For the Skechers European Distribution Center, we are looking for an Operations Manager based in Milmort.
Your Mission
As Director of Operations for the European Distribution Center, you will oversee the site's operational performance to ensure that Skechers' shipping targets across Europe are met by optimizing productivity, quality, safety, budget compliance, and customer satisfaction.
You will transform the company's strategy into executable operational plans, deploy relevant KPIs, and develop teams to ensure a reliable, efficient, and scalable logistics flow.
Key objectives:
* Achieve a monthly on-time shipping rate of 98%.
* Maintain order accuracy of 99.5%.
* Achieve productivity targets for zone X: +Y units/hour.
* Reduce recorded safety incidents by -20% over 12 months.
* Stay within the operating budget with a deviation of 2% per quarter.
Your main responsibilities
Operational management & execution
* Translate strategy into quarterly and annual action plans for receiving, storage, preparation, shipping, automation, and maintenance.
* Define and monitor operational KPIs (OTIF, cycle time, throughput, scrap rate, OEE for automated equipment).
* Oversee daily and weekly planning (workforce planning, shift plans, volume forecasts).
* Manage the operational dashboard and lead daily/weekly reviews with managers.
* Ensure customer service levels and ensure rapid resolution of discrepancies.
Management & labor relations
* Manage operational managers (coaching, development, annual evaluation).
* Manage staffing, critical recruitment, and succession plans.
* Maintain union relations: prepare and lead meetings, manage negotiations.
* Implement HR initiatives related to engagement, recognition, and training, among other things, to maintain a positive environment.
Safety, quality & compliance
* Establish a safety culture: audits, training, inspections, feedback.
* Ensure SOX compliance, internal procedures, and regulatory requirements.
* Implement corrective/preventive actions following incidents or non-compliance.
Continuous improvement & digitalization
* Lead optimization projects (LEAN, Kaizen), automation, and workflow optimization.
* Oversee WMS/WCS integration (PKMS, Pyramid) and the use of management tools.
* Measure and evaluate the return on investment of improvement initiatives and monitor their deployment.
Required Profile
Academic Background
* Minimum Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or Operations Management.
* Master's degree in Supply Chain/Operations Management/Industrial Engineering or MBA with a focus on operations is desirable.
* Certifications appreciated: Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt), APICS/CPIM, NEBOSH (safety) or equivalent.
Professional experience
* Minimum 10 years of cumulative experience in warehouse/distribution center operations, including at least 3 years in a management role.
* Essential experience in the following areas:
* Proficiency in automated environments and WMS/WCS management (ideally PKMS/Pyramid).
* Management of teams of several hundred employees and matrix management.
* Experience collaborating with Finance, HR, IT, and Purchasing departments on cross-functional projects.
* Management of labor relations and negotiation with unions.
Technical skills
* Proficiency in WMS/WCS.
* Solid knowledge of budget management and P&L analysis for a site.
* Advanced Excel, Power BI, and reporting tools.
* Solid mastery of performance indicators.
* SOX/internal control knowledge.
Languages
* French: bilingual or native (C1-C2)
* English: fluent (C1).
* Dutch: upper intermediate level (B2)
Behavioral skills
* Inspiring, pragmatic, and results-oriented leader.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to mobilize diverse teams and stakeholders.
* Ability to manage change and support rapid and profound transformations.
* Political savvy and diplomacy in managing social relations.
* Positive attitude, resilience, and team spirit.
Availability
* Willingness to work weekends and/or in shifts, depending on operational, commercial, or emergency needs.
* Occasional travel for site visits and meetings with European partners.
Our offer
You bring your skills to Skechers, and in return, the group offers you:
* A high-impact role at the heart of a rapidly growing organization where your decisions directly influence operational performance.
* A strategic leadership position, giving you overall responsibility for the Distribution Center and the opportunity to shape its future.
* A people-oriented and collaborative work environment based on trust, mutual support, and talent development.
* A culture focused on continuous improvement and innovation, where your ideas, initiatives, and projects are truly encouraged and supported.
* A permanent contract with an attractive salary package, complemented by the benefits of a strong and dynamic international group.
* The opportunity to lead a strategic EDC and make a tangible contribution to Skechers' development in Europe.
About Skechers
Skechers, a global Fortune 500 company, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel, and accessories. Serving over 180 countries and territories, Skechers connects customers to products through department and specialty stores, e-commerce and digital stores, and through our more than 5,300 Skechers retail locations.
Be You - Feel Welcome
Skechers recognises the importance and power of diversity within our business. We ensure that our people processes are fair, transparent and promote equality of opportunity for all employees and job applicants.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities or health conditions, who are otherwise qualified for the job position, to perform the essential functions as detailed above.