Distribution Center Lead Utrecht

Job description

Peddler is on a mission to become the fastest and largest fully sustainable last-mile network in the Netherlands. Every day, hundreds of couriers navigate the streets of Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht on Peddler’s cargo bikes. Nationwide expansion is next, starting with twenty additional cities, while international growth remains a mid-term ambition. By joining Peddler, you become part of a company that values sustainability and innovation, playing a key role in transforming last-mile delivery.

Your primary shift runs from 14:00 until completion (typically around 23:00). However, a flexible mindset is essential; you may occasionally need to align with morning operations to ensure seamless handovers and overall DC success.

What you’ll do

The Utrecht Distribution Center (DC) is the engine of our logistics network, managing all inbound and outbound parcel flows for our city hubs. This role is a high priority as we scale to 20 additional cities, significantly increasing volumes and operational complexity. You will lead the DC to ensure stability, efficiency, and seamless integration of all shipments.

Operational Excellence

• Shift Ownership: Take full accountability for shift performance, focusing on volume, cut-off adherence, scan accuracy, and productivity.

• KPI & Inbound Management: Monitor daily metrics (throughput, errors) and oversee the end-to-end arrival and sorting process, including critical mid-afternoon peaks.

• Proactive Problem Solving: Mitigate bottlenecks like staffing gaps or late arrivals and ensure strict adherence to SOPs for continuous improvement.

Team Leadership & Development

• Direct Supervision: Lead and coach a team of approximately 10 warehouse operators to ensure high performance throughout the shift.

• Daily Alignment: Conduct shift briefings (stand-ups) to align the team on priorities, volume expectations, and safety protocols.

• Performance Coaching: Provide real-time feedback, manage the onboarding of new hires, and foster a culture of accountability and quality.

• Talent Identification: Recognise high-potential team members and develop future leads within the operation.

Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Operational Coordinator: Serve as the primary point of contact between the DC, Mid-Mile, HQ, and city hubs.

• Structured Reporting: Deliver clear updates regarding daily performance, incidents, and improvement initiatives to our Area Lead.

• Issue Escalation: Proactively escalate critical issues and provide structured solutions to minimise operational downtime.

Job requirements

• Hands-on Leadership: A "lead by example" mentality with a strong presence on the warehouse floor.

• Effective Communication: Professional fluency in English (B2 minimum); able to provide clear instructions to the team and concise updates to stakeholders. Dutch is a valuable asset.

• Resilience: The ability to remain decisive and composed in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

• Strong Organisational Skills: Highly disciplined with the ability to manage competing priorities during demanding shifts.

• Ownership Mentality: A proactive approach to safety, quality, and deadlines, with a drive to suggest and implement improvements.

At Peddler, we are always looking for ambitious individuals, from all kinds of backgrounds. Ideally, you will grow within the company from this role, thanks to your proactive, flexible, and service-oriented attitude, your hands-on mentality to contribute to our collective growth, and your commitment to efficiency in your own tasks.