

• People management & leadership qualities: 

  • From the Supply Chain division, you lead a team of about 100 employees, divided over 4 direct reports: 

    • HB I and LB in the Baron De Maerelaan, with early-late shifts (about 40 workers) and led by a warehouse manager; 

    • HB II in the Lancelot Blondeellaan, with dock workers (about 30) in shift systems and led by the warehouse manager; 

    • The team (15 FTE) of automation technicians and operators led by 2 maintenance engineers; 

    • About 15 planners, clerks, under the direction of a coordinator. 

• We seek strong leadership skills to inspire and guide teams towards achieving strategic goals, including cost efficiency and savings initiatives. Building the growth of the warehouse team, creating ownership, formulating objectives in line with strategic goals. 

• The ability to guide and develop team members and foster a culture of continuous improvement. 

• Placing the right people in the right roles, ensuring a shared vision, culture, and leadership values. You implement training and uniform work instructions for your teams. 

• Lead-by-example role, promoting dialogue and a constructive improvement mentality, and working to reduce the distance between different departments and levels within the organization. 

• The ability to manage and coordinate multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. 

• Problem-solving ability: quickly and effectively responding to unexpected situations and problems. 

• Process/Project Management 

  • You optimize current methods, procedures, systems, and analytical tools needed to measure and improve performance. 

  • You manage, discuss, and optimize KPIs. You base your decisions on analyzing productivity in warehouses, understanding, and managing KPIs such as the number of operations per person. 

  • You identify and implement improvement projects. 

  • You enhance safety and quality standards, linked to changes in awareness and behavior 

• Strategic Customer Relationships 

  • You have a strong focus on delivering excellent service to customers (timely and damage-free delivery, accurate transactions, cost-efficient) and reconcile this with the operational capabilities of your teams. 

  • You ensure the development and implementation of action plans for key customers in close collaboration with Key Account Managers, ICT, and Operational teams 

    Your profile

• You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, supplemented with demonstrable experience as a Supply Chain Manager or in a similar role. 

• You have at least 10 years of experience with warehouse operations in an automated environment. 

• Experience with dock workers is a plus 

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate a team. 

• You are analytically strong and decisive. You quickly gain process insight and have solid experience with process and ICT optimizations, using the right change management techniques. 

• Taking initiative is in your nature, and you always pay attention to good communication and collaboration with others. 

• You are customer-oriented and understand their commercial needs. 

• You remain calm in stressful situations and excel in problem-solving thinking and actions. 

• You communicate effortlessly in Dutch and English.