3PL Operations Manager

3PL operations manager

Position Overview

The 3PL Manager owns Nebius's network of external warehouses and the performance of the 3PL partners who run them. The role ensures that high-value data center hardware stored and handled by third parties is received, stored, picked and shipped to the same standard as in Nebius-operated sites.

The manager controls 3PL operations through SLAs, KPIs, audits and system data, coordinates daily flows between 3PLs and internal teams (Transport, Planning, Back Office, ITDC, Security), and drives cost, compliance and continuous improvement across all external locations.

Key Responsibilities

3PL Network & Partner Management

Manage the portfolio of external warehouses and 3PL partners across EMEA/US/APAC.

Own contracts, SLAs and rate cards together with Procurement and Legal; prepare renewals and renegotiations.

Run monthly operational reviews and quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with each 3PL; agree and track improvement plans.

Act as the primary escalation point for 3PL partners and for internal teams on 3PL-related issues.

Operations Control

Set and enforce operating standards for 3PLs: receiving, put-away, storage, picking, packing, dispatch and returns (RMA).

Ensure 3PLs follow Nebius SOPs for handling heavy, fragile, high-value equipment (racks, GPU servers, HSM devices).

Monitor daily operational performance through WMS data, reports and site visits; act on deviations.

Lead root-cause analysis of incidents (damage, loss, mis-shipments, delays) and follow corrective and preventive actions to closure.

Inventory Control & Audits

Ensure inventory accuracy at external sites: cycle counts, annual stock takes and reconciliation with ERP/WMS.

Organise periodic on-site audits and inspections of 3PL warehouses (process, security, safety, documentation).

Coordinate with Back Office on stock discrepancies, adjustments and asset records.

Support internal and external (SOX) audits for inventory held by third parties.

Coordination with Internal Teams

Align inbound and outbound volumes with Logistics Planning and Transport so 3PLs have capacity and labour in time.

Coordinate with ITDC and Project Managers on staging, kitting and release of hardware to data center sites.

Work with Security on access control, CCTV, pre-arrival information and secure-storage requirements at 3PL sites.

Ensure accurate and timely data exchange between 3PL systems and Nebius ERP/WMS (integrations, ASNs, stock reports).

Cost Management

Own the 3PL budget: storage, handling, value-added services and accessorial charges.

Validate 3PL invoices against contracts and actual activity together with Back Office; resolve disputes.

Track cost per pallet / rack / movement and identify savings through consolidation, space optimisation and renegotiation.

Network Development: Onboarding & Exit

Assess needs for new external storage based on DC expansion plans and capacity forecasts.

Lead 3PL selection (RFI/RFQ, site assessment) with Procurement and onboard new partners: SOPs, system setup, training, go-live.

Manage 3PL exits and stock transfers with zero loss and full traceability.

Compliance & Risk

Ensure 3PL operations meet security, safety, insurance and customs requirements (e.g. bonded storage where applicable).

Maintain audit-ready documentation on contracts, SLAs, audits and incidents.

Identify operational and dependency risks in the 3PL network and maintain contingency plans.

Team Leadership

Lead 3PL / External Warehouse Specialists as the function scales; set priorities, onboard and develop them.

Define workflows, responsibilities and escalation paths between the 3PL team, Warehouse Operations and Transport.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

KPI

Definition

SLA compliance

% of 3PL SLA targets met (dock-to-stock, order cycle time, on-time dispatch)

Inventory accuracy

% match between 3PL physical stock and Nebius ERP/WMS

Incident rate

Damage, loss and mis-shipment cases per 1,000 movements

CAPA closure

% of corrective actions closed by due date

Audit results

Score / findings from 3PL on-site audits and SOX tests

Cost per unit

3PL cost per pallet / rack / movement vs. budget

Invoice accuracy

% of 3PL invoices matching contract and activity without dispute

Expectations

Autonomy: Full ownership of the 3PL network and partner performance; escalates contract, budget and major-risk decisions.

Impact: Directly affects hardware availability, inventory accuracy and warehousing cost across all external sites.

Leadership: Leads 3PL specialists and steers partner teams without direct authority.

Travel: Regular trips to 3PL sites for audits, reviews and onboarding.

Work Mode: Hybrid, with regular presence at key logistics sites.