Global Director - Aerospace

The role location is flexible and may be based in Dubai or Europe (UK, Germany or the Netherlands).

Job Purpose:

Lead the global strategy, design & development of the aerospace sub-vertical utilizing our capabilities to deliver solutions for Aerospace Primes, MRO’s, Tier suppliers and BCO’s. Expand the sub-vertical to allow discreet opportunities in Defence Logistics, whilst establishing governance and controls to ensure DP World are promoted yet protected.

Utilize solutions and build customer opportunities to deliver growth in the Aerospace Sub-Vertical, and help educate FF and CL operations in the intrinsic requirements needed in Aerospace (and Defense) product handling.

Partner with global compliance, Vertical Leads and Global Key Account Managers (GKAM) to establish thought leadership, drive profitable growth, and replicate proven solutions and best practices across customers and regions globally.

Key accountabilities:

Develop and Implement the Customer Vertical Strategy

• Industry Intelligence & Market Analysis:Continuously monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices within the Aerospace sub-vertical particularly focusing on current and future logistics demands and challenges in Aerospace & Defense manufacturing, military support and ministry of defense logistics requirements.

• Strategic Solution Development: Align with external consultants to design and implement comprehensive logistics and supply chain strategies that align with business objectives whilst addressing unique challenges with Aerospace and Defense sub-vertical, including identification of new market opportunities and product innovations

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Lead collaborative efforts with Solution Engineering, Capabilities teams, Regional Operations, Finance, and Marketing Communications to develop and execute vertical strategies that support business objectives whilst establishing thought leadership across the sector

• Investment Planning:Collaborate with market research teams and consultants to develop robust business cases for strategic investment decisions in new sub-verticals, technologies, and market expansion opportunities

Develop fit-for-purpose end-to-end Solutions

• Performance Analytics & Optimisation:Analyse comprehensive logistics data and performance metrics to identify opportunities for operational excellence, cost reduction, and service enhancement. Conduct systematic audits and develop corrective action plans to address identified gaps

• Solution Engineering Partnership: Work closely with the solution engineering team to develop industry-leading vertical solutions that drive thought leadership, competitive differentiation, and sales growth

• Technology Integration:Champion the adoption of emerging technologies including AI, automation, and advanced analytics to enhance supply chain visibility, resilience, and efficiency

Key Account Management of the Aerospace Sub-Vertical

• Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as the primary technical expert to deliver comprehensive end-to-end solutions for strategic customers, ensuring proposals align with industry best practices and client needs

• Account Strategy Development:Assist the Vertical Lead in coordinating and managing key account teams, including the development of account-specific strategies, relationship management protocols, and performance monitoring frameworks

Customer Relationship Excellence: Build and maintain trusted advisor relationships with C-suite executives and senior stakeholders within key accounts, demonstrating deep industry knowledge and strategic insights 

Drive Thought Leadership of the Industrial Vertical

• Knowledge Transfer & Training:Design and conduct comprehensive training and educational programmes for internal stakeholders, partners, and customers to promote understanding of Aerospace and Defense solutions and industry best practices

• Industry Engagement:Organise and lead customer advisory panels, industry seminars, and thought leadership events. Represent DP World at premier Aerospace conferences, presenting on relevant topics that showcase our capabilities and market leadership

• Content Development & Communications: Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to develop distinctive collateral, thought leadership content, and public relations initiatives that highlight our Aerospace and Defense solution offerings and industry expertise.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field; MBA strongly preferred

• Professional certifications in supply chain management (APICS, CILTUK, or equivalent) advantageous

• 10+ years of progressive experience in logistics and supply chain management within the Aerospace and Defense sector 

• 5+ years in designing and implementing solutions in key geographies; Europe, India, Americas, Middle East etc

• Demonstrated track record of developing and executing successful supply chain strategies that drive business growth and profitability

• Proven experience in thought leadership, incl. conference speaking, content creation, and industry engagement

• Strong background in cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management

• Experience with emerging technologies incl. AI, automation, and advanced analytics in supply chain applications to demonstrate best in class for Aerospace and Defense.

• Technical Competencies

• Advanced analytical capabilities with experience in large-scale data analysis and performance metrics

• Experience in project logistics, with a good understanding of project formations and execution, specifically in the sensitive handling of Aerospace and Defense parts and finished goods.

• Comprehensive knowledge of logistics technology incl. TMS, WMS, and ERP systems used in the industrial sector

• Understanding of digital transformation trends and their application in supply chain management

• Experience with Lean methodology, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives

• Industry Knowledge

• Deep understanding of Aerospace and Defense supply chain complexities, incl. sustainability requirements, regulatory

  compliance, military demand management, product quality, emerging market trends

• Knowledge of current challenges incl. supply chain disruptions, cost management, evolving customer expectations

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