It's more than a job
When you work in Freight Logistics and Operations at Kuehne+Nagel, you play a key role in optimising processes and ensuring that inventory and shipments move efficiently. But that is not all. Your work also helps ensure that vital medicines reach patients on time and supports other essential deliveries, from wind turbines to semiconductors. At Kuehne+Nagel, our contribution counts in more ways than we imagine.
The Excellence Manager is a key member of the Kuehne+Nagel Integrated Logistics (KN IL) team, responsible for ensuring operational excellence and control across the supply chain, with a strong focus on LSP (Logistics Service Provider) management. This role ensures that LSPs adhere to defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and consistently meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) during implementation and ongoing operations. The IL Excellence Manager also drives the digital agenda with LSPs, promoting automation of operational processes and enabling real-time shipment visibility during onboarding and integration. The position will report according to KN IL organization chart, with close working relationships across the business including the Business Management, Operations Management, Performance Management, Quality Management and Business Analytics. The position combines customer-/LSP-facing activities as well as internal stakeholder management.
How you create impact
- Drive operational excellence by leading root‑cause analysis, resolving day‑to‑day performance gaps, and ensuring corrective/preventive actions with LSPs and internal teams.
- Manage and develop third‑party logistics partners (3PL/LSP), overseeing onboarding, integration, performance monitoring, and adherence to SOPs and service levels.
- Identify process and system bottlenecks, analyze performance data, and recommend continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and cost‑to‑serve.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, service providers, and global/local stakeholders to ensure seamless operations and customer satisfaction.
- Lead digital onboarding, troubleshoot system/data issues, and promote digital transformation initiatives including automation and EDI integration.
- Support business contingency planning and emergency management by coordinating with LSPs, operations teams, and customers during disruptions or capacity shortages.
- Contribute to freight procurement activities by supporting rate card development, tender processes, and spot‑procurement setup using KNIL best practices.
- Ensure compliance with industry-specific standards (GDP/GxP, KN Pharma Chain, etc.), internal regulations, and customer quality requirements.
What we would like you to bring
- Higher education in logistics, transport technology, engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in logistics operations or supply chain roles, ideally within forwarding or 4PL environments.
- Strong understanding of multi‑modal transportation, forwarding processes, and performance management frameworks.
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, make sound decisions, and respond quickly to operational challenges.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills across all organizational levels, both internally and externally.
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to derive insights, identify trends, and drive data‑based actions.
- Proven experience working in cross‑regional or global teams within multinational organizations.
- Fluency in English (written and verbal), with the flexibility and willingness to travel as needed.
What's in it for you
A career at Kuehne+Nagel opens up a world of possibilities. With us, you'll find an inspiring environment that drives the industry forward. Join us today.
Who we are
Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world.
As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference. Whether we help deliver life-saving medicines, develop sustainable transportation solutions or support our local communities, your career will contribute to more than you can imagine.
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