Vice President Global Logistics & Trade
Job Summary
The Vice President, Global Logistics & Trade is a transformational executive leader responsible for building and driving a world-class, digitally enabled logistics organization across all global markets. This role is the enterprise authority for end-to-toe logistics operations — spanning transportation, warehousing, trade compliance, and fulfillment — and is accountable for aligning logistics capability directly with the company's commercial growth agenda.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
Provide executive sponsorship and oversight of the global trade compliance function — ensuring full adherence to import/export regulations, sanctions, and customs requirements across all operating markets
Establish a risk-based trade compliance governance model that balances speed-to-market with regulatory integrity and reputational protection
Lead proactive engagement with customs authorities, trade bodies, and legal counsel in key markets to stay ahead of regulatory change and maintain trusted trader status where applicable
Embed trade compliance considerations into new market entry, product launches, and supplier qualification processes to prevent downstream risk
Ensure the organization maintains audit-ready documentation, controls, and training programs for all trade compliance activities globally
Warehousing, Fulfillment & Network Optimization
Oversee the global warehousing and fulfillment network — including company-operated and 3PL-managed distribution centers across all regions
Lead periodic network design reviews to assess DC footprint, capacity utilization, and cost-to-serve across customer segments and geographies
Set performance expectations and governance frameworks for all warehousing partners; drive continuous improvement in accuracy, throughput, and service quality
Partner with Operations and Inventory teams to align warehousing strategy with demand patterns, SKU rationalization, and inventory optimization objectives
Financial Management & Operational Excellence
Own a substantial global logistics P&L; deliver annual productivity commitments while maintaining or improving service levels across the network
Build a logistics cost transparency model that allocates freight, warehousing, and compliance costs by market, channel, and customer segment
Lead strategic sourcing and negotiation for all major logistics spend categories — carrier contracts, 3PL agreements, technology platforms, and logistics services
Drive a culture of cost discipline and operational efficiency through benchmarking, zero-based budgeting principles, and structured productivity programs
Skills and Minimum Experience Required
15+ years of progressive experience in global logistics, supply chain, or operations, with a clear track record of executive leadership
7+ years leading large, complex, multi-disciplinary logistics organizations across multiple geographies and functions
Demonstrated success driving international growth — including new market entry, cross-border logistics infrastructure, and regional network build-out
Deep functional expertise across transportation, warehousing, trade compliance, and 3PL management at a global scale
Proven ability to digitally transform a logistics function — including TMS/WMS implementation, visibility platforms, and data analytics capability
Strong commercial instincts with experience partnering directly with Sales, Commercial, and Customer leadership to align logistics with revenue growth
Track record of building high-performing, diverse teams and developing strong director- and senior manager-level talent pipelines
Demonstrated experience managing significant logistics budgets and delivering year-over-year cost efficiencies without compromising service
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or a related field
Preferred Skills and Experience
MBA or advanced degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business Administration, or a related field
Experience in a high-growth, publicly traded, or private equity-backed global company
Exposure to managing logistics in highly regulated industries or complex international trade environments (e.g., aerospace, industrial, life sciences, consumer goods)
Experience leading logistics M&A integration or standing up greenfield logistics operations in new markets