Warehouse and Logistics Manager (Metal Fabrication Industry)
English and Dutch speaker
Permanent contract – Ghent, Belgium

Our client is the world leader in perimeter protection solutions.
They manufacture quality fencing systems to secure people, property and businesses around the world.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Warehouse and Logistics Manager to oversee our warehouse operations and manage relationships with third-party warehouse provider located in Ghent, Belgium. The ideal candidate will ensure efficient and effective warehouse operations, maintain high standards of inventory management, and foster strong partnerships with external warehouse partners and logistics companies.

They will manage third party warehouse operators, logistics carriers, people, processes, and systems to ensure goods are received and dispatched appropriately, and that productivity targets are met. The role requires excellent organizational skills, leadership ability, and a thorough understanding of warehouse and logistics operations.
The role will report to Supply Chain Leader – Europe.

Key Responsibilities :
Warehouse Management:

Manage and oversee the daily operations of the  third-party warehouse, including the receipt, storage, and distribution of goods. Ensure that warehouse layout and organization are optimized for efficiency and safety. Monitor third-party warehouse performance and address any issues or discrepancies Monitor inventory levels and conduct regular sample stock checks to maintain accuracy and to minimize discrepancies and losses. Oversee warehouse systems (e.g., WMS) to ensure effective inventory management and its interface with Betafence central ERP Conduct daily touch points and attend weekly meetings with our third-party operator to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the warehouse operations Develop and enforce SOP’s for external warehouse , including health and safety regulations. Coordinate with procurement, planning and sales departments to manage incoming and outgoing shipments and ensure these are communicated to relevant parties as part of their activity forecast Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPI’s) for the warehouse operations

Logistics Management:

Oversee the planning and coordination of logistics operations, including transportation, supply chain management, and delivery of goods. Drive the execution of deliveries and shipments, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of products to customers Track OTTR (On Time To Request) metrics to ensure that deliveries meet customer expectations and contractual deadlines. Implement strategies to improve OTTR performance and reduce delays in the supply chain. Monitor and manage past due shipments to ensure timely resolution and minimize impact on customer satisfaction. Develop and implement processes to identify, track, and address past due shipments, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and corrective actions are taken promptly. Negotiate and manage relationships with carriers, suppliers, and third-party logistics providers. Ensure timely and accurate delivery of products to customers, optimizing routes and processes to reduce costs. Monitor the performance of logistics partners and implement improvements where necessary. Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPI’s) for logistics operations.

Team Management:

Foster a positive and collaborative working environment, encouraging teamwork and professional development. Manage internal team who arrange logistics and transport companies to meet delivery and shipment schedules, ensuring smooth and efficient operations Conduct regular meetings with warehouse and logistics teams to review performance, address issues, and set goals. Develop weekly touch points with our Logistics Partners (third-party warehouse) to ensure smooth and efficient operations

Budget Management:

Manage the warehouse and logistics budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to financial targets and relevant KPI’s while cooperating with third-party providers Monitor spend against contracts and service agreements, ensuring that expenditures are within budget and aligned with contractual terms. Sign off on invoices and query any discrepancies to ensure accurate billing and financial accountability. Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising on service quality. Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in warehouse and logistics operations. Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and regulations in warehouse and logistics management. Lead projects related to warehouse and logistics optimization, including the implementation of new technologies or systems.

Profile :

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field. (Master’s degree is a plus.) Minimum of 5 years of experience in warehouse and logistics management, preferably in a fast-paced environment. Proven track record of managing warehouse operations, including inventory management, order fulfillment, and logistics planning. Proven experience of managing a third party warehouse provider to ensure compliance with service agreements Experience in team leadership and management, with a focus on developing and motivating staff. Strong knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS) and logistics software. Strong knowledge of ERP systems (SAP and/or IFS) Thorough understanding of all transportation rules, practices and latest regulations Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and other relevant software.

Personal traits – role specific competences

Excellent interpersonal skills & Communication Being able to relate internal departments to manage difficult situations and get the best out of them. Ability to communicate on a highly professional stage with Internal Departments as well as customers. The ability and willingness to serve, as quickly and accurately as possible.  Driven and problem-solving skills The ability to handle and solve difficult problems with good decision making while staying professional, tactful and polite at all times. Attention to detail Thoroughness in accomplishing a task through concern for all the area’s involved, no matter how small; monitors and checks work or information and plans and organizes time and resources efficiently; ability to integrate and call on other references and resources as necessary. Planning and Organization and Time Management Uses his/her time effectively and efficiently; is able to prioritize and complete the tasks in order to deliver desired outcomes within allotted time frames; concentrates on the priorities; can attend to a broader range of activities; is able to understand the immediate, concrete needs of a situation and to establish an effective action plan for meeting those needs; Energy and drive Pursues everything with energy, drive and a need to finish; shows a passion for improving the delivery of services with a commitment to continuous improvement. High level of accountability & Integrity Sets realistic commitments and delivers on them; is accountable for its activities, accepts responsibility for them, and discloses the results in a transparent manner.