Director Procurement - Global Logistics and Packaging

Syensqo is all about chemistry. We’re not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet’s beauty for the generations to come.

We are seeking an ambitious and visionary Director of Global Logistics & Packaging to lead the strategic procurement activities (Source-to-contract) of logistics, distribution, and packaging operations across our global manufacturing footprint..

In this role, you will define and deliver the end-to-end logistics and packaging procurement strategy, ensuring the efficient movement of finished products across multiple regions and markets. You will drive cost optimization while working in close collaboration with Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Commercial leadership.

This is a senior leadership role in a complex, multi-plant, multi-region manufacturing environment, requiring deep expertise in global transportation networks, warehouse management, packaging innovation, automation, and regulatory compliance. This role reports to the Chief Procurement Officer and is part of the Syensqo Procurement Leadership Team. 

Important Note: This role does not manage supply chain planning but partners closely with those functions to ensure seamless integration of logistics and packaging strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the global logistics and packaging procurement strategy, aligned with company growth, sustainability, and operational excellence objectives.

• Set a clear vision for future-state logistics and packaging models, incorporating automation, digitization, and data-driven decision-making.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CPO and senior leadership teams on logistics, packaging innovation, cost structures, and market trends.

Logistics & Distribution Excellence

• Establish and manage relationships with 3PLs, carriers, and logistics providers to secure reliable, scalable, and cost-effective solutions.

• [Ensure full compliance with international trade regulations, customs requirements, and sustainability standards] - to be checked by Roger

Packaging Strategy & Innovation

• Lead global packaging development, optimization, and standardization from a procurement perspective, ensuring cost efficiency and alignment with product quality requirements.

• Drive innovation in sustainable packaging solutions, supporting corporate ESG goals and reducing environmental impact.

• Partner with R&D, Manufacturing, and Marketing teams to ensure packaging designs enhance product protection and operational efficiency.

Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Supply Chain Planning, Manufacturing, and Commercial leaders to ensure alignment on business priorities and product flow.

• Collaborate with IT and Digital teams to deploy advanced analytics, AI, and automation to enhance logistics and packaging decision-making.

• Act as a key contributor for major transformation programs related to logistics network redesign and packaging innovation.

Team Leadership

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing global logistics and packaging procurement organization, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence.

• Build organizational capability through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning to support long-term business growth.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• 10+ years’ progressive leadership experience in procurement of logistics, transportation, distribution, or packaging operations within a large, complex, multi-region manufacturing environment.

• Proven track record of designing and executing global logistics procurement strategies that deliver measurable cost savings, service improvements, and sustainability benefits.

• Experience leading 3PL and carrier relationships and negotiations across diverse geographies and navigating international trade and customs regulations.

• Strong background in continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, etc.).

• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across regions and functions.

Preferred

• Expertise in packaging development, optimization, and innovation in a manufacturing context.

• Advanced degree in Logistics, Engineering, Operations, or Business Administration (MBA preferred).

• Experience implementing digitization, automation, and analytics tools to optimize logistics and packaging performance.

• Exposure to ESG-driven packaging and logistics strategies, including sustainable material sourcing and carbon footprint reduction.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Vision & Execution — Ability to set a long-term vision and deliver practical, measurable results.

• Influence & Collaboration — Builds strong relationships across functions, geographies, and cultures.

• Innovation Mindset — Leverages emerging technologies, data, and creative problem-solving to drive business transformation.

• Change Leadership — Leads global transformation initiatives with clarity, resilience, and adaptability.

• Financial Acumen — Skilled in managing budgets, driving cost optimization, and delivering ROI-based initiatives.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of global logistics and packaging procurement for a leading player in the chemical manufacturing industry.

About us

• This position requires a certain level of integrity, confidentiality, loyalty and trustworthiness as you will have access to Syensqo's most sensitive information or systems in the context of your mission. Please note that the selected person for this position will be required to undergo and meet company standards for vetting verifications and reference checks.
• Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.
• At Syensqo, we seek to promote unity and not uniformity. We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience. We are here to support you throughout the application journey and want to ensure all candidates are treated equally. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or qualifications listed in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.