3PL Operations Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a 3PL Operations Manager based in Germany. As a 3PL Operations Manager, you will oversee a network of third-party logistics providers and external warehouses, ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable handling of high-value data center hardware across international markets. You will take full ownership of partner performance, operational standards, inventory accuracy, and logistics costs, playing a critical role in maintaining hardware availability and supporting large-scale infrastructure growth. Working across logistics, procurement, transport, security, and data center operations, you will coordinate complex supply chain activities and drive continuous improvement across external sites. You will establish performance expectations, monitor service levels, lead audits, and resolve operational issues to ensure consistent execution. The role combines strategic network development with hands-on operational management in a fast-moving, international environment. You will also have the opportunity to build and develop a growing team while influencing processes, risk management, and logistics strategy. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced logistics leader who thrives on autonomy, operational excellence, and making a tangible impact in the rapidly evolving AI infrastructure sector. Accountabilities: - Manage the international 3PL network: Oversee external warehouses and third-party logistics partners across EMEA, the United States, and APAC, ensuring consistent operational performance and compliance with established standards. - Lead partner and contract management: Own service-level agreements (SLAs), rate cards, contract renewals, and renegotiations in collaboration with Procurement and Legal.

Conduct monthly operational reviews and quarterly business reviews, agree on improvement plans, and act as the primary escalation point for partner-related issues. - Oversee daily warehouse operations: Establish and enforce standard operating procedures covering receiving, put-away, storage, picking, packing, dispatch, and returns. Ensure appropriate handling of heavy, fragile, and high-value equipment, including racks, GPU servers, and hardware security modules. - Monitor performance and resolve incidents: Track operational KPIs through warehouse management systems, reports, and site visits. Lead root-cause investigations into damaged or missing inventory, incorrect shipments, and delivery delays, ensuring corrective and preventive actions are completed on time. - Maintain inventory accuracy and audit readiness: Coordinate cycle counts, annual stocktakes, and reconciliations between physical inventory and ERP/WMS records. Organize warehouse inspections, resolve stock discrepancies with Back Office teams, maintain accurate asset records, and support internal and external audits, including SOX-related controls. - Coordinate cross-functional logistics activities: Align inbound and outbound volumes with Logistics Planning and Transport teams, coordinate hardware staging and kitting with data center operations and project managers, and work with Security to enforce access controls, surveillance, pre-arrival procedures, and secure-storage requirements. - Ensure reliable systems and data exchange: Maintain accurate, timely information flows between external logistics providers and internal ERP/WMS platforms, including advance shipping notices, inventory reports, and system integrations. - Control budgets and optimize costs: Own the 3PL budget across storage, handling, value-added services, and additional charges. Validate invoices against contractual terms and actual activity, resolve billing disputes, monitor cost per pallet, rack, or movement, and identify savings through consolidation, space optimization, and contract renegotiation.