Logistics Specialist

The Role

The Logistics Specialist is the business unit’s primary logistics representative for a defined set of locations and assigned modes, with end‑to‑end operational accountability for the performance of logistics service providers. You will manage and drive supplier performance, acting as the subject‑matter expert for internal and external stakeholders on all operational topics, while ensuring delivery reliability, cost‑effective execution and regulatory compliance. The Specialist continually monitors and diagnoses performance trends and KPIs, leads root‑cause analyses and implements robust corrective actions with cross‑functional partners. As an operational SAP expert, you will provide first‑line troubleshooting and support Procurement during tender implementation and strategic‑sourcing activities. You may lead or support continuous‑improvement and network‑optimization projects and will be a key contributor to the digitization and process transformation within logistics.

The role reports to the EMEA Logistics Operations Manager.

This position is for Rotterdam, The Netherlands or Ghent, Belgium.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Operationally responsible for the assigned business unit and mode (Road, Intermodal, Warehousing &Terminals), ensuring logistics operations align with business needs and service expectations.
• Monitor, analyse and diagnose logistics performance trends (KPIs, OTIF, lead times, cost per ton, claims, incidents) and deliver improvement plans; ensure actions are implemented and benefits realised.
• Expert in operational execution in SAP, as well as first-line trouble shooting and understands the integration needed to have Logistics Service Providers successfully operate. Custodian for SAP accuracy on the order-level.
• Own end‑to‑end oversight of our Logistics Service Provider’s performance for the assigned mode; set clear expectations, monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions to meet service and cost targets.
• Manages the NC and complain system. Lead root cause analyses for service failures or incidents and coordinate cross‑functional remediation with Supply Chain, Procurement, Site Operations, Customer Service and external partners.
• Diagnoses trends, identifies improvement opportunities and implements solutions in coordination with stakeholders.
• Manages supplier scorecards and standard operating procedures, and ensures corrective actions are implemented where improvements are necessary. 
• Evaluates service with an understanding on the impacts of costs to businesses and offers options to improve performance. 
• Support procurement and sourcing activities for tenders and contract implementations by translating commercial terms into operational KPIs and acceptance criteria.
• Identify cost saving opportunities through process improvement, network or route optimisation, and supplier negotiation; support implementation of savings initiatives.
• Provide regular performance reporting to stakeholders and maintain strong working relationships across internal functions and external vendors.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree
• Experience in logistics or supply chain roles preferred
• Track record in operational excellence, SOP development, safety & compliance and supplier management
• Experience with SAP (or similar ERP systems); strong MS Office skills
• Languages: Fluent English (verbal and written)
• Personal attributes: High ownership and bias for action, collaborative cross-functional communicator, strong analytical mindset, decisive under pressure, able to prioritize multiple activities and influence without direct authority, and able to work with accuracy and precision.

#LIGhent; #LIRotterdam

Enabling Competencies

• Operational drive and execution focus
• Results orientation and accountability
• Critical thinking & problem solving
• Customer focus
• Influence & collaboration — builds constructive relationships across functions and with suppliers.
• Decision making under uncertainty
• Continuous improvement mindset — identifies opportunities and follows through implementation.