Leiter Logistik & Transport (m/w/d)

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:

• 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
• Utilities / Energy
• Act as key logistics interface to central supply chain planning
• 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