VP of 4PL Network Strategy

SolomonEdwards; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A mid-sized logistics company is looking for a VP of Strategy and Operations responsible for EMEA and APAC regions. You will lead vendor partnerships, ensure business growth, and drive operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience, excellent negotiation skills, and a strategic mindset. This full-time role requires significant global travel and offers a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of diverse and well-rounded business experience including strategy and operations.
• History of building strong relationships and driving continuous improvements.
• Excellent negotiation and contract skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee strategic vision for vendor partnerships in EMEA and APAC.
• Evaluate existing partners and identify risk areas.
• Collaborate with external partners to nurture trust and cooperation.
• Drive continuous process excellence throughout operations.
• Build and manage a global team.

Skills

Business acumen

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

Strategic mindset

Proactive approach

Continuous improvement

Ability to operate in dynamic environments

Job description

A mid‑sized, privately held 4PL is looking to hire a VP of Strategy and Operations responsible for their EMEA and APAC regions. Reporting to the CEO, this person will be instrumental in assessing the needs, risks, and opportunities within the vendor network and ensuring profitable business growth. The company is well‑established and in an exciting growth mode. The culture is dynamic, energetic, and entrepreneurial. Creative thinkers welcome!

Responsibilities

• Oversees the strategic vision for vendor partnerships across the EMEA and APAC regions, including evaluating existing partners, sourcing new partners, and identifying risk areas
• Sets ideal vendor profile targets, establishing a standardized process through which key vendor criteria are evaluated and assessed
• Identifies areas of business risk globally by gathering and synthesizing data and insight from various departments throughout the organization
• Stays abreast of economic trends, sociopolitical climates, and other outside factors impacting the global business
• Owns process for cross‑functional prioritization, establishing a centralized function to drive cross‑functional alignment
• Collaborates closely with external business partners, nurturing and cultivating a foundation of trust and cooperation
• Continuously identifies and evaluates risk areas within the current vendor landscape and ensures mitigating resources are in place
• Builds and maintains strong business relationships with key suppliers, customers, and prospects
• Develops tailored strategies with key suppliers to maximize savings, mitigate cost increases, and optimize operational levels
• Defines growth strategies and assesses market opportunities
• Conducts detailed contract negotiations, with the ability to find the win‑win
• Anticipates business needs and manages a proactive pipeline of resources at all times
• Collaborates with colleagues across the organization to discuss strategy, best practices, and areas for improvement by region
• Proactively analyses vendor trends, performs root cause analysis, and makes recommendations to drive cost savings while enhancing quality
• Works closely with Regional Leadership to set and execute local strategies
• Drives continuous process excellence and efficiencies throughout operations
• Builds and manages a global team

Education, Experience & Skills

• 10+ years of diverse and well‑rounded business experience, including strengths in strategy, operations, and relationships
• Astute business acumen
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a history of building strong relationships
• Strong negotiation and contract skills
• Strategic mindset
• Engaging and proactive, with a strong sense of urgency
• History of driving continuous improvements
• Ability to operate in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment

Position requires approximately 50%+ global travel.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Supply Chain and Management

Industries

Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage