Physical Distribution Manager
Nairobi, Kenya
The engine behind the beauty.
Getting 7 billion products to 150 countries is a complex puzzle. You won’t just be tracking shipments. You’ll be working with real-time forecasting, AI inventory systems, and automated warehouses across 180 global sites. Your focus? Moving products through 8 distribution channels efficiently, while figuring out how to strip carbon out of the entire process. It’s highly technical, the pace is fast, and the expectations are high. If you like solving real operational problems at scale, you'll fit right in.
Skills you'll sharpen here
- Global problem-solving
- Data-driven decision making
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Sustainable practices
- Agile project management
- Leadership & influence
As well as these, L'Oréal employees are upksilled in AI fluency, data fluency, and critical thinking.
Inside the operation
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You’ll work in a fast-paced
'test and learn' environment where you are empowered to make high-stakes decisions in real time. We celebrate entrepreneurship, and agility is how we navigate the market.
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You won't just manage flows - you’ll pioneer the future of distribution.
Expect to work with AI, Big Data, and advanced robotics to build a predictive, ultra-connected supply chain.
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Your mission is dual:
drive economic performance while taking radical environmental responsibility. From running carbon-neutral warehouses to designing sustainable packaging loops, you’ll actively reduce our planetary footprint.
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You’ll accelerate your career with a global leader in supply chain sophistication.
We consistently rank in the Gartner Top 10 worldwide for our innovation and operational mastery.
Physical Distribution Manager
Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Physical Distribution Manager - Operations
Hello, we're L'Oréal. We're not just building brands; we're shaping how the world experiences beauty (and it takes a lot of cool jobs to do it). Intrigued? Keep reading, this might be the opportunity you've been searching for. When you look at L’Oréal, what do you see? If all you see is make-up, look again and experience the Freedom to go Beyond the ordinary. That’s the beauty of L’Oréal. We are well on our way to fulfilling our common purpose: To create the beauty that moves the world.
A Day in the Life:
You will oversee the management of all the physical flows (inbound & outbound), and third-party logistics (3PL) providers to ensure seamless operations across all supply chain activities. Reporting to the Operations Director, you will play a critical role in optimizing logistics performance, ensuring cost efficiency, and maintaining high service levels and quality standards while adhering to strict internal controls.
Here’s what you’ll be doing:
- Oversee and manage relationships with third-party logistics providers (Distribution Center, Transportation and Customs agents), ensuring compliance with service level agreements (SLAs) and operational standards.
- Drive efficiency & effectiveness in warehousing, transportation, and distribution processes to meet the business objectives.
- Track and analyze the Physical Distribution performance metrics in all areas including the Distribution Center, Transportation, Customs, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
- Ensure cost optimization across all logistics activities while maintaining high service levels and quality standards.
- Work closely with supply chain, customer service, operations teams and business partners to align logistics strategies with business goals.
- Address and resolve logistics challenges, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
- Ensure all logistics activities comply with local regulations, safety standards, and L’Oréal’s sustainability goals.
- Lead continuous improvement across our physical distribution footprint, integrating Industry 4.0 standards and sustainable logistics practices aligned with L'Oréal for the Future commitments.
- Collaborate with supply chain, customer service, and commercial teams to navigate logistical challenges, maintain supply continuity and align logistics strategies with business goals.
We Are Looking For:
This role requires a proactive leader with strong expertise in logistics and DC management, supplier management, customs, and operational excellence. You bring a collaborative leadership approach and operational rigor.
Requirements:
- Supply Chain & Logistics Mastery: Proven extensive track record steering physical distribution, warehousing, inventory flows, transportation operations, Customs, Quality & Safety Management, preferably in FMCG or a related industry (5+ years).
- Supplier Relationship Management: Solid experience negotiating and holding 3PL providers and customs partners accountable to performance metrics.
- Financial & Cost Optimisation: Capability to build, manage, and control operational logistics budgets while maintaining high service standards.
- Digital & Systems Fluency: Practical proficiency working with ERP platforms, specifically SAP, alongside advanced data analysis skills.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Demonstrated ability to align cross-functional stakeholders and resolve complex supply bottlenecks calmly.
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
What's in it for You:
- A place for you to leave your comfort zone and grow beyond your potential (here, you'll be encouraged to try new things and take risks!)
- Real responsibility from day 1, there's no sitting on the sidelines at L'Oréal
- An environment where people of every ethnicity, social background, age, religion, gender and sexual orientation as well as people with disabilities are accepted, can speak up, will thrive and are celebrated!
- A place where you can contribute to something bigger! Many of our brands have societal/environmental causes to make a concrete difference
Who We Are
You will join a dynamic team of operational leaders where your autonomy and initiative drive tangible impact. In Operations, we design, develop, source, manufacture, and distribute products across 158 fulfilment centres globally, championing sustainability and continuous innovation. L’Oréal is present in 150 markets on five continents. For more than a century, L’Oréal has devoted itself solely to ‘Create beauty that moves the world’; it is now the industry world leader with over €42 billion consolidated sales. Together, we solve complex challenges at scale while making sure we stay committed to making the world a more inclusive and better place for everyone and our planet.
We’re committed to guaranteeing inclusive recruitment processes and to advocating for hiring and promoting each candidate in an ethical and equitable way. The Group strictly prohibits discrimination against any applicant for employment because of the individual’s gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, visible and/or invisible disabilities, socio-economic and/or multicultural origins, health conditions, age, religion, or any other characteristics protected by law. Wondering how AI is integrated in our L'Oréal recruitment process? Find practical information and advice in our AI Charter. Ready to apply? careers.loreal.com is the official trusted website.
- Reference number: 257448
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Date posted: 10/06/2026
- Employment type: Full-time
- Professional field: Operations
- Type of contract: Permanent
- Fulfillment
AI Charter: our pact
Why a Pact? At L’Oréal, innovation has been in our DNA for over 115 years. As we invent the future of beauty, we see Artificial Intelligence as a powerful co-pilot, with the firm belief that technology must always serve people. This pact is our commitment to you: we want to be transparent about how we use AI during the recruitment journey, and we invite you to use it in a way that showcases your unique talents. Above all, we believe in a journey that is ethical, transparent, and human.
View our AI Charter (opens in new window)Related content
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How we reached 100% Renewable Energy
With commitment and resilience, site by site, our teams transitioned all of our operating offices, factories, research centres, stores and distribution centres world wide to renewable energy in 2025. This shows what can be achieved within our own footprint and is a major milestone for our teams, creating momentum for what comes next in our sustainability journey.
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Gartner Announces 2026 Rankings of the Global Supply Chain Top 25
Gartner has released its 2026 Global Supply Chain Top 25 rankings, once again recognizing L'Oréal as a world-class leader for its operational excellence and commitment to building a resilient, sustainable, and consumer-centric supply chain.
What our people say
Supply Chain doesn’t work alone..We are supported by an ecosystem of partners, suppliers helping us be more innovation, creative, constantly pushing our boundaries.
Gauthier - S&OP manager, La Roche-Posay
What we bring to the table
Please note: The exact benefits can vary depending on your country.
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A Competitive Salary to Secure Your Talent
Our Share & Care commitment ensures you receive a competitive monthly salary that stands out locally, recognizing your contribution to our success.
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Your Health & Well-being First
You'll have access to medical coverage and a range of wellness resources, including mental health support, to ensure you feel your best.
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Unlock Your Potential
From day one, you get full access to our global learning platform with over 10,000 courses to build the skills for your future career.
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Flexibility for a Balanced Life
Find your perfect balance. We offer a hybrid work model and flexible arrangements, so you can manage your professional and personal life effectively throughout your career.
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The Ultimate L'Oréal Experience
Get generous discounts on our entire portfolio of iconic brands and be the first to try our latest product innovations.
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Thriving Community
Enjoy a dynamic work environment designed for connection and growth. From modern, collaborative offices to exciting social events, you'll be part of an ultra-connected network.
Think you’d be a great fit? We’d love to see you apply.
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