Location: Southeast Germany (Bavaria)
Reporting line: Head of Supply Chain / Operations
Scope: Multi-site manufacturing network, Germany-wide responsibility
Role overview:
A vertically integrated industrial manufacturer with energy-intensive chemical production is seeking a Head of Logistics & Transport to lead logistics execution across its German manufacturing network.
The company operates multiple closely connected production sites with a high degree of vertical integration. Logistics is therefore a core operational function, directly impacting production stability, safety, and cost competitiveness.
Key Responsibilities:
Logistics Strategy & Execution
* Own and execute the logistics and transport strategy for Germany in close alignment with production and supply chain leadership
* Act as process owner for logistics standards, governance, and performance management
* Drive continuous improvement across safety, reliability, cost, and sustainability
Inbound, Internal & Outbound Logistics
* End-to-end responsibility for:
* Inbound bulk raw materials
* Inter-site logistics between manufacturing locations
* Outbound distribution of bulk and packaged products
* Ensure logistics execution is fully aligned with production planning and operational constraints
Transport & Service Provider Management
* Manage road and rail transport networks, including carrier and terminal relationships
* Lead tenders, contract negotiations, and ongoing performance reviews
* Ensure resilience through contingency planning and alternative routing
Compliance, Safety & Risk Management
* Full accountability for dangerous goods compliance (road and rail)
* Close coordination with EHS, Quality, and Regulatory functions
* Ensure audit readiness and adherence to internal and external standards
Leadership & Interfaces
* Functional leadership of site-based logistics and transport teams
* Strong plant-facing presence and collaboration with:
* Production
* Engineering & Maintenance
* Utilities / Energy
* Act as key logistics interface to central supply chain planning
Digitalisation & Performance
* Ownership of logistics-related ERP/SAP processes
* Define, track, and improve KPIs (OTIF, cost-to-serve, safety, service reliability)
* Support logistics digitalisation and data transparency initiatives
Candidate Profile:
Experience
* Senior logistics or transport leadership experience within:
* Chemical manufacturing
* Specialty chemicals
* Energy-intensive industrial environments
* Proven exposure to bulk and hazardous materials logistics
* Experience operating in regulated, safety-critical settings
Expertise
* Strong understanding of:
* Road and rail logistics
* Dangerous goods regulations
* Plant-integrated logistics operations
* Comfortable balancing hands-on execution with strategic improvement
Leadership Style
* Structured, pragmatic, and execution-focused
* Credible with production and technical stakeholders
* Experienced working in German industrial environments
Languages
* German: fluent
* English: business fluent