The Operations Director owns end-to-end supply chain performance at GIS International, from procurement and vendor management to logistics, warehousing, and customer delivery. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines operational rigor with genuine team development.
You will be expected to build, not just manage: co-constructing processes with your teams, developing individual capabilities, and creating an operations function that supports GIS's growth ambitions.
This role is 60% internal (team leadership, process structuring, cross-functional alignment) and 40% external (customer interface, supplier relationships, program-level operations).
This is not a coordination role. We are looking for someone who:
- Has managed operations teams directly in environments where resources were constrained and pragmatism mattered as much as methodology
- Brings structure without bureaucracy, able to design frameworks that teams actually use
- Is recognised by their people as someone who made them better, not just someone who got results
- Navigates ambiguity without needing perfect clarity to move forward
- Understands that authority at GIS is earned through relationships, not titles
Main responsibilities
Team Leadership and Development (Priority 1)
- Build and sustain a high-performing operations team, close to the ground, accountable, and growing
- Coach and develop team members individually; actively create conditions for people to take ownership
- Bridge between field teams and management, translating strategic direction into operational clarity
- Manage conflict constructively; address performance issues directly and fairly
Operations and Supply Chain
- Own end-to-end supply chain: procurement, vendor management, logistics, warehousing, order fulfilment
- Drive VMI implementation and optimize inventory levels across programs
- Streamline processes using appropriate technology and digitalization, fit for our scale
- Ensure compliance with Incoterms, ISO processes, safety requirements and legal obligations
Performance and Continuous Improvement
- Define and track KPIs that matter: inventory turnover, cost savings, fulfillment cycle time, customer satisfaction
- Lead cost reduction initiatives (TCO approach) without compromising service quality
- Identify and implement operational improvements with the team, not for the team
- Maintain green-level customer satisfaction across GIS operations
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to enhance performance and competitiveness
External Relationships
- Interface with key customers on operational matters, credible and solution-oriented
- Manage supplier and carrier relationships; lead contract negotiations
- Represent GIS operations in program-level reviews
The profile we are looking for
Experience
- 10 to 15 years in supply chain, logistics, or operations, with direct team management throughout
- Background in mid-size organizations (50 to 300 people) where you had to make things work with limited resources
- Demonstrated experience building or restructuring an operations function, not just inheriting a mature one
- International exposure, ideally including emerging markets or multi-country operations
- Experience with ERP and supply chain systems and reporting tools
Leadership Qualities
- Leads through proximity, visible, accessible, trusted by the people you manage
- Develops others deliberately; you can name people you have grown and explain how
- Co-constructs solutions rather than imposing them; earns buy-in before demanding execution
- Resilient under pressure; maintains composure when things go wrong and finds a path forward
- Challenges upward when needed, with facts, not frustration
Mindset
- Brings answers, not just diagnoses; proactive on solutions, not only on problems
- Comfortable operating in an environment that is still building its processes
- High personal standards without creating a culture of fear around imperfection
- Curious about the business beyond operations, commercially aware and strategically grounded
Language Requirements
- English: Full professional proficiency (working language)
- French and/or Dutch: an asset given our Benelux base of operations
- Additional languages relevant to customer programs: valued
Cultural fit
- Multicultural teamwork and clear communication in an international context
- Curious mindset towards problem solving and efficiency
- Energy and willingness to learn inside the industrial environment
- Ambassador of etiquette towards internal and external stakeholders
What do we offer
We offer a diverse job in an international, multicultural environment with a competitive salary and extralegal benefits
Skills Required
- 10 to 15 years in supply chain, logistics, or operations
- Direct team management experience
- Background in mid-size organizations
- Experience building or restructuring an operations function
- International exposure, ideally in emerging markets
- Experience with ERP and supply chain systems
What We Do
GIS International is a leading global procurement service provider based in 5 continents, 21 countries. We specialize in global procurement outsourcing for multinational, multisite organizations in a number of different market sectors. What we offer: We provide certified, best operational practice for indirect and direct materials procurement and integrated supply. This includes the goods and services that are bought by companies to enable their activity (non-strategic purchases or low value spends), as well as services such as spend analysis and opportunity assessments. How we work: With our forward-thinking, flexible approach we have helped many companies consolidate their non-strategic procurement and reduce their costs. We understand the importance of streamlining the complete procurement process, including optimized storeroom and inventory management, accounts payable, kitting and shipping. The backbone to this is strong supplier relationship management delivered at low cost and optimum quality. How do our clients benefit from our solutions? • Simplified procurement processes • Reduced overall costs • Improved business performance • Complete reassurance Market sectors: • Mobility • Energy • Oil & Gas • Healthcare & Medical devices
