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.S. import, logistics, and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience working with external partners and within global matrix organizations.
Leadership Profile
- Strategic thinker with strong execution bias.
- Commercially aware, understanding how operations enable growth and customer success.
- Comfortable operating with ambiguity and making decisions early.
- Credible, calm, and confident at leadership‑team level.\
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
Pay
The compensation range for this position is based on several factors, including location, experience, and education. The salary range for this role is $140,000–$160,000 and is bonus eligible.
Benefits
- Health, dental, vision, and 401k with company match
- Generous PTO package
- Performance bonus
- Flexible working hours, we are a big advocate of a good work-life balance.
Our work environment
- Cloetta is an international, but personal organization. As an individual you can really make a difference and are heard here.
- A global network of impressive colleagues to share expertise, learn from, grow, and partner with.
- We are driven to be the best and are constantly growing. We all want to make a real difference to the company and create new and smart ways to win.
- We give you the freedom needed to carry out your responsibilities so that you can implement your own ideas and make a real impact on the business.
If you have made it to the end and this sounds like you – then we look forward to receiving your application!