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DSV – Global Transport and Logistics
At DSV, our purpose is to keep customers’ supply chains flowing and enable the business of our customers by ensuring reliable and efficient transport and logistics services through storage and transport of goods by air, sea and road. Our vision is to create long-term, sustainable growth and value for our customers, employees, shareholders and society.
Close to 150,000 employees in over 90 countries work diligently to deliver great customer experiences and high-quality services.
As a global leader, our commitment to sustainable business practices is a central element of our overall business strategy.
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Location: USA - Michigan City, Royal Road
Division: Solutions
Job Posting Title: Vice President, Global Vertical Head, Automotive - 127498
Time Type: Full Time
Summary
The Vice President, Global Contract Logistics Vertical Head – Automotive is responsible for driving the global commercial strategy, growth, and development of DSV’s Automotive vertical within Contract Logistics.
This role provides strategic and commercial leadership across the global Automotive customer portfolio, leading Global Account Directors and Business Development resources to strengthen customer relationships, expand existing business, develop new opportunities, and improve overall commercial performance.
The Vice President serves as a senior strategic partner to key Automotive customers and works across DSV regions, countries, business units, and functions to translate customer requirements and global vertical strategy into scalable, profitable solutions. The position is accountable for building a strong global commercial organization while ensuring alignment between customer strategy, business development, solution design, implementation, and operational execution.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the global commercial strategy for the Automotive vertical within Contract Logistics, aligned with DSV's overall business and growth objectives.
- Lead, develop, and provide strategic direction to a global team of Global Account Directors, Business Development Managers, and other commercial resources supporting the Automotive vertical.
- Drive profitable organic growth across existing global Automotive accounts through account development, cross-selling, solution expansion, and identification of new business opportunities.
- Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of strategic new business opportunities across the global Automotive market.
- Establish and maintain executive-level relationships with key customers, positioning DSV as a strategic supply chain and logistics partner.
- Maintain a strong understanding of the Automotive and Automotive supply industry, including customer requirements, supply chain trends, market developments, competitive dynamics, and emerging opportunities.
- Provide executive sponsorship and commercial leadership for major customer opportunities, renewals, RFQs/RFPs, contract negotiations, and strategic account initiatives.
- Partner with regional, country, operational, solution design, implementation, and functional leadership to develop customer solutions that are commercially competitive, operationally executable, and financially sustainable.
- Collaborate closely with the Enterprise Vertical Head and other DSV divisions to identify opportunities for broader DSV solutions and integrated customer offerings.
- Establish clear account strategies, commercial priorities, and performance expectations across the global Automotive portfolio.
- Monitor commercial and account performance against established KPIs, including revenue, gross profit, pipeline development, customer retention, account growth, and other relevant performance measures.
- Identify commercial, operational, and customer risks and partner with appropriate stakeholders to develop and execute corrective actions.
- Maintain visibility into the global Automotive opportunity pipeline and provide accurate reporting and forecasting to senior leadership.
- Promote commercial excellence and consistent account management practices across regions and countries.
- Build a high-performing, accountable, and collaborative global team while developing talent and strengthening succession and leadership capabilities.
- Support DSV's continuous improvement culture by identifying opportunities to improve customer solutions, commercial processes, scalability, and profitability.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
- Significant commercial leadership experience (typically 10–15 years) in global supply chain and logistics.
- Proven ability to manage large, complex customer portfolios and deliver sustainable growth across multiple regions.
- Automotive/ Automotive supply industry knowledge and experience
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing global teams and developing commercial talent.
- Excellent relationship management and negotiation capabilities at senior customer and internal stakeholder levels.
- Strategic and operational balance – able to think globally while executing effectively.
Educational background / Work experience / Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Finance, or a related field required. Equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience within logistics, supply chain, contract logistics, Automotive, or a related industry.
- Significant experience in commercial leadership, global account management, business development, or strategic customer management.
- Demonstrated experience within the Automotive and/or Automotive supply industry required.
- Proven experience managing complex, multinational customer relationships and commercial portfolios across multiple countries or regions.
- Demonstrated success developing and executing commercial strategies that deliver sustainable revenue and profitable growth.
- Experience leading and developing geographically dispersed or global teams strongly preferred.
- Experience with complex contract logistics solutions, customer implementations, strategic sourcing events, RFQs/RFPs, and commercial negotiations strongly preferred.
Language Skills
- Business fluent in English
- German language proficiency is preferred but not required.
Computer Literacy
- Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and others)
- Experience working with sourcing tools and Applicant Tracking Systems
Physical and/or Mental Requirements / Working Conditions
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand. The employee is often required to walk and use hand and eye coordination. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Hours and Environment
Normal working hours for this position are Monday – Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, however, working beyond these hours will be required by business needs.
At Will Employment
DSV Contract Logistics Inc. employees are hired for an undefined period of time as “at will” employees. This means that an employee may be terminated for any reason, or no reason at all, at any time, provided the discharge does not violate any law*. Additionally, each employee has the right to terminate his/her employment at any time. *Except if employed in Montana, where termination requires just cause.
Information regarding DSV’s benefits offerings, including eligibility, coverage options, and plan details, is available through the DSV Benefits Showcase. Benefits, programs, and eligibility may vary by location and division in accordance with applicable state and local laws.
DSV is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, disability, veteran status, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. If you require special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment with DSV, please contact Human Resources at hr@us.dsv.com. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. DSV reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.
DSV – Global transport and logistics
Working at DSV means playing in a different league.
As a global leader in transport and logistics, we have been on an extraordinary journey of growth. Let’s grow together as we continue to innovate, digitalise and build on our achievements.
With close to 150,000 colleagues in over 90 countries, we work every day to offer solid services and meet our customers’ needs and help them achieve their goals. We know that the best way to achieve this is by bringing in new talent, fresh perspectives and ambitious individuals like you.
At DSV, performance is in our DNA. We don’t just work – we aim to shape the future of logistics. This ambition fuels a dynamic environment built on collaboration with world-class team players, accountability and action. We value inclusivity, embrace different cultures and respect the dignity and rights of every individual. If you want to make an impact, be trusted by customers and grow your career in a forward-thinking company – this is the place to be.
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Vice President, Global Vertical Head, Automotive
Nearest Major Market: Michigan City