Senior Manager Service Provider Operations – 3PL Return Centres

About the role

As Senior Manager Service Provider Operations you will be the main contact for multiple 3PL return centres across Europe, ensuring service levels are met and continuously improving the Zalando customer experience.

Key responsibilities

• Represent Zalando to fulfillment partners and steer operational performance of 3PL locations.
• Strategically manage 3PLs, set objectives, define milestones and challenge outputs against targets and standards.
• Own operational and commercial KPIs, SLAs, social standards and HSSE agreements.
• Lead inter‑departmental projects (e.g., CIP initiatives) and oversee implementation at warehouses.
• Serve as the primary contact for internal stakeholders on return‑centre related topics.

Required profile

• University degree in economics, industrial engineering, supply chain management or a comparable field.
• At least 5 years of experience in contract logistics or managing service providers.
• Strong analytical thinking, solution‑oriented approach and goal‑driven communication in English and German.
• Willingness to travel to partner locations across Europe.

Required skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong knowledge of Google Workspace tools.
• Excellent command of MS Office applications.

What we offer

• 27 days of holiday per year (increasing up to 30 days with seniority).
• 40% discount on Zalando fashion and beauty products, plus additional discounts on Lounge by Zalando and external partners.
• Family support services, company pension scheme, employee shares programme and health & wellbeing options.
• Development opportunities through training platforms, peer‑to‑peer reviews and two paid volunteering days per year.
• Relocation assistance where applicable.