As the new Vice President (VP) of Logistics at Albert Heijn, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of the largest retail logistics networks in the Netherlands and Belgium. Based at our headquarters in Zaandam, you will oversee logistics operations spanning seven distribution centers, multiple external logistics locations, and manage a large workforce of over 6,000 employees. Your work will support Albert Heijn’s vast network of stores, franchise locations, e-commerce hubs, and AH-to-go branches. You will regularly travel to various distribution centers to ensure that your strategic vision is implemented across the entire logistics chain.

This is how you will reinvent food retail.
As VP of Logistics, you will develop and implement an integrated logistics strategy to optimize both internal and external operations. This includes enhancing logistics principles through the use of digital tools, data analytics, and strategic planning. You will work to expand capacity, streamline operations, and enhance partnerships with external providers. All that while driving for a more people-oriented culture where employee engagement is prioritized.

Key responsibilities include:
•    Strategy Development: Crafting and implementing a future-proof logistics strategy that aligns with Albert Heijn’s growth ambitions, reducing costs and boosting performance.
•    Operational Excellence: Ensuring that key performance indicators (KPIs) related to quality, timeliness, productivity, and safety are achieved, while driving continuous improvement and innovation in our logistics processes.
•    External Logistics Management: Managing external logistics partners, negotiating complex contracts, and ensuring the seamless execution of logistics operations with external parties.
•    Facility Management: Overseeing external service providers in areas such as energy, security, and catering for our distribution centers, while optimizing costs.
•    Leadership: Leading a direct team of seven senior site managers and a logistics organization of over 6,000 employees, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and associate engagement.
•    Social Partnerships: Building strong relationships with unions and logistics committees, ensuring a healthy and compliant work environment.

We think it’s important to be part of a highly belonging team; a team where you can be yourself and feel safe, accepted and appreciated. For this job we are preferably looking for someone who brings diversity to our team, in the widest possible sense. Someone who is a great addition to our team by bringing other ideas to the table. Don’t check all the boxes? Don’t worry, we probably don’t either 😉. Don’t hesitate to apply if you think you are up for the challenge, we’re happy to have a look at your resume!

What we offer.
At Albert Heijn we aim to grow, and this is only possible if you grow along with us. As we work together to build our brand and your career, you can count on (based on 40 hours per week): 

•    A competitive compensation package consisting of a salary and a short-term as well as long-term bonus. Depending on your level of seniority and experience;  
•    A minimum of 20 days paid vacation, optionally 12.5 days extra. Do you want to take that extra time off, or would you rather convert the extra days into discounts or sell them for cash? You’re the end boss!; 
•    Flexible working hours; 
•    Access to a challenging training curriculum – AH Tech Academy; 
•    An excellent pension plan where we as an employer contribute 4,5 more than you as an employee;  
•    Lease car
•    Attractive discounts on various insurance policies; 
•    10% staff discount on groceries in all Albert Heijn stores, to a maximum of €300 per year; 
•    A free Mijn Albert Heijn Premium membership with many benefits;
•    A company laptop and telephone.

Requirements
We are looking for a seasoned logistics leader with strong strategic vision as well as operational expertise and passion, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment. To succeed in this role, you should meet the following criteria:
•    Experience: At least 15 years of experience in logistics or supply chain management, preferably within the retail or FMCG sectors. Proven leadership experience overseeing large, complex logistics operations with a minimum of 500+ employees.
•    Expertise: Deep knowledge of modern logistics systems, automation technologies, and ERP systems. Familiarity with driving efficiency and process improvements in large-scale operations.
•    Leadership: A people-focused leader who fosters collaboration and associate engagement, with excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
•    Strategic Thinking: Visionary, with the ability to make bold decisions and lead complex projects that have long-term impacts.
•    Education: A university degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or Business Administration is required. A master’s degree is preferred.
•    Language: Fluency in Dutch and English, both verbal and written.

Together we make eating better the easy choice. For everyone.
The world around us has changed, and significantly at that. These changes have an impact on the lives of our customers, colleagues and partners. And therefore, also on Albert Heijn. We’re moving towards a new world with new opportunities and challenges. Albert Heijn wants more people to eat fresher, healthier and more sustainable food. Eating brings us together, keeps us healthier and contributes positively to the world. Our mission is: Together we make eating better the easy choice. For everyone.

Ready to contribute to our mission?
Do you want to play an active role in changing the food retail landscape as we know it? Then hop on board and join us on our expedition. Would you like to learn more first, before you apply to Albert Heijn? We’re happy to tell you everything about this vacancy! Reach out to Kristina Bartellas, Global Executive Search Manager, Kristina.bartellas@aholddelhaize.com. An assessment might be part of our selection process.