Global Director, Logistics & Network Optimization

Are you the kind of person that is always thinking, sketching, seeking, and adjusting? Who needs to understand how things work and then figure out how they can work better? Are you a passionate, tenacious, solver who loves to work with others who share your drive? Are you positive, constructive, and ingenious?

Are you always solving?

Then we’d like to meet you and bet you’d like to meet us.

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Global Director, Logistics and Network Optimization to join Ashland, Inc., located on the East Coast of the United States or onsite in Warsaw, Poland. This is a very visible, significant role within the Company and the Operations function. This position will report to the SVP, Operations.

**Preference for a candidate onsite in Warsaw, Poland**

The responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Global Network Strategy & Optimization (Primary Emphasis)

• Design and continuously optimize the global logistics network (plants, warehouses, DCs, 3PLs, lanes, modes)
• Lead network modeling and scenario analysis to balance service, cost, inventory, and risk
• Optimize cost-to-serve by customer, lane, product, and BU, partnering closely with Finance
• Drive structural improvements (e.g., footprint rationalization, mode shifts, regionalization, postponement strategies)
• Reduce complexity and variability across regions while respecting BU-specific needs

2. Logistics Execution Excellence & Governance

• Establish a clear global operating model with defined decision rights, standards, and escalation paths
• Own 3PL governance: performance management, SLAs, KPIs, safety, audit readiness, and continuous improvement
• Standardize logistics KPIs (OTIF, dwell, accessorials, claims, inventory accuracy, cost per unit)
• Partner with regional teams to drive disciplined execution and rapid issue resolution

3. Financial Acumen & Cost Management

• Full ownership of logistics budgets and productivity targets across regions
• Implement and sustain standard costing for logistics and warehousing (rates, absorption, variance analysis)
• Build robust cost-to-serve and margin analytics to support pricing, customer strategy, and BU decisions
• Identify and deliver year-over-year productivity and cash improvements

4. Systems Enablement & Data Transparency

• Act as the business owner for logistics processes within SAP S/4HANA
• Drive master data discipline (routes, lanes, locations, Incoterms®, pricing conditions)
• Partner with IT to define, prioritize, and implement logistics system capabilities (TMS, analytics, reporting)
• Ensure data accuracy to support financial integrity, compliance, and decision-making

5. Risk, Resilience & Compliance

• Strengthen logistics risk management (capacity, geopolitical risk, congestion, disruptions)
• Oversee global trade compliance governance in partnership with Legal, EHSQ, and Regulatory
• Ensure audit-ready documentation, controls, and broker management across regions
• Review and improve insurance coverage, claims processes, and loss prevention across the network

6. Enterprise Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a trusted enterprise partner to BU leadership, Supply Planning, Customer Service, Finance, and Operations
• Lead and develop a global logistics organization with strong regional leaders
• Drive best-practice sharing, talent development, and succession planning
• Influence without authority in a matrixed, multi-BU environment

7. Travel – both domestic and international at roughly 20%

In order to be qualified for this role, you must possess the following:

• 12+ years progressive leadership in global logistics, distribution, or supply chain network roles
• APICS Certification is required
• Demonstrated success in network design and optimization within complex, global manufacturing environments
• Strong financial acumen: budget ownership, standard costing, cost-to-serve, ROI-based decision-making
• Proven ability to lead enterprise-wide change across regions and BUs
• Deep experience managing 3PL-led logistics networks and performance governance
• Hands-on experience operating within SAP (S/4HANA strongly preferred)
• Track record of delivering structural cost and service improvements, not just tactical wins

The following skill sets are preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering or Operations Management with 8 years of experience
• Experience in specialty chemicals, pharma, or regulated industries
• Multi-region leadership exposure (NAM, EMEA, APAC, LATAM)
• Direct involvement in SAP S/4HANA implementations or major transformations
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior leaders