Head Freight Forwarding (f/m/d)

Overview

If you excel in dynamic, international settings and are passionate about optimizing global logistics, this role might be exactly what you\’re looking for. In this position, you would be responsible for ensuring that our pharmaceutical products are transported efficiently, compliantly, and cost-effectively across global markets. As part of the Global Logistics team, you are responsible for shaping and executing the freight forwarding strategy. This includes managing relationships with external logistics providers, ensuring adherence to GDP standards, and driving cost-effective, reliable freight solutions. You’d take the lead in building and managing the governance framework—think policies, processes, and procedures. A key part of the job is to monitor and analyze logistics performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement innovative solutions that enhance service levels while optimizing costs. You’d also be our go-to for managing relationships with global 3PLs. That includes everything from running tenders and negotiating contracts to setting up strategic partnerships.

To be successful in this role, you should bring a strong background in freight forwarding or logistics, ideally within a regulated industry such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or food. Experience in managing third-party logistics providers and a deep understanding of international trade regulations are essential. Since the role involves leading a team and coordinating across multiple sites and functions, strong leadership and communication skills are important. It would be great, if you had experience with driving operational excellence and leading change in complex, matrixed environments. Familiarity with digital logistics tools and data-driven decision-making will also be valuable, as Grünenthal continues to modernize its supply chain capabilities. A university degree in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or a related field is typically expected, and fluency in English is essential given the international scope of the role. German or Portuguese language skills would be beneficial.

Ultimately, this is a role for someone who thrives on complexity, enjoys building strong partnerships, and is passionate about delivering results that matter.

Responsibilities

• Ensure pharmaceutical products are transported efficiently, compliantly, and cost-effectively across global markets.
• Shape and execute the freight forwarding strategy; manage relationships with external logistics providers; ensure GDP standards; drive cost-effective, reliable freight solutions.
• Build and manage the governance framework—policies, processes, and procedures.
• Monitor and analyze logistics performance; identify areas for improvement; implement innovative solutions to enhance service levels while optimizing costs.
• Manage relationships with global 3PLs, including running tenders, negotiating contracts, and setting up strategic partnerships.

Qualifications

• Strong background in freight forwarding or logistics, ideally within regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or food.
• Experience in managing third-party logistics providers and a deep understanding of international trade regulations.
• Leadership and communication skills; ability to coordinate across multiple sites and functions.
• Experience driving operational excellence and leading change in complex, matrixed environments.
• Familiarity with digital logistics tools and data-driven decision-making.
• University degree in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or related field; fluency in English; German or Portuguese language skills would be beneficial.

About Grünenthal

Grünenthal is a global leader in pain management and related diseases. As a science-based, privately-owned pharmaceutical company, we have a long track record of bringing innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technologies to patients worldwide. Our purpose is to change lives for the better – and innovation is our passion. We are focusing all of our activities and efforts on working towards our vision of a world free of pain. Grünenthal is headquartered in Aachen, Germany, and has affiliates in 28 countries across Europe, Latin America and the US. Our products are available in more than 100 countries. In 2024, Grünenthal employed around 4,300 people and achieved sales of €1.8 billion.