Global Head of Customer Fulfillment

Alcott Global has been exclusively retained by a global leader in innovation and advanced manufacturing to appoint a Global Head of Customer Fulfillment. The role is based in Europe.

Role Purpose

The Global Head of Customer Fulfillment is responsible for defining and executing the logistics and distribution strategy for a major global business, ensuring the efficient, compliant, and cost-effective movement of products across a complex international network. The role provides strategic leadership for global distribution operations, driving network optimization, operational excellence, digital transformation, and end-to-end service performance while partnering closely with Manufacturing, Planning, Procurement, Commercial, Customer Operations, Quality, and Regional Supply Chain teams. This executive will play a critical role in strengthening supply chain resilience, enhancing customer service, and supporting the business's long-term growth objectives.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Global Distribution Strategy

• Develop and execute the global logistics and distribution strategy aligned with the business's strategic priorities and long-term growth objectives.
• Define the long-term vision for the global distribution network, ensuring scalability, resilience, operational excellence, and customer-centric service.
• Lead strategic initiatives to improve service, cost, inventory performance, and overall network effectiveness across international markets.

Distribution Network Leadership

• Lead a complex global distribution network supporting a broad international product portfolio across multiple regions.
• Oversee warehousing, transportation, distribution centers, inventory flow, and customer fulfillment activities to ensure reliable and efficient product delivery.
• Drive continuous optimization of the distribution network to improve operational agility, service performance, and cost efficiency.
• Establish governance, operating standards, and performance metrics that drive consistency and operational excellence across the global distribution organization.

Operational Excellence & Transformation

• Lead large-scale transformation initiatives focused on network optimization, digitalization, automation, and continuous improvement.
• Implement best practices and standardized processes to improve productivity, quality, service levels, and end-to-end operational performance.
• Champion data-driven decision-making through the effective use of analytics, digital tools, and operational KPIs.

Logistics & Strategic Partnerships

• Develop and manage strategic relationships with global logistics providers, transportation partners, freight forwarders, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers.
• Drive supplier performance, service quality, innovation, and cost competitiveness through effective governance and collaboration.
• Identify and implement innovative logistics solutions that strengthen distribution capabilities and improve customer experience.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure all distribution activities comply with applicable transportation, trade, quality, and regulatory requirements across global operations.
• Develop risk mitigation and business continuity strategies to strengthen supply chain resilience and ensure uninterrupted product availability.
• Maintain the highest standards of product handling, traceability, and operational integrity throughout the distribution network.

 

 

Leadership

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing global logistics and distribution team across multiple regions.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Partner effectively with cross-functional and regional leadership teams to align distribution capabilities with business priorities and deliver sustainable growth.

 

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• 20+ years of progressive experience in global supply chain, logistics, distribution, or operations within complex multinational organizations.
• 10+ years of leadership experience managing large-scale international logistics and distribution organizations.
• Proven experience developing and executing global distribution strategies supporting complex international businesses and diverse product portfolios.
• Demonstrated success leading highly complex distribution networks across multiple regions and distribution centers.
• Strong expertise in logistics operations, warehousing, transportation, inventory management, customer fulfillment, and distribution network optimization.
• Track record of leading large-scale transformation, digitalization, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing strategic global logistics providers, transportation partners, freight forwarders, and third-party logistics (3PL) organizations.
• Strong understanding of quality-driven and highly regulated distribution environments, including compliance, product traceability, risk management, and business continuity.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across regions and functions within a matrix organization.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to execution, a data-driven mindset, and a proven ability to deliver measurable business outcomes.