About the Role
Cloetta, Northern Europe’s premier confectionery company and home to a portfolio of iconic brands, is accelerating its expansion into the United States. We are seeking a visionary Director of Operations & Logistics to serve as a founding member of our U.S. Management Team. This is a rare opportunity for a builder and a strategist to design the operational backbone of a global brand from the ground up. In this high-impact role, you will transition our U.S. presence from an early-stage setup into a robust, repeatable, and highly competitive operating model that supports long-term growth across all major retail channels.
As the primary architect of our U.S. route-to-market strategy, you will bridge the gap between Cloetta’s global excellence and the dynamic requirements of the American consumer market. Reporting to the U.S. Country Manager with a strong functional link to Global Operations, you will lead the charge in establishing a seamless supply chain—from international import and complex logistics to 3PL management and final customer delivery. We are looking for a senior leader who possesses the tactical expertise to manage regulatory compliance and the strategic foresight to scale operations at pace.
Key Responsibilities- Architect the U.S. Operating Model: Design and implement an end-to-end operational framework encompassing import, warehousing, and nationwide distribution.
- Strategic Partner Management: Identify, vet, and manage high-performance 3PLs, customs brokers, and freight carriers to ensure cost discipline and service excellence.
- Operational Governance: Establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and governance structures that allow for rapid volume growth without compromising quality or control.
- Regulatory Leadership: Act as the senior authority on U.S. regulatory compliance, ensuring full adherence to FDA, FSMA, FSVP, and customs requirements while managing audits and inspections.
- Global Integration: Serve as the vital link between U.S. commercial goals and central global functions, translating global supply chain standards into a fit-for-purpose domestic reality.
- Executive Leadership: Contribute as a core member of the U.S. Management Team, influencing overall business strategy, organizational culture, and long-term investment decisions.
- Extensive Industry Experience: 8–12+ years of leadership in operations, logistics, or supply chain management, specifically within the food, CPG, or highly regulated consumer goods sectors.
- Proven Track Record of Scaling: Demonstrated experience building or scaling operating models within new market entries or high-growth environments.
- Regulatory Mastery: Deep knowledge of U.S. import laws, FDA regulations, and food safety standards.
- Matrix Leadership: Ability to navigate and influence within a global matrix organization, balancing local speed with central alignment.
- Strategic Execution: A unique blend of high-level strategic thinking and a hands-on "builder" mentality; comfortable making critical decisions in ambiguous environments.
- Communication: Exceptional communication skills with the ability to present operational data as a strategic asset to executive stakeholders.
- Competitive Compensation: Annual salary range of $140,000–$160,000 plus performance-based bonus eligibility.
- Comprehensive Healthcare: Premium health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Future Security: 401k plan with a generous company matching contribution.
- Work-Life Harmony: Flexible remote working hours and a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package.
- Global Culture: Access to a worldwide network of experts and the freedom to implement your own ideas in a supportive, personal, and international environment.