Physical Distribution Manager

Role Overview

This position owns the end-to-end movement of goods—inbound and outbound—and manages the third-party logistics partners that keep distribution centers, transportation, and customs operations running. Reporting to the Operations Director, you will balance service quality, cost control, compliance, and continuous improvement across the physical distribution network. The work matters because it protects supply continuity, keeps customers supplied, and ensures logistics performance supports broader business and sustainability goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day relationships with 3PL providers across distribution centers, transportation, and customs brokerage, monitoring service level agreements and operational standards.
• Oversee inbound and outbound physical distribution, warehousing, inventory flows, transportation, and distribution activities to meet business objectives.
• Track and analyze performance metrics for the distribution center, transport, and customs operations; identify gaps and implement corrective actions.
• Drive cost optimization across logistics activities while safeguarding service levels, product quality, and internal controls.
• Partner with supply chain, customer service, operations, commercial teams, and external business partners to align logistics strategy with business goals and maintain supply continuity.
• Resolve logistics disruptions and escalations with root-cause analysis, minimizing operational impact and preventing recurrence.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, safety and quality standards, and company sustainability commitments across all logistics activities.
• Lead continuous improvement across the physical distribution footprint, applying Industry 4.0 practices and sustainable logistics approaches aligned with L’Oréal for the Future commitments.

Requirements & Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in supply chain and logistics, with depth in physical distribution, warehousing, inventory flows, transportation, customs, and quality and safety management; FMCG or a comparable industry is preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing supplier relationships, including negotiating with 3PL providers and customs partners and holding them accountable to performance metrics.
• Ability to build, manage, and control logistics operating budgets while maintaining high service standards.
• Practical proficiency with ERP systems, particularly SAP, plus strong data analysis skills to interpret logistics performance and drive decisions.
• Proven cross-functional leadership, with the ability to align stakeholders and calmly resolve complex supply bottlenecks.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• A proactive, collaborative leadership style with operational rigor and a track record of driving efficiency and effectiveness in warehousing, transportation, and distribution.

What We Offer / Why Join

• Opportunities to stretch beyond familiar ground, test new approaches, and take calculated risks as you develop beyond your current potential.
• Meaningful responsibility from your first day, with a role that puts you in the middle of operations rather than on the sidelines.
• An inclusive workplace where people of every ethnicity, social background, age, religion, gender, and sexual orientation—as well as people with disabilities—are welcomed, encouraged to speak up, and supported to thrive.
• A chance to contribute to something larger, as many of the company’s brands support societal and environmental causes that drive concrete change.