Head of Global Logistics

Westfalia Fruit; Tonbridge and Malling; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Westfalia Fruit seeks a Head of Global Logistics to steer and execute their global logistics strategy. This role demands a strong leader with extensive experience in logistics management, specifically within the fresh produce sector, to ensure seamless product movement and high service standards while driving sustainability initiatives. The position is hybrid, offering flexibility alongside competitive benefits, including 25 days holiday and private medical insurance.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Life Insurance

Private medical insurance

Company pension plan

Medicash plan

Discretionary bonus

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior logistics or supply chain leadership roles.
• Track record in managing international logistics and temperature-controlled environments.
• Strong financial acumen with budget ownership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead global logistics strategy and execution.
• Design and optimise logistics network from grower to customer.
• Manage and negotiate with 3PLs and logistics providers.

Skills

Leadership

Logistics Management

Strategic Planning

Customer Focus

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations, Business Administration

Tools

TMS

ERP systems (e.g., SAP, D365)

Supply Chain Analytics Tools

Job description

Come and join the leading #avoexperts

Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.

We’re looking for a Head of Global Logistics to join our team at Westfalia Fruit.

The Head of Logistics leads global logistics strategy and execution, ensuring cost-effective, high-quality, and sustainable product movement from source to customer. This role drives service excellence across inbound, internal, and outbound operations, partnering cross-functionally to safeguard freshness and performance for retail and wholesale fresh produce markets.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the development and execution of a global logistics strategy aligned with business growth, service, and sustainability goals.
• Design and optimise the end-to-end logistics network from grower to customer across global markets.
• Oversee all transport operations, including ocean freight, warehousing, road distribution, and final-mile delivery.
• Ensure cold chain integrity, service reliability, and cost-efficiency across inbound, internal, and outbound freight flows.
• Collaborate with sourcing, operations, and commercial teams to align logistics with harvests and customer requirements.
• Act as a strategic partner to commercial teams, enhancing customer satisfaction through logistics excellence.
• Manage and negotiate with 3PLs, carriers, and logistics providers to improve service and reduce costs.
• Drive compliance with international transport regulations and lead sustainability initiatives across the network.
• Mitigate logistics risks with contingency planning, quality safeguards, and process controls.
• Build and lead a high-performing, globally connected logistics team with strong succession and development plans.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations, Business Administration or a related field.
• Proven experience in progressively senior logistics or supply chain leadership roles, preferably in the fresh produce, food, or FMCG sectors.
• Proven track record managing international logistics, multimodal freight (sea, air, road), and temperature-controlled environments.
• Experience in developing 3PL and carrier partnerships and managing global distribution networks.
• Experience in creating and co-ordinating an integrated global logistics operation from locally managed operations.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively run logistics operations which are not yet utilising advanced systems, combined with experience in logistics systems implementation and needs definition.
• Experience with TMS (Transportation Management Systems), ERP systems (SAP, D365), and supply chain analytics tools.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget ownership, cost modelling, and freight contract negotiation.
• Understanding of customs, import/export regulations, and Incoterms across international markets.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong leadership presence, with the ability to build trust at all levels internally and externally.
• Customer driven, in every aspect of their work.
• Ability to get creative and find practical solutions to business problems, whilst ensuring they are commercially viable.

• Hybrid working (3/4 days on-site and 1/2 day working from home).
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays.
• Life Insurance.
• Private medical insurance.
• Company pension plan.
• Medicash plan.
• Discretionary bonus.

Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.