Operations Logistics Manager - Hotel Chocolat (Finance)

Job Description:

Operations Logistics Manager - Hotel Chocolat
Location - Chicago IL

All applicants must have permanent legal authorization to work in the United States. Mars does not sponsor employment visas for this role.

Come join our Hotel Chocolat organization - the first in the US!

Hotel Chocolat is seeking an experienced and dynamic Operations and Logistics Manager for our US business. This role will oversee omni-channel responsibilities, ensuring optimized operations to deliver best practice availability and service at optimised cost across retail, e-commerce and future wholesale operations.

This position requires project management and stakeholder management experience as we begin to establish our retail estate across the US, managing setup and stock flow into the US from the UK, oversee third-party logistics (3PL) contract management and operational start-up for our expanding store network.

The Operations Logistics Manager will manage day-to-day service levels and partner with the US/UK Supply Chain and Trading teams to ensure service plans are in place to maximize trade opportunities.

Our values: Authenticity, Originality and Ethics shape and guide everything we do, they are a core part of our business and what it means to be part of Hotel Chocolat.

What are we looking for?

• Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Certification in Project Management (PMP or equivalent)
• Minimum 5 years experience in logistics management, with a focus on 3PL operations.
• Experience with WMS systems (e.g., SAP, Blue Yonder, Infor).
• Experience of managing Transport and Warehouse operations in an omni-channel environment for a retail and e-commerce business.
• Proven experience in contract negotiation and management.
• Experience coordinating import deliveries with global supply chain teams.
• Strong project management skills, with a track record of successfully managing logistics projects.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and compliance standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Omnichannel Logistics:

• Ensure seamless integration and management of logistics operations across retail and e-commerce channels.
• Key stakeholder in network configuration and expansion strategy, aligned to store opening plans and business growth targets.
• Develop plan to optimize inventory management, order fulfilment and distribution for retail and online sales.
• Collaborate with teams to enhance the customer experience across all channels.
• Implement best practices to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of omnichannel logistics operations as they scale.
• Develop and implement strategies to handle increased demand and maintain service levels during peak periods across freight, warehouse and transport operations for Retail and E-comm.
• Own the cost-to-serve model for channel service, building out cost per unit projections based on volume growth, operational scaling and potential efficiencies.

3PL Operations & Contract Management:

• Oversee and manage daily 3PL operations across the US to ensure timely and accurate delivery of goods.
• Negotiate and manage logistics contracts with 3PL providers and other vendors across the US.
• Develop and maintain relationships with 3PL providers to ensure high service levels.
• Monitor performance metrics and contract performance to resolve issues and disputes promptly and implement root cause improvements.
• Conduct regular reviews and audits of 3PL operations to ensure compliance with company standards & legal regulations.
• Manage budget setting and delivery alongside 3PL operations.
• Maintain accurate records of all contracts, key contacts and related documentation.

Project Management:

• Lead and manage logistics projects including the setup and transition of new logistics solutions across the US eg. Ecom/Retail operations consolidation.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets to ensure successful project execution.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure all project requirements are prioritized, engaged and resourced to meet outcome expectations.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Work with group supply chain teams to coordinate timely & efficient importation and issue resolution.
• Facilitate communication between domestic logistics and global supply chain teams to streamline operations.
• Assist in developing and implementing import strategies to optimize delivery times and costs.
• Collaborate with 3PL partners and supply chain teams to coordinate peak planning and ensure critical service cut-off times are agreed and delivered to.

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.