Manager Planning & Logistics

Job title: Manager Planning & Logistiek (Meppel). Start date: 05/01 – Contract: 3 months (temporary replacement). Hours: 32–38 per week. Location: On-site in Meppel (no hybrid option).

Our client is a leading international dairy manufacturer with a strong presence in the Netherlands. The production location in Meppel plays a crucial role in supplying high-quality professional dairy solutions to customers worldwide. The site is known for its modern processing environment, high safety standards, and continuous focus on operational excellence. You will join an ambitious and collaborative plant organization where teams work every day to improve processes, strengthen performance, and deliver optimal service to customers.

As Manager Planning & Logistiek, you are responsible for leading and shaping the planning and logistics operations at the Meppel site. You manage a diverse team of 19 professionals across Planning, Internal Logistics, Goods Receipt, and Expedition (directly and indirectly via the team leader). You act as the key link between the commercial organization and the factory, ensuring that operational activities, planning accuracy, and logistics performance run smoothly. In addition to day-to-day leadership, you also contribute to tactical and strategic decision-making by advising the plant and supply chain leadership teams. This is an interim role for an experienced professional who can quickly take ownership, stabilize processes, and ensure continuity.

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 19 employees across planning and logistics disciplines.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations in line with quality and environmental regulations.
• Develop, implement, and optimize logistics and planning policies.
• Manage daily operations and support escalation handling and issue management.
• Analyse root causes and propose structural improvements.
• Monitor and steer performance on key KPIs including Safety, Scheduling Conformance, OTIF, Budget, Absenteeism, and Inventory Control.
• Advise the management team on supply chain strategy and process improvements.
• Drive cost efficiency, process optimization, and investment proposals.
• Set up and refine planning systems and parameters (run lengths, material requirements, staffing).
• Foster a culture of engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Report deviations and incidents in line with internal procedures.

• Completed HBO/WO degree, preferably in (Technical) Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of leadership experience in a production or logistics environment.
• Strong knowledge of production processing environments; experience in the food sector is a plus.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP required; OMP is a strong plus).
• Excellent command of Dutch and English.
• Solution-oriented mindset with strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Able to make decisions even with limited or unclear information.
• Customer-focused and committed to continuous improvement.
• A motivating, engaging leader who builds strong connections with colleagues, management, and external partners.