Yard Operations Manager - Outbound Logistics (VCK)

Let's introduce ourselves

In Outbound Logistics at Volvo Cars, we make sure every finished vehicle reaches its destination safely, efficiently, and in perfect condition. Our work spans the full outbound flow, from coordinating vehicle handovers worldwide to safeguarding transport quality — always with a focus on operational excellence and customer satisfaction. 

Within this journey, Yard Operations plays a central role. Our teams plan, position, and prepare vehicles for transport, ensuring efficient staging, optimal space use, and smooth handovers to road, rail, and sea carriers. Supported by digital tools, we create fast, accurate, and organized flows that keep the outbound chain running seamlessly. 

Working closely with our Port and Quality colleagues, we ensure zero‑defect vehicle handling through strong quality processes and damage‑prevention standards, protecting every car from plant to customer. 

Together, Outbound Logistics and Yard Operations contribute to Volvo Cars’ commitment to continuous improvement, sustainability, and a premium customer experience — long before a vehicle reaches its new owner.

What you'll do

The Yard Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost effective management of finished vehicle yard operations, with a strong focus on train loading activities, operational quality, team leadership, and delivery against financial and service performance targets. The role ensures seamless end to end flow of vehicles through the yard while maintaining high customer satisfaction and compliance with OEM, rail, and logistics standards.

Operational Management
•    Lead daily yard operations, including vehicle receiving, storage, movements, and dispatch.
•    Oversee and optimize train loading and unloading processes, ensuring accuracy, safety, and schedule adherence.
•    Coordinate with rail operators, transport providers, and internal logistics teams to ensure operational continuity.
•    Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase yard throughput, reduce congestion, and optimize space utilization.
Quality & Compliance
•    Ensure strict adherence to OEM quality standards, vehicle handling procedures, and damage prevention guidelines.
•    Monitor, report, and address quality deviations, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
•    Maintain compliance with safety legislation, environmental policies, and operational regulations.

Financial & Budget Accountability
•    Own and manage the operational budget, including cost forecasting and monthly performance reviews.
•    Identify and implement cost efficient practices without compromising safety or quality.
•    Track and manage KPIs related to cost, throughput, productivity, and rail performance.

People Leadership
•    Lead, coach, and develop yard staff, including supervisors, coordinators, and operational teams.
•    Foster a high performance culture with strong focus on engagement, collaboration, and accountability.
•    Ensure adequate staffing, training, succession planning, and competence development.
•    Promote a safety first culture across all shifts and teams.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management
•    Act as the primary operational point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
•    Represent yard operations in cross functional meetings, audits, and improvement forums.
•    Communicate clearly and effectively across teams, ensuring transparency and alignment on priorities.
•    Drive strategic initiatives such as automation, process standardization, and digital transformation.
•    Have a unique chance to build up a entire organization from scratch.

What you'll bring

Required Qualifications & Experience
•    5+ years of experience in finished vehicle logistics, supply chain, automotive, port/terminal, or rail operations.
•    Proven experience in yard management, terminal operations, or train loading supervision.
•    Demonstrated success in managing budgets and driving cost efficiencies.
•    Strong track record in leading operational teams in a fast paced environment.
•    Solid understanding of quality systems, damage control processes, and operational KPIs.
•    Experience working with digital yard systems, Yard Management System (YMS) and vehicle tracking systems (preferred).

Key Skills & Competencies
•    Leadership & People Management: Ability to lead and inspire teams across shifts.
•    Operational Excellence: Strong problem solving mindset; continuous improvement orientation.
•    Communication: Clear, structured communication across all stakeholder levels.
•    Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret operational data, identify trends, and make decisions quickly.
•    Safety & Quality Focus: Commitment to safe operations and zero defect vehicle handling.
•    Collaboration: Proven ability to work cross functionally in a complex logistics environment.

Personal Attributes
•    Proactive, hands on, and decisive.
•    Comfortable working both strategically and operationally on the yard floor.
•    High integrity and strong ownership mindset.
•    Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure and fluctuating demand.
•    Language skills. Excellent listening, speaking, writing, and presentation skills in Slovak and English.

Compensation Data

Base Monthly Salary (Gross) for this position starts from 3.200 EUR. 

* The salary amount represents the minimum guaranteed amount of the basic salary component applicable to the job. Final salary is negotiable and will be adjusted in accordance with seniority level and previous experience of candidate. 
  
Additional benefits: 

• Summer & Winter Pay;
• Annual Volvo Bonus depending on performance and company's financial results;
• Company car with a monthly fuel benefit;
• Contribution for Supplementary Pension Savings (lll. Pillar);
• Cafeteria Benefit Program;
• Contribution for meals exceeding legal requirements;
• Compensation for dioptric glasses & contact lenses beyond the legal requirements;
• Life insurance for cases of loss of life, disability, work injury;
• Flexible working hours.