Head of Transportation (m/f/d)

PHOENIX group - Integrated Healthcare Provider; Runcorn; On-site; GBP 129,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

PHOENIX group is seeking an experienced Head of Transport to lead our European Operations & Logistics Competence Centre. You will shape the transport strategy across 29 countries, drive cost optimization, and implement digitalization programs to enhance route optimization, track & trace, and freight verification.

You will partner with executive teams and cross-functional functions to ensure GDP-compliant, decarbonized transport across a 10,000-strong vehicle fleet, while developing talent in an

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in transportation, logistics or supply chain management, including leadership roles in international organizations.
• Strong understanding of transportation planning and routing optimization.
• Experience leading transformation and digitalization programs in transportation and logistics environments.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing large transportation budgets and KPI frameworks.
• Experience in contract negotiations and transportation procurement.
• Knowledge of GDP and regulated supply chains.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Group-wide Transportation function in an international matrix organization.
• Develop and execute the European transportation strategy with Group-wide standards and best practices.
• Oversee annual transportation spend exceeding EUR 500 million; establish KPI frameworks, reporting, forecasting, analytics and budget reviews.
• Lead enterprise-wide transportation transformation and digitalization initiatives (route optimization, track & trace, AI-driven invoice verification).
• Design the European transportation network, considering network and warehouse design, outsourcing, GDP compliance, and decarbonization of a 10,000-vehicle fleet.
• Advise Executive Management on transportation matters; collaborate with Warehouse Ops, Finance, IT, Procurement, Sales.
• Develop employees and trainees in an international environment.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Transport planning

Routing optimization

Transportation management systems

Digital logistics solutions

Budget management

Supplier relationships

Contract negotiations

Stakeholder management

Change management

Travel coordination

Education

University degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Transportation Management System (TMS)

Analytics/BI tools

Job description

29 countries. Around 49,000 colleagues. 70,000 pharmacies supplied and millions of patients: Join PHOENIX! Support us in supplying the people of Europe with medicines and healthcare products quickly and reliably - and experience a job that is as diverse as it is important. Where you can proactively master challenges, implement ideas and drive change. Look forward to pure variety at a successful, future-proof family company, the market-leading pharmaceutical wholesaler in Germany and at the same time the best integrated healthcare provider in Europe.

We are seeking an experienced Head of Transport (m/f/d) to lead our Operations & Logistics Competence Centre. In this key role, you will drive operational excellence in transport, proactively shape processes, and implement improvements across our logistics network.

Join us to take responsibility for complex transport operations and contribute to efficient, reliable healthcare supply.

Your Tasks

• Strategic leadership, establishment, and continuous development of the Group-wide Transportation function within an international matrix organization.
• Development and execution of the European transportation strategy, including the definition of Group-wide standards and best practices for transportation management across 29 European countries with more than 200 logistics sites.
• Responsibility for the strategic management and optimization of annual transportation spend exceeding EUR 500 million through the development and implementation of robust KPI frameworks, reporting, forecasting, analytics, and budget and performance reviews.
• Initiation and leadership of enterprise-wide transportation transformation and digitalization initiatives, particularly in the areas of route optimization, track & trace, and AI-driven freight invoice verification.
• Strategic development of the European transportation network considering network and warehouse design, in- and outsourcing, GDP compliance, and defining the decarbonization strategy for a fleet of approximately 10,000 vehicles.
• Strategic advisor to Executive Management on transportation-related matters and close cross-functional collaboration with the international functions of Warehouse Operations, Finance, IT, Procurement, and Sales.
• Functional and disciplinary leadership as well as the development of employees, project managers, subject matter experts, and trainees in an international environment.

Your Profile

• University degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering or a related discipline
• 10+ years of progressive experience in transportation, logistics or supply chain management, including leadership roles in international organizations
• Strong understanding of transportation planning, routing optimization, transportation management systems and digital logistics solutions
• Experience leading transformation and digitalization programs in transportation and logistics environments
• Strong financial and commercial acumen with experience managing large transportation budgets, KPI frameworks and strategic supplier relationships
• Experience in contract negotiations and transportation procurement environments
• Good Distribution Practice (GDP) knowledge and understanding of regulated supply chain environments
• End-to-end understanding of pharmaceutical or similarly regulated supply chains
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with experience working with executive leadership teams
• Willingness to travel internationally (approx. 30%)