Director of Contract Logistics | Country Head

About the position

Position Title: Country Head of Contract Logistics (Japan) Location: Japan Reporting Line: Managing Director, Japan Function: Contract Logistics / Supply Chain / 3PL Operations Position Overview The Country Head of Contract Logistics is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance, and commercial growth of the Contract Logistics business in Japan. This role oversees all warehouse and distribution operations, ensuring high service standards, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and sustainable profitability. The position plays a critical role in developing long-term customer partnerships, expanding the contract logistics footprint, and aligning the Japan organization with regional and global strategy. The Country Head will lead large operational teams across multiple sites while fostering a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and customer excellence. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Develop and execute the national Contract Logistics strategy aligned with regional and global supply chain objectives Drive sustainable growth through new business development, strategic customer acquisition, and expansion of existing accounts Identify market opportunities across sectors such as retail, fashion, automotive, technology, and consumer goods Strengthen the company's market position as a leading international 3PL provider in Japan Operational Excellence Oversee all warehouse, fulfillment, and distribution operations across the country Ensure operational efficiency, productivity improvements, and implementation of best practices across facilities Drive continuous improvement initiatives including automation, digitalization, and warehouse management systems Maintain the highest standards in safety, quality, and regulatory compliance Customer & Commercial Leadership Maintain executive-level relationships with key strategic customers Lead contract negotiations, pricing strategies, and long-term commercial agreements Ensure high customer satisfaction and retention through strong service delivery and account governance Participate in quarterly business reviews and strategic account development Financial Management Full P&L responsibility for the Contract Logistics business in Japan Manage budgets, forecasting, and financial performance across all operational sites Identify cost optimization opportunities while maintaining service quality Deliver profitable growth and meet annual financial targets People & Organizational Leadership Lead large multi-site operational teams including site managers, operations leaders, and support functions Develop leadership capability within the organization and build strong succession pipelines Promote a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement Work closely with HR to ensure effective workforce planning, training, and employee engagement Compliance & Risk Management Ensure full compliance with Japanese labor regulations, safety standards, and operational policies Oversee risk management, operational governance, and internal control frameworks Maintain strong operational discipline across large labor forces including both direct and contracted employees Key Skills & Competencies Team Leadership & Collaboration Proven ability to lead large operational teams across multiple sites Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop senior operational managers Ability to foster cross-functional collaboration across operations, sales, HR, and finance Strategic Thinking Strong commercial and strategic mindset with the ability to translate market opportunities into operational growth Experience shaping and executing national logistics strategies Operational Expertise Deep knowledge of contract logistics operations including warehouse management, distribution networks, and supply chain optimization Experience managing complex multi-site operations with large labor forces Customer Focus Ability to build trusted relationships with senior customer stakeholders Strong experience managing key accounts and complex logistics solutions Financial Acumen Demonstrated experience managing P&L responsibility within a logistics or supply chain organization Strong understanding of cost drivers, pricing models, and profitability management Communication Clear, structured communicator able to operate effectively in a multinational corporate environment Ability to present to executive leadership and global stakeholders Experience & Qualifications 15+ years of experience within contract logistics, supply chain management, or 3PL operations Significant leadership experience managing large-scale warehouse and distribution operations Proven track record of delivering operational improvements and commercial growth Experience managing large operational workforces including contract labor Experience working within multinational logistics or supply chain organizations Fluency in Japanese and business-level English is required Leadership Scope National leadership responsibility for Contract Logistics operations in Japan Oversight of multiple distribution centers and warehouse operations nationwide Leadership of large operational teams including site management and functional leaders Full commercial and financial responsibility for the Contract Logistics business

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