Cluster Manager - Job Opportunity at Bleckmann

Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 29, 2025
On-site
EUR 85,000 - 110,000 annually based on the senior management level, extensive experience requirements, multi-site operational responsibility, and Netherlands market standards for logistics leadership roles with international account management duties.

Benefits

Dynamic international work environment with high level of operational independence and autonomy
Comprehensive professional development opportunities with structured career advancement pathways
Entrepreneurial culture encouraging innovation and new initiatives regardless of tenure
Leadership development programs focused on building and managing autonomous teams
International exposure through management of global accounts and multicultural business operations
Competitive compensation package scaled to education level and professional experience

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic operational excellence across multiple distribution centers in Bergen op Zoom, directly impacting customer satisfaction and business performance
Lead comprehensive performance optimization initiatives through advanced data analysis and continuous improvement methodologies
Execute strategic budget planning and financial management to achieve optimal cost-performance ratios aligned with corporate objectives
Ensure regulatory compliance and corporate governance across all operational aspects while maintaining quality standards
Manage high-value customer relationships including strategic business development and quarterly business reviews
Orchestrate cross-functional program management involving warehouse managers, supervisors, and team leaders
Establish and monitor critical performance metrics for productivity, accuracy, and safety while driving breakthrough performance improvements
Optimize service delivery, cost management, and quality performance through systematic operational review and enhancement
Lead comprehensive risk management framework covering health, safety, environmental, and operational risks
Manage strategic contract negotiations and renewals to ensure business continuity and growth
Champion continuous improvement culture and operational excellence initiatives across the cluster

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, or a related field, or possess equivalent experience

Experience

7+ years of broad experience in (contract) logistics, warehousing, distribution, fulfillment, and supply chain management; 7+ years of a proven track record in a Site Manager position

Required Skills

Data analysis and presentation skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project Strong written and verbal communication skills in a multicultural business environment Natural connector between customer, operations, and support teams Natural leader with strong focus on developing driven individuals and building successful autonomous teams Confident and comfortable managing important international American accounts while respecting the value of long-term partnerships Capable of quickly building trust within teams as well as with leadership Know how to strike the right balance between distance and control
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Supply chain management is experiencing unprecedented digital transformation with increased focus on e-fulfillment capabilities and omnichannel distribution strategies, particularly in the fashion and lifestyle sectors where speed-to-market and inventory optimization are critical competitive advantages. The European logistics market is consolidating around companies that can provide integrated, technology-driven solutions spanning multiple continents, with particular emphasis on US-Europe trade corridors that require sophisticated cross-border expertise. Fashion and lifestyle brands are increasingly outsourcing complex supply chain operations to specialized third-party logistics providers who can offer scalable, flexible solutions with advanced analytics and real-time visibility across global networks.

Role Significance

Typically manages 150-300 employees across multiple sites through a hierarchical structure including warehouse managers, supervisors, and team leaders, with direct reports likely numbering 8-12 senior operational staff members.
This is a senior executive-level position with significant operational authority and strategic impact, requiring direct accountability for multiple facility performance, budget management, and high-value customer relationships, positioning the role as a key contributor to regional business success.

Key Projects

Implementation of advanced warehouse management systems and automation technologies to improve operational efficiency and accuracy Development and execution of customer-specific fulfillment solutions for major fashion and lifestyle brands Strategic facility optimization projects including layout redesign, process improvement, and capacity expansion initiatives Cross-border logistics optimization projects connecting European operations with US and Asian markets Sustainability and environmental compliance projects addressing modern supply chain responsibility requirements

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to balance operational efficiency with customer service excellence while managing complex multi-site logistics operations in a fast-paced, customer-centric environment. Strong financial acumen combined with operational expertise to drive cost optimization without compromising service quality, particularly important in the competitive fashion logistics sector where margins are constantly under pressure. Exceptional leadership and change management capabilities to drive continuous improvement initiatives while building high-performing teams across multiple locations and cultural contexts. Advanced analytical skills to interpret complex operational data and translate insights into actionable strategies that improve performance metrics and customer satisfaction levels. Cultural intelligence and relationship management skills essential for managing international accounts and working effectively in Bleckmann's multicultural, global operating environment.

Market Demand

High demand driven by e-commerce growth, supply chain digitalization trends, and the critical need for experienced leaders who can manage complex multi-site operations while maintaining customer satisfaction in the competitive fashion logistics sector.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced data analysis and interpretation capabilities are essential because modern logistics operations rely heavily on real-time performance metrics, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision making to optimize efficiency and customer satisfaction in competitive markets. Multicultural communication and leadership skills are absolutely vital given Bleckmann's international client base, diverse workforce, and global operational scope, requiring the ability to build trust and drive performance across cultural and geographical boundaries. Financial management and budgeting expertise represents a core competency as cluster managers must balance operational costs with service levels while maintaining profitability in a price-sensitive industry where margins are constantly under pressure. Change management and continuous improvement capabilities are critical success factors because the logistics industry is experiencing rapid technological evolution, requiring leaders who can drive operational transformation while maintaining service continuity.

Beneficial Skills

Six Sigma or Lean methodology certifications would enhance the candidate's ability to lead systematic process improvement initiatives and demonstrate commitment to operational excellence that aligns with industry best practices. Advanced supply chain management certifications such as APICS SCOR or similar credentials would provide additional credibility and technical depth in strategic supply chain planning and optimization. Proficiency in advanced analytics tools beyond Microsoft Office, such as Tableau, Power BI, or specialized warehouse management systems, would enable more sophisticated data analysis and reporting capabilities. International business or cross-cultural management training would enhance effectiveness in managing global accounts and working within Bleckmann's international organizational structure and diverse customer base.

Unique Aspects

Specialized focus on fashion and lifestyle brands creates opportunities to work with high-profile, design-conscious clients with complex seasonal inventory and rapid product turnover requirements that demand sophisticated logistics solutions.
The role combines traditional supply chain management with cutting-edge e-fulfillment technologies, providing exposure to both established logistics practices and emerging digital commerce trends.
International scope includes management of American accounts from a European base, offering unique cross-cultural business experience and global supply chain perspective that enhances career development opportunities.
Bleckmann's unified technology platform approach provides exposure to advanced logistics systems and data analytics that are increasingly valuable in the modern supply chain management field.
The combination of operational responsibility across multiple sites with direct customer relationship management creates a well-rounded leadership development opportunity spanning both internal operations and external business development.

Career Growth

Progression to regional leadership roles typically occurs within 3-5 years with strong performance, while advancement to C-level positions generally requires 5-8 years of demonstrated success in increasingly complex operational environments.

Potential Next Roles

Regional Director of Operations overseeing larger geographical territories with increased P&L responsibility Vice President of Supply Chain Operations with strategic planning and business development responsibilities General Manager or Country Manager roles within Bleckmann or similar international logistics organizations Chief Operations Officer positions at mid-sized logistics companies or supply chain consulting leadership roles

Company Overview

Bleckmann

Bleckmann represents a well-established, financially robust logistics provider with over 160 years of operational history and strong market positioning in the specialized fashion and lifestyle supply chain sector, offering comprehensive e-fulfillment solutions across Europe, US, and Asia.

As an industry leader with EUR 626 million in annual sales and 6,500 employees, Bleckmann holds a strong competitive position in the fashion logistics market, with particular strength in technology integration and international service delivery capabilities.
The Netherlands location represents a strategic hub within Bleckmann's European operations, benefiting from excellent transportation infrastructure and proximity to major European markets, while supporting the company's transatlantic business operations.
The organization promotes an entrepreneurial, performance-driven culture that emphasizes continuous improvement, international collaboration, and customer partnership, typical of successful mid-to-large scale logistics organizations with global ambitions.
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