As the EMEA Senior Logistics Manager, based at our EMEA headquarters in Uithoorn, you will play a pivotal role in the continued transformation and professionalization of Quaker Houghton's logistics organization across the EMEA region.
This is not a traditional logistics execution role. You will be responsible for driving the harmonization of logistics processes, improving operational performance, and elevating logistics capabilities across a complex network of manufacturing sites, warehouses, carriers, and third-party logistics providers. Working closely with regional stakeholders, you will help shape the future logistics operating model, improve system utilization and automation, and lead change initiatives that support sustainable growth and customer service excellence.
The successful candidate will thrive in a hands-on, fast-paced environment, combining strategic thinking with a willingness to roll up their sleeves and drive implementation.
What will you do?
- Lead the transformation and continuous improvement of logistics operations across the EMEA region.
- Harmonize warehousing, transportation, and shipping processes across manufacturing sites and third-party facilities.
- Manage relationships with logistics providers, warehouses, and carriers through KPI-driven performance management.
- Partner closely with Logistics Procurement to optimize carrier networks, warehousing solutions, and logistics costs.
- Drive network optimization, process improvement, digitization, and automation initiatives, leveraging Oracle JDE and other logistics systems.
- Support and influence warehousing and shipping teams across a network of 20+ warehouses and multiple transportation providers.
- Lead change management initiatives, establishing standardized processes and best practices across the region.
- Monitor logistics performance, identify improvement opportunities, and drive operational excellence.
- Manage logistics budgets and support effective cost control and value delivery.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing, Procurement, Customer Service, Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to align logistics strategy with business objectives.
- Ensure compliance with local regulations and Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) standards.
- Travel across the EMEA region as required to support logistics operations and transformation initiatives.
What are we looking for?
Experience & Education
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, or a related field.
- 8+ years of logistics or supply chain experience, including leadership responsibility within a regional or international environment.
- Experience leading logistics transformation, process standardization, or operational improvement initiatives across multiple sites and countries.
- Experience managing warehousing, transportation, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), and carrier networks.
- Experience working in a complex matrix organization and influencing stakeholders across functions and geographies.
- Experience in industrial manufacturing environments such as chemicals, lubricants, automotive, metals, food, oil & gas, or other process industries.
- Exposure to bulk, liquid, hazardous, or industrial product logistics is highly desirable.
- Experience with ERP-enabled logistics improvements, automation, or digital transformation initiatives is preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong change management and stakeholder influencing skills.
- Ability to standardize processes and drive operational maturity.
- Hands-on, results-oriented leadership style.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
- Experience using KPIs and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Customer-focused mindset with a passion for operational excellence.
- Resilient, proactive, and comfortable leading change in a dynamic environment.
- Commitment to Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) standards.
Languages
- Professional proficiency in English.
- Dutch is beneficial but not required.
Location:
- Based in or able to commute to the Uithoorn area, with willingness to travel within the region.
What do we offer?
- Hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance
- Health insurance, pension plan, and additional benefits
- Two paid volunteer days per year to support a cause of your choice
- “Dress for your day” policy
- Access to QH University (500+ learning programs) and career development opportunities
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and recognition initiatives, including Women in Manufacturing, Next Gen, and PRIDE employee resource groups, as well as Global Giving and Impact Awards programs
About Us
We are the global leader in industrial process fluids present in 40+ countries continually improving and innovating so the world’s steel, aluminum, automotive, aircraft, machinery and industrial parts manufacturers can stay ahead in a changing world. Throughout our 100+ locations, our chemists, engineers and industry experts partner with our customers to continually improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next.
Our values: Live Safe, Exceed Customer Expectations, Drive Results, Embrace Diversity, Do Great Things Together, Act with Integrity.
Our core values embody who we are as a company, guide our decisions and inspire us. Our commitment to these values, in words and actions, builds a safer, stronger Quaker Houghton. They are the fundamental beliefs that guide our internal conduct and our relationship with the outside world.
Are you a QH colleague?
Please contact your TA Partner, Honorata Florczak or your HRBP for more information about the role and/or how to apply.
Quaker Houghton is committed to equal employment opportunities and a workplace free of discrimination. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, age, disability, ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. In line with the EU Pay Transparency Directive, the salary range for this role is disclosed before the interview to support transparency and consistency in our hiring process. Candidates will not be asked about their salary history. Our company uses a structured job level and salary band framework to support objective and consistent compensation decisions.
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