Director Operations Logistics

Operations & Logistics Director - U.S.

LOCATION: United States, East Coast (Remote, with domestic travel)

REPORTS TO: U.S. Country Manager (Strong functional link to Global Operations & Supply Chain)

PART OF: U.S. Management Team (to be established) A core, founding member shaping Cloetta’s U.S. business from the ground up

TREAT YOURSELF, WORK WITH US

As Cloetta accelerates its expansion in the United States, we are building a dedicated U.S. management team to create a scalable, competitive, and compliant platform for long‑term growth.

Cloetta is Northern Europe’s leading confectionery company, with a portfolio of iconic brands and a long heritage of craftsmanship, quality, and joy. Having successfully entered the U.S. market, the next phase is to evolve from early setup into a robust, repeatable operating model that can support growth across customers, channels, and categories.

The Operations & Logistics Director – US is a senior, foundational leadership role in this journey. This is not about optimizing an existing structure — it is about designing, building, and scaling the operational backbone of Cloetta’s U.S. business. As a key member of the U.S. management team, you will help define how Cloetta operates, competes, and grows in one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets.

YOUR MISSION & THE IMPACT YOU’LL MAKE

As Operations & Logistics Director – US, your mission is to build and lead a viable, scalable U.S. operations and route‑to‑market setup that enables Cloetta’s commercial ambitions today and in the future.

You will:

• Act as the architect and owner of the U.S. operational model, from import and logistics through warehousing and customer delivery.
• Design a scalable setup capable of supporting growth in volume, customers, and channels.
• Ensure full U.S. regulatory compliance (FDA, FSMA, FSVP, customs) as a baseline requirement and license to operate.
• Serve as a core member of the U.S. management team, shaping how Cloetta operates in the U.S. alongside commercial and central leaders.
• Partner closely with central operations, supply chain, quality, and procurement to translate global standards into a fit‑for‑purpose U.S. reality.

This is a role for a builder — combining strategic design, senior judgment, and hands‑on leadership when required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Build the U.S. Operating & Route‑to‑Market Model

• Design and establish the end‑to‑end U.S. operational setup across import, logistics, warehousing, and distribution.
• Own and drive the operational route to market, ensuring reliability, service levels, and cost discipline.
• Select, structure, and manage key partners (3PLs, brokers, carriers) with scalability in mind.

Create a Scalable, Controlled Platform

• Implement operating models, governance, and SOPs that enable growth without loss of control.
• Anticipate future needs (volume growth, local co‑packing, new channels) and design accordingly.
• Transition the U.S. business from “setup mode” to repeatable, disciplined execution.

Embed Compliance as a Foundation

• Ensure full compliance with U.S. regulatory and food safety requirements.
• Serve as the senior operational interface for audits, inspections, and escalations.

Lead With and Through Central Functions

• Partner closely with global Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Procurement teams.
• Ensure alignment between global standards and U.S. execution.
• Represent U.S. operational needs in central decision‑making forums.

U.S. Leadership Contribution

• Be an active, shaping member of the U.S. management team.
• Bring structure, pace, and operational credibility to a growing organization.
• Support the broader U.S. growth agenda beyond operations alone.

WHO YOU ARE

You are a senior operations leader motivated by building business processes rather than inheriting them.

Experience & Background

• 8–12+ years of experience in operations, logistics, or supply chain within food, CPG, or other regulated consumer goods.
• Proven track record of building or scaling operating models, ideally in new markets or high‑growth environments.
• Strong, pragmatic understanding of U