Fractional Customer Supply Chain Manager (US & EU)

Overview

Our client is looking for a highly experienced Customer Supply Chain Manager to take ownership of end-to-end logistics, retail operations, and inventory flow across US and EU markets for a growing consumer business.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role focused on stabilising and optimising existing operations, reducing costs, and building scalable systems. The position will evolve from an initial deep operational dive into a lighter, strategic oversight role.

Key Responsibilities

1. Warehouse & Logistics Management (US + EU)

• Own relationships with third-party logistics (3PL) partners across the US and EU
• Audit and approve warehouse invoices, identifying discrepancies and overbilling
• Improve billing structures and enforce commercial terms
• Optimise shipping costs, packaging, and carrier selection
• Monitor inventory movement and reduce inefficiencies in stock flow
• Negotiate improved rates with logistics and freight partners
• Oversee international shipping and distribution setup

2. Retail Operations (Primary: Major US Retailer)

• Own end-to-end retail operations via EDI/ADI systems
• Ensure accurate order processing, invoicing, and payment reconciliation
• Monitor, manage, and resolve chargebacks and compliance issues
• Track and reconcile retailer payments and cash flow discrepancies
• Maintain retailer relationships and operational cadence (e.g. weekly check-ins)
• Ensure adherence to retailer-specific operational requirements

3. Marketplace & Channel Coordination

• Coordinate with marketplace partners and agencies (e.g. Amazon) on inventory and replenishment
• Align stock levels with demand forecasts
• Support wholesale and dropship order flows
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and sales support

4. Inventory Planning & International Freight

• Partner with finance to forecast inventory requirements
• Plan purchasing and replenishment based on demand and lead times
• Manage inbound and outbound freight logistics
• Oversee shipping documentation and customs processes
• Source cost-effective freight solutions

5. E-commerce & Dropship Oversight

• Oversee existing dropship workflows and identify inefficiencies
• Support operational consistency across direct-to-consumer channels
• Recommend automation and system improvements where appropriate

6. Process Optimisation & Cost Reduction

• Identify inefficiencies across all operational areas
• Implement systems, SOPs, and controls to improve performance
• Drive measurable cost savings across logistics and operations
• Stabilise fragmented or inconsistent workflows

7. Team Transition & Handover

• Document processes and build operational playbooks
• Support hiring or development of a junior operations resource
• Transition day-to-day execution once systems are stabilised

Who you are:

Background

• 6–10 years’ experience in operations, supply chain, or logistics
• Experience in both direct-to-consumer (DTC) and wholesale/retail environments
• Hands-on experience working with major retailers (EDI, compliance, chargebacks)
• Strong familiarity with 3PL warehouse management and freight logistics

Core Skills

• Strong cost control mindset with the ability to identify inefficiencies quickly
• Deep understanding of shipping, packaging, and carrier pricing
• Confident managing external partners and challenging where needed
• Experience with multi-region inventory planning
• Comfortable operating in imperfect or evolving systems

Retail & Systems Experience

• Experience with EDI/ADI systems and retailer workflows
• Marketplace coordination (e.g. Amazon or similar platforms)
• Understanding of e-commerce platforms (e.g. Shopify) and dropship models
• Experience handling chargebacks and retailer disputes

Working Style

• Independent and decisive
• Structured and process-driven
• Comfortable with ambiguity and building from incomplete systems
• Focused on solving problems and driving improvement (not maintaining status quo)

Role Structure & Time Commitment

Phase 1: Stabilisation (First 2 Months)

• 15–25 hours per week
• Deep operational dive across logistics, retail ops, and inventory
• Focus on fixing core issues and establishing control

Phase 2: Optimisation (Month 3)

• ~10 hours per week
• Improve margins, negotiate contracts, and document processes

Phase 3: Ongoing Oversight

• ~5 hours per week
• Support team transition and provide strategic oversight

Success Metrics

• Reduction in warehouse and shipping costs
• Improved invoice accuracy and cost visibility
• Decrease in chargebacks and operational errors
• Stronger inventory turnover and availability
• Stable, documented processes ready for delegation

What This Role Is Not

• Not a junior or entry-level operations role
• Not a purely executional position
• Not a long-term full-time hire at this stage

This role is a remote, fractional contractor opportunity, and we need someone who can start immediately.

The role will be paid at an hourly rate

You need to have your own home office set up

Please read the requirements carefully