About the role:

On this position, the candidate will be responsible for leading two business areas – Transport Planning and Continuous Improvement (CI).

The Lead is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the end-to-end transportation process across our supply chain network. This role demands a strategic and visionary leader who can drive operational excellence, foster innovation, and ensure the highest standards of safety and compliance while contributing to the overall success of our business.

On top the role will focus on CI with main responsibilities around leading and managing initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and drive overall performance improvements in logistics operations. This role will also put a lot of emphasis on coaching and driving the implementation of the CI methodology by enhancing the competences of the team in the area of various Lean Tools like 5S, KPI development, Visual Management, Value Stream, VA vs NVA elimination and collaborative problem-solving techniques.

This person will concentrate on identifying opportunities for process optimization, implementing best practices, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the logistics function. This person will collaborate with various departments and stakeholders to achieve strategic goals and enhance operational excellence in logistics.

Key responsibilities:

Transport Planning:

• Lead and oversee the transport team, ensuring a high-performing culture and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Monitor daily shipments to meet the required pickup and delivery schedules.
• Oversee the planning and coordination of transportation activities, ensuring the efficient movement of bulk and palletized materials.
• Manage and coordinate with third-party logistics providers and carriers.
• Analyze metrics weekly/monthly to implement proactive corrective actions and improve team KPIs.
• Track and report on transportation costs, identifying opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency gains.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant transport regulations, safety standards, and company policies.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with transport operations, including environmental, safety, and security risks.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, acting as the point of contact and escalation for logistics senior management.
• Guide team members in resolving service disruptions and exceptions.
• Oversee the implementation and utilization of transport management systems and other relevant technologies.
• Lead efforts to improve the sustainability of transport operations, including reducing carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Continuous Improvement:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive continuous improvement strategy specifically for logistics operations
• Lead continuous improvement projects in logistics from conception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and within budget.
• Identify key areas for improvement and create actionable plans to address inefficiencies and enhance productivity in logistics.
• Recommend and implement process changes, best practices, and innovative solutions to optimize logistics operations and reduce costs.
• Implementing the new way of working and acting as change manager to deal with change management issues.
• Utilize project management methodologies to track progress, manage resources, and mitigate risks.
• Support the Adoption of digital solutions, make sure technology and new ways of working are incorporated into team routines, and participate in the development and continuous improvement of digital solutions/interfaces with a full focus on users’ experience.
• Coordinate with Logistics experts on operational work processes, provide coaching on a daily basis, drive regular meetings to guarantee alignments, best practices sharing, consistency in the implementation across functions within GBS and outside.
• Collect and analyze data to evaluate the impact of continuous improvement initiatives on logistics performance.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations on CI metrics, project outcomes, and areas for further improvement for senior management.
• Work closely with logistics team members, department heads, and other stakeholders to promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide training and support to logistics staff on continuous improvement tools, techniques, and best practices.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of CI initiatives in logistics.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and audits to ensure compliance with CI standards.
• Implement innovative solutions and technologies to drive CI initiatives in logistics operations.
• Lead change management efforts to ensure successful adoption of new processes and technologies within the logistics function.
• Effectively communicate with stakeholders to gain support and buy-in for CI initiatives.
• Be a representative of the Barry Callebaut CI methodology (BCOS Excellence) and Core Values and as such, always shows exemplary behavior towards the internal customer

About you:

• Master’s degree preferably in Logistics, Management, or relevant.
• Experience with team management.
• More than 10 years’ experience in in Lean, Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement environments in FMCG and/or B2B industry - has a full understanding of the Continuous improvement methodology, the tools and techniques. Previous large team management experience is required.
• APICS certification will be an asset.
• Fluent in English.
• Advanced proficiency in data analytics and reporting tools - strong knowledge in MS office packages (able to build XLS tools of average complexity).
• Holistic approach to decision making, considering multiple factors and stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Natural facilitator & coach.
• Travel requirements: 20%

We offer:

• Employment on a regular basis in the sweetest company in the world.
• Annual bonus based on your work results.
• Lunch card to be used for groceries and restaurants.
• Private medical care in Lux Med (basic package fully financed by BC).
• Fit Profit sports card co-financed by BC.
• PPE: we care about your future, and we save money for your retirement.
• Cafeteria Program as a part of Social Fund.
• Group life insurance.
• Hybrid working model: min. 8 days in the office a month.
• As part of our work-life balance culture, we can start work between 7 am and 10 am.
• Free consultation with a lawyer once a quarter.
• Chocolate! Yes, surprising but we have chocolate in the office, for Christmas, BC’s Birthday, and many other occasions during the year.
• And if chocolate is still not enough, you can join one of our theme clubs, where together with other employees we develop our passions and interests.
• Daily delivery of fresh fruits and veggies to the office.
• You can purchase our sweet products with a special discount.
• Relax zone in the office and plenty of options to choose from: PlayStation 5, football table, pool table, Ping-Pong, library, table games, and massage chairs.
• Sport @work? Sure! We have treadmills and indoor exercise bikes with a laptop station.
• We like to party as much as we like chocolate! We have integration budgets we can use for team events.
• Forever Chocolate and Event Team: you can join them and have a real influence on social life in BC and CSR activities.