Sr. Mgr, PL Operations Specialist COE Transport & PL; Sofia office

Overview

Job Purpose: The Third Party Logistics (3PL) Operations Specialist is responsible for defining and implementing a standardized governance model for managing 3PL suppliers across the organization. This role focuses on building a structured segmentation and collaboration model centered around service, cost, innovation, digitalization, and contractual alignment. The 3PL Operations Specialist serves as the key liaison between business units and logistics partners, overseeing performance management, compliance, and continuous improvement.

The role ensures contractual adherence, supports transformation initiatives, and drives the harmonization of 3PL partnerships, processes, and service level agreements (SLAs) to achieve operational excellence and value realization across our multinational soft drink business.

Location:

Sofia, Bulgaria

• Act as the primary point of contact for business units regarding 3PL network performance and governance.
• Develop and roll out a harmonized governance framework and engagement model for 3PL management.
• Create a standardized Q  (Quarterly Business Review) template and implement it within all our network.
• Monitor and ensure 3PL compliance with service level agreements (SLAs), KPIs, and contractual commitments.
• Implement and benchmark continuous improvement programs across the 3PL network to drive cost and service optimization.
• Support strategic implementations and logistics transformation projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Contribute to process harmonization and standardization efforts across regional and local logistics teams.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with procurement, finance, and operations teams to enhance supplier performance and transparency.

Internal: BU Logistics Lead, BU Transport Leads, BU Planning Leads, CoE Manufacturing, ISS Finance Center

• Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, including warehousing, transportation, and specifically 3PL operations.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on performance improvement.
• Extensive experience (min 7 years) in logistics within a multinational FMCG “make” environment.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and work effectively in a matrix organization.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment and dealing with ambiguity.

• Experience in developing governance frameworks or 3PL performance management systems.
• Familiarity with digital logistics tools and data analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI).
• Strong presentation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Exposure to contract management and supplier negotiation processes.

The Centre of Excellence team is collaborative, data-driven, and highly supportive. We value self-starters who can thrive in a dynamic environment without micromanagement. Success in this role requires adaptability, clear communication, and the ability to work cross-functionally to strengthen operational excellence in a complex, multinational setting.

• Business multifunctional knowledge
• People leadership (indirect) and Team Engagement
• Finance acumen

• Good communication skills, assertiveness and negotiation skills
• Conscientiousness, creativity in thought and action
• Ability to drive process implementation in organizations
• Strategic perspective ability and deduction of strategic objectives
• Conflict solution and organizational ability
• Critical thinking and growth mindset
• Leadership & influencing
• Change management

Yes – 30%

English