DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is the world leader in air freight services and one of the leading providers of ocean freight services. Around 30,000 employees work to ensure we transport our customers of shipments by air or sea. DGF's logistics solutions span the entire supply chain, from the factory to the shop floor. This also includes special transport-related services.
As the experts in freight forwarding, we deliver 100% assurance to our customers via a mindset that’s always looking ahead to the next commercial opportunity, predicting the next potential issue, anticipating the next global trend.
Because at DHL Global Forwarding, Freight, we’re not simply about freight forwarding. We’re about forward-thinking ways to connect people – and improve their lives.
Job purpose
Experienced operations executive with deep expertise in mission-critical logistics for hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data centers. Proven ability to design, scale, and lead complex operational networks supporting data center construction, deployment, expansion, and lifecycle maintenance. Recognized for delivering reliable, no-fail operations in environments where precision, security, and speed are essential. Combines strategic operational leadership with hands-on execution to ensure consistent service excellence, customer trust, and scalable growth across global data center programs.
Principal accountabilities
* Operational Strategy & Execution
Develops and executes regional and global operational strategies supporting data center logistics across customer segments and deployment phases.
* Mission-Critical Service Delivery
Ensures on-time, secure, compliant delivery of high-value and sensitive equipment, with rigorous chain-of-custody and site compliance standards.
* Zero-Failure Operating Mindset
Leads operations in environments where delays, losses, or downtime carry disproportionate financial and reputational impact for customers.
* Cross-Functional Leadership
Partners closely with Commercial, Engineering, Project Logistics, Warehousing, Transportation, and Customer teams to deliver integrated end-to-end solutions.
* Quality, Safety & Compliance Leadership
Champions safety culture, service quality, regulatory compliance, and customer-specific site protocols across all operations.
* Scalability & Continuous Improvement
Builds standardized, repeatable operational models while driving process optimization to support rapid industry growth.
* Global Standards with Local Execution
Establishes global SOPs and playbooks while enabling flexibility to meet local regulations, site rules, and customer-specific requirements.
* Operational Visibility & Control Towers
Implements end-to-end visibility, milestone tracking, and exception management for multi-site, high-volume deployment programs.
* Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
Acts as senior operational point of contact for hyperscalers and colos, building trust through transparency, responsiveness, and delivery excellence.
* Own pricing strategy and competitiveness for Data Center Logistics customers, ensuring bids are thorough, market-aligned, and win-oriented across all major pursuits.
* Serve as the pricing and commercial subject-matter expert for hyperscaler, colocation, and enterprise data center customers, deeply understanding how these customers buy, bid, and scale.
* Lead and govern complex global RFQs, working in close partnership with Global RFQ teams to shape win strategies, bid positioning, and commercial assumptions.
* Integrate solution design into pricing, partnering tightly with operations, engineering, and control leaders to ensure executable, cost-accurate, and differentiated offers.
* Ensure pricing discipline and consistency, applying governance, benchmarks, and competitive intelligence across regions and deployment models.
* Balance competitiveness with margin integrity, stress-testing assumptions, risks, and execution trade-offs before submission.
* Continuously refine pricing playbooks, rate cards, and bid frameworks based on market feedback, win/loss insights, and customer evolution.
* Accelerate sector penetration and share of wallet, expanding from project wins into multi-year, multi-country commercial partnerships.
* Manage above in a matrix, XBU environment across multiple stakeholders
Required Skills & Capabilities
* Decisive, high-energy leader capable of navigating rapid growth and operational complexity.
* Strong governance mindset with disciplined focus on safety, quality, and SLA adherence.
* Exceptional communicator able to engage technical teams and executive stakeholders.
* Skilled at building scalable operating models, optimizing cost structures, and improving service reliability.
* Adept at change leadership, driving adoption of new processes, tools, and technologies.
* Hands-on problem solver with strong crisis and escalation management capabilities.
* Committed to building and developing specialized, data-center–ready operational talent.
Experience & Other Requirements
* 12–15+ years in logistics, operations, supply chain, or mission-critical environments, with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles.
* Deep experience managing complex field operations, technical deployments, secure transport, and construction logistics.
* Proven success supporting data center builds, expansions, rack deployments, critical spares logistics, and on-site staging and installation workflows.
* Strong background managing multi-site teams, vendors, project-based operations, and performance-driven service environments.
* Experience working directly with hyperscalers, data center operators, or mission-critical infrastructure providers is highly preferred.
Location
Bonn and flexible
RCS Grade
H
Your benefits
We offer excellent employee benefits, a competitive salary package and great development opportunities.
* Positive work environment: Our TOP EMPLOYER prestigious certification attests to our best-in-class efforts to attract and retain talent by fostering a positive work environment and encouraging personal and professional development among employees
* Comprehensive Benefits Package: We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plans, social counseling, generous corporate discount programs and other employee wellbeing programs.
* Global Exposure: Joining DHL Global Forwarding means being part of a truly global organization, providing you with the opportunity to work with diverse teams and gain exposure to international markets and practices.
* Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and we strive to provide a flexible work environment.
* Continuous Learning and Development: We invest in our employees' growth by offering training programs, coaching, workshops, and resources to enhance your skills and knowledge.
* Onboarding: Individual onboarding, training on the job, networking, a dedicated certified program.
Interested in this position? Just click on “Apply”!
Are you curious to learn more about us?
Our official website: DHL Global Forwarding
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We are looking forward to your application.
DGF HR Team