Manager, Returns

Do you see a returned parcel as more than a cost? Do you naturally ask why it came back, and what it can teach us? A good coach studies every match, not just the wins. At hummel, we have been playing it differently since 1923. We are looking for people who do the same. ABOUT THE POSITION THE OPPORTUNITY At hummel, we have never played it safe. We are a challenger brand with over 100 years of history and the hunger of a team that still has something to prove. We do not chase size, we chase relevance, quality, and doing business in a way we are proud of. Today that means +1000 colleagues across six global subsidiaries, partnerships with 400+ clubs and federations, and across several global markets. Our headquarter is based in the Danish city of Aarhus, and we are backed by the ownership of Thornico Group. hummel Distribution Center opened in August 2022 and is the largest investment in hummel’s 100-year history. The Distribution Center covers 21,000 m² and is equipped with an AutoStore system with 97,000 bins and 100 Black Line robots. We serve 35 countries and all customer types: e-commerce, wholesale and retail. At our distribution center in Padborg, there are approximately 20 employees in administration and approximately 100 warehouse employees across the day, evening, night and weekend shifts. THE ROLE Every return tells a story – about a product, a customer, or a process. As Manager, Returns & Print, your job is to read those stories and turn them into better results. You will own the returns area end to end: from the moment a parcel arrives at our dock to the moment the customer is credited, and every insight in between. This is a role for someone who combines data with the floor. You will build the numbers that show us where we stand, and you will lead the people and processes that move them. You will work closely with Customer Service and the warehouse teams to make sure returns flow smoothly across the organization – not just through our building. Analyzing return reasons and turning insights into concrete action Reducing crediting time so our customers get their money back faster Improving productivity per employee in the returns department Developing KPIs and dashboards that give the whole organization a clear view of returns Automating registration and crediting processes Strengthening the flow between Returns, Customer Service and the warehouse Identifying quality issues with products or customers, and escalating them to the right people THE SCOREBOARD You will be measured on
- and help shape
- the following KPIs: Return rate (%) Crediting time Units handled per hour Complaint rate Backlog in the returns department Customer satisfaction with the return & print process MAKING THE TEAM We are looking for an analytical and hands‑on manager with solid experience from returns, warehouse or logistics operations – ideally in an automated environment. You are just as comfortable building a dashboard as you are standing on the floor with your team, and you know that real improvement happens when the two meet. YOU BRING Leadership experience from a similar role in logistics, warehouse or returns management A strong analytical mindset and experience working with data, KPIs and dashboards (e.g. Power BI or Excel) Experience with process optimization and LEAN An interest in automation and digital solutions The ability to build strong collaboration across departments A structured approach, with the overview to prioritize and the drive to follow through You are independent and take ownership You are proficient in Danish and English, both written and spoken. German is an advantage but not a requirement THE HUMMEL WAY We have been a challenger since 1923. Sport is how we think here. You will feel it in how people show up, how credit gets shared, and how problems get solved. In practice, that means four things. Own it , real responsibility from day one, no hiding behind process. Customer first , you build for needs, not internal comfort. Create with passion , we back people who challenge the way things are done. Collaborate to win , nobody scores alone, and when something lands, everyone knows who made it happen. WITH US YOU WILL GET The scope to shape the returns area and move it forward Plenty of professional challenges in your everyday work, along with a healthy work‑life balance A workplace where development and relationships are a priority A brand with over 100 years of history and a unique culture An active staff association called hummelbien that keeps your off‑pitch energy high Henrik Joachim Meinertz Head of hummel Distribution Center +4520403427 Department: hummel Distribution Center A/S About hummel The story of hummel A/S is the story of the bumblebee, who started to fly back in 1923. Since then, we have conquered the sports business and grown to be an international brand operating in more than 35 markets
- and together, we are on a mission to change the wor