Transport Operations Manager

For a multinational company operating in the distribution sector and a leader in its market, we are looking for a Transport Operations Manager .

Location: Rome

Mission of the role:

The Transport Operations Manager is accountable for the deployment, and execution of the transportation network, acting as a key orchestrator of the company’s logistics ecosystem. The role combines strategic design with hands‑on accountability on execution, ensuring that transport processes, systems, and provider ecosystems are not only defined but effectively implemented and operated across the network. The Transport Operations Manager ensures that transport capabilities are scalable, resilient, and fully aligned with business growth, delivering high service levels, cost efficiency, and regulatory compliance across all operations.

Key responsibilities include:

• definition and deployment of processes, systems, and data architecture

orchestration and operational management of internal and external transport providers

• direct accountability on execution performance and service delivery
• support to the transport network design and evolution revision and validation.

Responsibilities:

Transport Network Operating Model

• Support revision and improvement the design and continuously evolve the transport network architecture (hubs, flows, routes, modal choices)
• Support the definition of the target operating model for transport (in‑house vs outsourced, centralized vs decentralized)
• Support the network re‑design initiatives driven by volume evolution, new business, or cost optimization

Process & Service Design

• Define, standardise and continuously improve end‑to‑end transport processes (planning, execution, exception management, returns)
• Ensure full operational adoption and consistent execution of defined processes across sites and providers
• Establish governance routines to monitor execution discipline and service quality
• Guarantee integration with upstream/downstream processes (warehouse, planning, customer service) with a strong focus on operational flow continuity

Systems Deployment & Data‑Driven Execution

• Define and govern the transport systems landscape (TMS, visibility platforms, carrier integration layers)
• Lead the implementation and rollout of systems and digital tools, ensuring user adoption and operational effectiveness
• Ensure real‑time visibility and data availability to support execution and decision‑making
• Own data quality, consistency, and integration across systems to enable reliable operations

Control Tower & Execution Performance

• Establish and operate a transport control tower, ensuring end‑to‑end visibility and proactive management of flows
• Monitor daily execution and intervene on deviations (service, capacity, disruptions)
• Define and track KPIs (service, cost, quality, sustainability) with clear ownership on results
• Drive structured performance routines and translate insights into corrective actions on operations

Provider Orchestration & Operational Management

• Design and manage a multi‑carrier / multi‑provider ecosystem
• Define governance models and ensure clear execution accountability across all providers
• Lead carrier selection, contracting and performance management in liaison with Procurement Direction
• Actively orchestrate providers in day‑to‑day operations, ensuring seamless execution across the network
• Manage peak periods and disruption scenarios, ensuring execution continuity and service protection

Cost Engineering & Execution Efficiency

• Drive structural cost optimisation through network design, sourcing strategies and operational levers
• Ensure that cost initiatives are translated into tangible operational actions and results
• Validate and implement business cases, tracking real benefits delivery
• Embed regulatory, safety and compliance requirements into both design and execution
• Ensure consistent execution of compliance standards across all operations and providers
• Define and activate contingency plans, ensuring readiness and effective response to disruptions
• Guarantee business continuity and operational resilience
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives with a focus on measurable impact on execution performance
• Promote a culture of accountability and operational excellence
• Pilot and scale innovative transport solutions (automation, AI‑based planning, real‑time visibility)
• Ensure innovations are fully embedded into daily operations, not only tested.

Requirements

• 8–12+ years in transport, logistics, or supply chain roles with strong exposure to network design and optimisation
• Proven experience in designing and managing complex transport networks
• Experience with multi‑provider environments and outsourcing models
• Strong capability in data‑driven decision making, KPI design and reporting frameworks
• Experience with transport systems (TMS, planning tools, visibility platforms)
• Experience in pharma / regulated environments (GDP, compliance); experience in logistics transformation programs (network redesign, digitalisation); exposure to control tower models and end‑to‑end visibility platforms; international or cross‑border network experience are all considered as plus
• Master degree in Engineering or Business Management
• Master’s degree (Supply Chain, Operations, MBA); Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or Supply Chain (APICS, CSCMP) are all considered as plus

Economics

Remuneration will be determined based on experience and competencies.

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