Head of Application Development

Yusen Logistics Group; Antwerpen; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Strategic leadership role

International matrix environment

Career growth opportunities

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Yusen Logistics seeks a Head of Application Development Europe to lead strategy, governance and delivery of the European portfolio, covering Data, Integration, Software Development, Automation & AI, and Digital Products.

You will ensure secure, scalable applications aligned with IT strategy, acting as a trusted partner to business stakeholders and guiding the evolution of the European application landscape.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading business-critical application development functions in a complex, multi-country environment.
• Strong expertise in Data, Integration, Automation & AI, Software Development and Digital Products.
• Solid knowledge of ERP, WMS, TMS, cloud platforms (Azure/GCP), DevOps, CI/CD and API management.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex topics for diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Proven experience in stakeholder management, change leadership and talent development.
• Resilience and the ability to stay effective under pressure and during transformation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the European Application Development strategy and roadmap across all domains.
• Direct planning, prioritisation and delivery of changes, upgrades and improvement initiatives.
• Balance business demand, resource capacity, technology risks and budgets.
• Represent the function to operational, commercial and IT stakeholders with clear executive reporting.
• Ensure applications are secure, stable, resilient and aligned with continuity requirements.
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes and optimise costs.
• Oversee major cross-functional projects and champion Agile, DevOps and Product Management practices.
• Lead and develop a high-performing European team with clear roles and collaboration.

Skills

Lead application development

Multi-country leadership

Data, Integration, AI

ERP/WMS/TMS knowledge

Cloud platforms (Azure/GCP)

DevOps / CI/CD / API

Stakeholder management

Talent development

Job description

About Yusen Logistics

Yusen Logistics is working to become the world’s preferred supply chain logistics company. Our complete offer is designed to forge better connections between businesses, customers and communities – through innovative supply chain management, freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution services. As a company we’re dedicated to a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring everyone who works with us is committed, connected and creative in making us the world’s preferred choice.

www.yusen-logistics.com/

Role Overview

As Head of Application Development Europe, you will lead the strategy, governance and delivery of the European Application Development portfolio, covering Data, Integration, Software Development, Automation & AI, and Digital Products.

This role plays a pivotal part in shaping Yusen’s future digital landscape. You will ensure that application capabilities are secure, scalable and aligned with business and IT strategy, enabling operational excellence and supporting customer commitments. As a senior IT leader, you will act as a trusted partner to business stakeholders, oversee strategic investments, and guide the evolution of our application ecosystem across Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the European Application Development strategy and roadmap across all domains.
• Direct the planning, prioritisation and delivery of application changes, upgrades and improvement initiatives.
• Balance business demand, resource capacity, technology risks and budget constraints.
• Represent the Application Development function to operational, commercial and IT stakeholders, providing clear executive reporting.
• Ensure applications are stable, secure, resilient and aligned with continuity and security requirements.
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes, consolidate systems and optimise costs.
• Oversee major cross-functional projects and champion Agile, DevOps and Product Management practices.
• Lead and develop a high-performing European team, ensuring strong collaboration, clear roles and future-ready capabilities.

What You Will Bring To The Role

• Extensive experience leading business-critical Application Development functions in a complex, multi-country environment.
• Strong expertise in Data, Integration, Automation & AI, Software Development and Digital Products.
• Solid knowledge of enterprise applications (ERP, WMS, TMS), cloud platforms (Azure/GCP), DevOps, CI/CD and API management.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical topics for diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving ability and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Proven experience in stakeholder management, change leadership and talent development.
• Resilience and the ability to remain effective under pressure and during transformation.

What We Offer

• A strategic leadership role within a European IT organisation focused on digital transformation and innovation.
• The opportunity to shape a future-ready application landscape with direct impact on business performance.
• Collaboration with experienced professionals in an international matrix environment.
• The chance to build and develop high-performing teams and modern delivery practices.
• Competitive compensation and career growth opportunities within a global organisation.

Why Join Us?

At Yusen Logistics you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects, work alongside talented professionals, and grow your career in an environment that values innovation, accountability, and collaboration.

At Yusen Logistics, we understand the value of utilising AI and other technologies to support the application process. However, we encourage candidates to use these tools to enhance their application rather than replace their own effort and authenticity. During the interview process, we expect responses to reflect your own experience, thinking and capabilities.

Yusen Logistics is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and make our recruitment decisions based solely on skills, experience and potential. Diversity enables us to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and grow.