Logistics Lead

We are a fast-growing Chinese premium automotive and EV brand in the process of establishing and scaling our presence across Europe . We are looking for an experienced LOGISTICS LEAD to establish and manage the foundations of this operation. Based in the Netherlands, you will be responsible for developing the European logistics network, selecting and managing external logistics partners, establishing efficient processes and performance standards, and ensuring that the logistics infrastructure can cost-effectively scale with the growth of the business.This is a hands-on management and development role, rather than an individual contributor operational role. Day-to-day transportation, warehousing, customs, PDI and related activities will largely be performed by specialised external partners. Your responsibility is to make sure the right partners, processes, contracts, systems and performance controls are in place and work effectively together.The first chapter is lean, with a focus on the Benelux first. You build the structure that can take rising volume and more markets without reinventing the network every quarter.A key part of the role will also be to act as the business owner and content lead for the development of the Logistics Management Platform. You will define the business processes, requirements, workflows, data and KPIs needed from a logistics perspective, working closely with IT and external technology partners. IT will be responsible for the technical implementation; you will ensure that the resulting solution properly supports the European logistics operation.ROLE PURPOSEA vehicle-logistics machine that is contracted, visible and scalable: the right port-to-dealer flow, partners who can grow, costs that Finance can read, and a system that shows where every unit is.What Success Looks Like (first 6–12 months)End-to-end flow is mapped from main entry ports (e.g. Zeebrugge, Venice and other relevant gateways) through storage, PDI and delivery — and it is actually used.Core 3PLs (ocean interface / port, compound, road, PDI, customs broker) are selected or confirmed, contracted with SLA’s and sitting in a quarterly review.Stock, damage, claims and handover between provider, dealer and HQ have a written process — not a WhatsApp trail.A logistics cost model exists: budget vs actual for transport, yard, port and PDI.OTD and a short KPI pack are reported without rebuilding the spreadsheet each Monday.Business requirements for the Logistics Management Platform are mapped.You can say what the network must look like at several times today’s volume — and which partners cannot scale.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES1. NetworkDesign and improve flows from entry ports to compounds, markets and dealers; ocean interface, port, storage, road, PDI and last mile.Plan capacity with Sales, Network, After-Sales and Finance before volume arrives.Cover cross-border vehicle moves under different commercial models, plus Benelux dealer delivery.2. Providers and vendorsSelect, onboard and manage forwarders, finished-vehicle carriers, yard operators, customs brokers and PDI partners.Set requirements, KPIs, escalation and contracts that still work when volume steps up; run business reviews; replace what cannot scale.Monitor vendor performance, costs, quality and service levels and initiate corrective actions where required.3. Control of the operation (not doing the operation)Oversee port → storage → PDI → dealer. Stock accuracy, yard discipline, damage, claims and handovers are contracted and checked — not performed by you on the quay.4. Customs and complianceMake brokers and providers run a compliant import and documentation chain; keep responsibilities sharp between FAW and the 3PL; flag regulatory change.5. CostOwn the European logistics budget with Finance; transparent cost models; savings that do not break service or the next volume step.6. Planning and OTDAlign allocation and delivery plans; secure capacity; attack bottlenecks early.7. Logistics Management PlatformBusiness-content owner: processes, data, roles, KPIs and requirements. IT builds; you specify, test and drive adoption with internal users and providers.8. OrganisationSOPs, governance and plan the moments when a lean HQ seat needs extra hands or a local team.REQUIRED SKILLS, COMPETENCE AND BACKGROUNDBased within a workable commute of the Amsterdam / Schiphol HQ — this is an HQ role with port and compound travel, not a fully remote job.Several years in European logistics or supply chain; finished-vehicle / automotive logistics strongly preferred.Proven 3PL and vendor management: tenders, SLAs, claims, QBRs — not only an in-house warehouse team.Working knowledge of port, compound, road transport, PDI and European customs / import.Has designed processes and an operating model, not only run a playbook that already existed.Comfortable as business owner next to IT on TMS / WMS / control-tower type tools.Numeracy on cost and KPIs; negotiation; multi-country stakeholders.Excellent English. Dutch and other European languages are an advantage. Mandarin is useful with HQ, not a substitute for English.Not your role if you want to manage a mature network that someone else already built.We’re NOT looking for a freelance/consultant solution; we need a builder that will stick and stay and own it.A reference and background check will be part of the selection process.WHAT WE OFFER On-Target Earnings – depending on your qualification-level – in the range of €100,000 to €118,000 gross per year, being a competitive fixed base salary and including a 15% performance-based On-Target bonus linked to business targets.Travel allowance.Pension Plan25 days holiday + bank holidays.The chance to design the European logistics backbone of a Chinese premium EV brand while the volume is still shape-able.Direct exposure to HQ, sales and the 3PL market — and the accountability that comes with it.ABOUT FAW EUROPE / HONGQIFAW Europe is a subsidiary of the China FAW Group Corporation, which is one of the oldest and largest automotive manufacturers in China. Originally founded in 1953 as First Automotive Works, the corporation operates internationally to export and manufacture vehicles in over 70 countries. Ranging from heavy-duty and commercial trucks (through FAW Trucks) to municipal transit buses, construction machinery, and passenger cars. Flagship brands include JIEFANG (commercial trucks), BESTUNE (passenger cars) and HONGQI (high-end luxury vehicles; https://www.hongqi.nl).Through various international subsidiaries, joint ventures and assembly plants, FAW has a massive presence outside of China, particularly across markets in Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. In addition to our own brands, FAW-Volkswagen and FAW Toyota are partnerships that build and sell vehicles within China and globally.ACQUISITION AS A RESULT OF THIS VACANCY IS NOT APPRECIATED.WE WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM CANDIDATES, WITH AN UNRESTRICTED RIGHT TO WORK IN BENELUX.