Director / Senior Manager Automation Strategy

For our headquarters in the Amsterdam area the GLS Group HQ is looking forDirector / Senior Manager Automation StrategyLocation: Europe-based (GLS HQ or hybrid, frequent travel across Europe)Job level: Director/ senior manager/ manager position depends on seniorityWe seek a visionary and execution-driven leader to strategically transform GLS’s global sortation network, enhancing competitiveness, efficiency, and future readiness.This is not only a conventional engineering or technical sourcing role. The position emphasizes strategic redesign to revolutionize our production infrastructure, driving sustainable growth, competitive advantage, and exceptional service quality.As GLS’s internal production system architect, you'll challenge the status quo, scout for innovative automation solutions, and ensure practical implementation aligned with strategic goals and operational realities.You willStrategic Network Architecture: Strategic Design: Architect the strategic evolution of GLS’s production and sorting system (robotics), aligning with Group and country strategy, future parcel structure, volume flows, and customer expectations.Operational Reimagination: Go beyond incremental improvements - Challenge the status quo and revolutionize how our production network will operate in the next 5 to 10 years.Innovation & Technology Leadership:Innovation Leadership: Act as GLS’s internal expert on automation, sortation, and robotics. Identify breakthrough solutions, lead proofs-of-concept, and drive large-scale implementation plans.System Evaluation: Model and quantify the operational, service, and financial impact of system upgrades and innovations, providing data-driven business cases for multi-million Euro investments.External Ecosystem Collaboration: Build strong relationships with robotics and automation manufacturers, system integrators, and technology partners to co-develop innovative, fit-for-purpose solutions. Cooperate closely with internal experts and teams in Europe, US and Canada.Execution & Cross-functional Leadership:Strategic Delivery: Support the end-to-end execution of high-priority projects across international markets, ensuring strategic objectives are met on time and within scope.Cross-functional Influence: Coordinate seamlessly with country operations, engineering teams, tech partners, and strategic planning to ensure alignment, adoption, and successful implementation of new projects.Operational Scalability: Lead efforts to optimize processes and infrastructure for international growth, ensuring our systems are scalable and future-proof.Executive Communication:Executive Storytelling: Synthesize complex scenarios and analyses into clear, compelling narratives and business cases for executive and board-level decision-making.Strategic Alignment: Provide regular updates and insights to senior leadership to guide long-term investment and transformation priorities.What You’ll bringEngineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical degree.5–10+ years in the Courier, Express & Parcel (CEP), Logistics industry, ideally across both strategy and operations.Direct experience working with or within leading robotics manufacturers or automation systems manufacturer.Proven track record in network design, production system architecture, and automation implementation within a CEP or logistics environment.Hands-on involvement in transformational projects, such as large-scale sortation upgrades, operational redesign, or tech-driven process innovation.Experience leading or supporting cross-border or multi-country operations is a plus.Skills & Capabilities A business engineering mindset that challenges strategic inputs and translates high-level vision into actionable operational designs. You don't just optimize a single node; you design from a system-level view.Demonstrated ability to evaluate and quantify impact of complex operational changes.A deep fluency in operational realities, from hub material flow and sorting technology to linehaul and last-mile integration.Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to persuade and influence top executives, engineers, country experts and country leaders across diverse cultures.Ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive consensus, and manage complexity across geographies and business cultures.Deep knowledge of automation technology, sorting systems, and advanced production system architectures.Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.Why Join GLS Shape the future of one of Europe’s largest and most ambitious parcel networks.Work at the intersection of strategy, tech, and operations with executive visibility and tangible impact.Join a company undergoing a significant, multi-million Euro transformation with the capital and leadership commitment to back your vision. You'll have the autonomy to innovate and drive change, backed by existing country teams with a true entrepreneurial spirit.Be part of a hands-on, smart, and international team with the autonomy to innovate. You'll have the executive visibility and autonomy to not only innovate but to see your ideas implemented at scale across Europe.A competitive salary and performance bonus agreement.Up to 30 days of holiday(HQ office).Free catered lunch with a new menu every day (HQ office).Join GLS, a prominent player in the global parcel delivery market, where innovation meets passion for service. Our journey is fueled by a commitment to meeting our customers' evolving needs while staying ahead in the fast-paced world of parcel delivery.Based in the vibrant Amsterdam area, our Group headquarters serve as the heart of our operations, spanning over 20 countries. With a strong local presence in Europe and subsidiaries in Canada and the USA's West Coast, GLS seamlessly connects customers and communities with millions of parcels and stories every day. We're not just a business; we're a community, making a positive impact wherever we operate, including in our own neighborhoods.But it's not just about parcels; it's about people. At GLS, we prioritize our team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and care. We're dedicated to putting people first, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every contribution valued.Come join our dynamic and diverse team, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth. Let's make a difference together.