Amer Sports - Distribution Center Manager (3PL Operations) - Neu Wulmstorf

Employment Contract | Full-time | On-site | Hamburg (Neu Wulmstorf)

We’re looking for a Distribution Center Manager (3PL Operations) for Amer Sports’ office in Hamburg.

Amer Sports is a global collective of iconic sports and outdoor brands, powered by a community of people who share a passion for authenticity, impact, and excellence. We bring together leading brands, talented teams, and a culture built on collaboration. If you’re looking for an environment where you can make an impact and grow your career, we invite you to explore the opportunity below.

As our Distribution Center Manager (3PL Operations), you will take full ownership of warehousing and distribution operations at our Hamburg Distribution Centre, serving the Salomon brand in Northern EMEA. This is a high-impact, hands-on role at the heart of our supply chain — where you will shape how we work with our third-party logistics partner, lead a dedicated team, and ensure that every product reaches our customers on time and to the highest standards. If you thrive in a fast-paced operational environment, enjoy building strong external partnerships, and know how to drive continuous improvement that delivers real financial results, this is an outstanding opportunity to make a tangible difference within a globally recognized sports company.

What you will be doing

3PL Partnership & Contract Management

• Own the end-to-end 3PL relationship: negotiate contracts and rates, ensure formal tariffs are in place for all services, and verify that invoices align strictly with agreed terms.
• Monitor 3PL performance against Service Level Agreement targets and put corrective action plans in place whenever deviations occur in service, quality, inventory, or cost.
• Ensure all KPIs are defined, reported by the 3PL, actively monitored and challenged by Amer Sports.
• Keep contracts permanently up to date in line with evolving business needs and market changes.

DC Operations & Quality

• Oversee daily DC activity across all operational areas — receiving, put-away, storage, picking, replenishment, packing, dispatch, customer returns, and export documentation — while upholding the highest health, safety, and compliance standards.
• Ensure the 3PL applies a robust quality control system, using root cause analysis, corrective actions, and error-proofing tools to minimize mistakes across all warehouse processes.
• Maintain full inventory integrity and ensure permanent alignment between the 3PL WMS and SAP.
• Oversee the annual physical stock count and ensure consumable materials are always available in line with activity levels.

Activity Planning & Capacity Management

• Build and maintain a rolling 12-month activity forecast based on the latest sales data, enabling the 3PL to plan space and staffing resources effectively.
• Provide weekly and daily operational plans, and review them regularly with the 3PL.
• Ensure adequate storage capacity is available year-round to support smooth, uninterrupted warehousing activity.

Budget & Cost Control

• Partner with the Finance Controller to define the annual DC budget and review monthly financial results and year-end forecasts.
• Drive productivity initiatives proactively and ensure their timely follow-up and clear financial benefit for Amer Sports.

Continuous Improvement

• Maintain an active productivity improvement plan with the 3PL, focusing on data accuracy, storage parameter optimization, and pick-and-pack efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to simplify processes and raise the bar across all areas of the warehouse.

Team Leadership & Communication

• Lead and develop a team of up to 5 logistics coordinators: set clear objectives, organize training plans, manage workload and vacation planning, and promote cross-functional flexibility within the team.
• Serve as the key communication bridge between the DC and internal stakeholders — Customer Service, Supply Chain, Sales, Finance, IT, Legal, Customs, and Brands.
• Set DC objectives aligned with Amer Sports’ broader strategy and ensure consistent alignment across all relevant functions.

You will report to the VP DC Operations and Development EMEA.

What you need to succeed

• Minimum 8 years of experience in logistics, with proven hands-on experience managing 3PL operations and warehouse environments.
• Solid knowledge of end-to-end warehousing — including material flows, information flows, KPIs, budget management, and warehouse automation.
• Good understanding of supply chain processes and the full end-to-end value chain.
• Proven ERP and Warehouse Management System (WMS) experience,
• Track record of successfully negotiating with 3PL providers and external suppliers.
• Demonstrated project and change management experience.
• Proficiency in English is required.
• University degree in engineering, business, logistics, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong analytical mindset with solid numerical acumen and the ability to make clear, fact-based decisions.
• Strategic thinker with a business-oriented approach and confidence in making autonomous decisions on a regular basis.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability — you know what to handle independently and what to escalate.
• Skilled at stakeholder management: diplomatic, persuasive, and effective with both internal partners and external providers.
• Excellent organizational skills, strong communication abilities, and a structured, well-organized way of working.
• Comfortable operating in a multicultural, international environment.
• Lean and continuous improvement mindset — you always look for a better way to get things done.
• Health & Safety awareness and a solid understanding of compliance regulations and risk management.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (approximately 15% of the time; additional travel may be required during the onboarding period).

What we consider a plus

• Experience in fashion, soft goods distribution, or automated warehouse environments.
• International business working experience.
• SAP experience
• Proficency in German language 

What’s in it for you

With us, you’ll inspire others to embrace the joy of sports while connecting with a global network of passionate individuals. We foster a dynamic and supportive culture that empowers you to innovate, grow professionally, and pursue your passion for both sports and the outdoors.

• Financial and employee benefits: Benefit from employee discounts on quality products from our iconic brands, corporate partner offers, transportation support, free parking, a company pension plan and EGYM wellpass.
• Global collaboration: Work with diverse, international teams and collaborate across brands, functions, and markets, learning from different perspectives along the way.
• Access to a global network of leading brands: Work within a global collective of iconic sports and outdoor brands, gaining exposure to different businesses, perspectives, and opportunities across Amer Sports.
• We’re in the game together: Join a culture built on trust, support, and shared responsibility, where progress is achieved together and success is celebrated as a team.
• Purpose-driven environment: Be part of work that supports healthier, more active lives through our iconic sports and outdoor brands.
• Small teams, real impact: Contribute in small, trusted teams within a global company, where your ideas matter, and your work can create real impact.
• Excellence in how we work: Join an environment where quality, innovation, and continuous improvement matter, and where people are encouraged to raise the bar in how work is done.
• Ambitious career development: Develop your skills through meaningful work, new challenges, and collaboration with experienced colleagues.
• Modern technologies and ways of working: Be part of teams that work with modern technologies and continuously evolve how we build, operate, and improve our digital solutions.

In our Supply Chain team, our agile and sustainable processes enhance efficiency, drive growth, and align with our commitment to environmental stewardship and ethical practices.

What to expect from the recruitment process

• CV screening: Every CV is reviewed by a human.
• Phone screening: A conversation with Amer Sports’ Talent Acquisition Team to discuss the role, our organization, and your expectations.
• Interviews: 2 rounds, including interviews with the hiring manager and prospective team.
• Case studies or assessments: Your role may require practical tests, such as presentations or case studies.
• Feedback and decision: We aim to provide feedback throughout the process.

Interested?

Please submit your application via the application form latest on. CVs sent by email will not be considered or processed.

If you have any questions or need clarification at any stage of the application process or during your journey with us, please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected] (HR). Apply and join us in striving for excellence at each step!

#LI-MG1