Logistics Manager

We are partnering with a leading international manufacturing organisation to recruit an experienced Logistics Manager to lead and transform end-to-end logistics operations at a major production site in Germany.

This is a key leadership role for a logistics professional with a strong manufacturing background who is passionate about operational excellence, process optimisation and people leadership.

You will be responsible for the overall logistics function, ensuring efficient material flow from suppliers through production to customer delivery while driving continuous improvement across warehousing, transportation, inventory management and logistics processes.

This position combines strategic planning with hands-on operational leadership and offers the opportunity to make a significant impact within a dynamic international manufacturing environment.

Key ResponsibilitiesLogistics Leadership

• Lead and develop the site's Logistics function, ensuring operational excellence across all logistics activities.

• Manage, coach and develop logistics, warehouse and transportation teams, fostering a high-performance culture built on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

• Drive organisational change and support the ongoing development of the logistics organisation.

• Build strong partnerships with Production, Procurement, Supply Chain, Planning, Sales, Customer Service and Finance to ensure seamless operations.

End-to-End Logistics Operations

• Oversee all inbound and outbound logistics activities.

• Ensure uninterrupted material availability to support production requirements.

• Guarantee on-time customer deliveries while maintaining high service levels.

• Manage warehouse operations, including receiving, storage, inventory and dispatch.

• Optimise material flow across the manufacturing facility.

• Coordinate transportation planning and shipping schedules to maximise operational efficiency.

• Establish efficient, flexible and customer-focused logistics processes.

• Ensure logistics operations remain agile, cost-effective and aligned with business objectives.

Transportation & Distribution

• Manage transportation providers and third-party logistics partners.

• Optimise transportation and warehousing costs while maintaining operational performance.

• Ensure compliance with transportation legislation, customs requirements and load securing regulations.

• Monitor carrier performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Inventory Management

• Optimise finished goods inventory while maintaining target service levels.

• Improve inventory accuracy and warehouse utilisation.

• Coordinate annual and cycle stock counts in partnership with the Finance and Controlling teams.

• Identify opportunities to reduce excess inventory and improve inventory turns.

• Ensure accurate stock availability across the operation.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives across logistics operations.

• Improve warehouse efficiency, transportation performance and material flow.

• Drive process standardisation and operational excellence.

• Support ERP optimisation and logistics process improvements.

• Participate in strategic transformation projects and implement sustainable improvement initiatives.

Performance Management

Develop, monitor and continuously improve logistics performance through KPIs, including:

• On-Time In-Full (OTIF)

• Delivery Performance

• Inventory Accuracy

• Inventory Turns

• Warehouse Productivity

• Logistics Costs

• Freight Costs

• Transport Performance

• Picking Accuracy

• Stock Availability

• Supplier Delivery Performance

Analyse performance trends, identify improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions to achieve operational targets.

Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety standards.

• Maintain adherence to transportation legislation, customs regulations and internal operational standards.

• Ensure logistics operations comply with quality requirements and corporate policies.

Non-Negotiable Requirements

Candidates must meet all of the following criteria:

• Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management or a related discipline, or an equivalent professional qualification.

• Extensive experience leading logistics operations within a manufacturing environment.

• Proven experience managing warehouse operations, transportation and end-to-end material flow.

• Demonstrated people management experience with responsibility for operational teams.

• Strong understanding of inventory management, warehouse operations and manufacturing logistics.

• Experience working with ERP systems (SAP experience is highly desirable).

• Fluent German and English, both written and spoken.

• Availability to work on-site in the Greater Stuttgart Area.

Preferred Qualifications

The following experience will be considered an advantage:

• Experience with SAP MM, WM or EWM.

• Experience using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

• Knowledge of Transportation Management Systems (TMS).

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement methodologies.

• Strong capability in KPI reporting, operational analytics and data-driven decision-making.

• Experience managing third-party logistics providers.

• Knowledge of customs and international transportation regulations.

Preferred Industry Background

We are particularly interested in professionals with experience in one or more of the following sectors:

• Automotive OEMs

• Automotive Tier 1 or Tier 2 Suppliers

• Electronics Manufacturing

• Industrial Manufacturing

• Mechanical Engineering

• Industrial Components

• Aerospace Manufacturing

• Medical Devices

• High-volume manufacturing environments

Skills & Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong operational and strategic leadership.

• Excellent people management and coaching skills.

• Outstanding planning and organisational capabilities.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• A proactive, hands-on leadership style.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

• High level of ownership and accountability.

• Strong decision-making capability.

• Customer-focused mindset.

• Resilience and adaptability within fast-paced manufacturing environments.

• Passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a global manufacturing organisation in a pivotal leadership role where you will shape logistics operations, influence strategic transformation initiatives and lead high-performing teams.

You will have the opportunity to drive operational excellence, optimise supply chain performance and make a tangible impact on business results while developing your career within a dynamic and internationally recognised manufacturing environment.