Head of Distribution EMEA & APAC

Job TitleHead of Distribution EMEA & APAC

Job Description

Effective April 1, 2026, Toyota Automated Logistics brings together Bastian Solutions, Vanderlande’s warehousing business, and viastore under one unified brand. During this transition phase, parts of our recruitment activities and communication may still be conducted via legacy company systems and email domains.

At a glance:
As Head of Distribution EMEA & APAC, you will build and lead TAL’s regional Shipping, Forwarding and Distribution organization across EMEA and APAC. In this role, you will be responsible for developing a reliable, compliant and scalable distribution network that supports the physical goods flow from our production sites in Siegen and Bietigheim as well as from external suppliers to international customer projects. You will define the regional distribution setup, lead and develop your team, manage logistics service providers and ensure full compliance with customs, export control, transport regulations and Incoterms® 2020. Working closely with Manufacturing, Procurement, Project Management and external partners, you will play a key role in securing project-critical deliveries, improving cost efficiency and strengthening operational excellence across the region.

Your impact:

• Shape and build TAL’s regional distribution network for EMEA & APAC, translating business and project requirements into reliable, scalable and cost-efficient logistics structures across sites, providers and customer delivery flows
• Form, lead and develop the Shipping & Forwarding team, ensuring clear responsibilities, strong performance, team spirit and a culture of accountability
• Define and improve regional transport and distribution processes, ensuring reliable, compliant and cost-efficient shipment execution across international customer projects
• Select, manage and develop logistics service providers, including negotiations, performance management, issue resolution and escalation handling
• Ensure compliance with freight, export, customs and transport regulations, including Incoterms ® 2020, export control and relevant hazardous goods requirements
• Coordinate closely with Manufacturing, Procurement, Project Management and logistics partners to secure project‑critical delivery timelines, prioritization and bottleneck resolution
• Drive continuous improvement and cost efficiency across the distribution network, using performance insights to address deviations, optimize processes and strengthen operational excellence

What makes you a great fit?

• Completed degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or a related field, or completed vocational training in freight forwarding/logistics with substantial relevant experience
• 10+ years of experience in international logistics, distribution, forwarding, shipping, export or project logistics, ideally in engineering, automation or complex industrial projects
• 5+ years of leadership experience, with the ability to build, structure and develop teams, create clear responsibilities and foster accountability, performance and team spirit
• Strong ability to shape regional distribution structures, translate business needs into scalable logistics concepts and drive improvements across sites, providers and regions
• Solid expertise in international transport logistics, goods consolidation, packaging requirements, export documentation, customs procedures, export control and Incoterms® 2020
• Experience in managing logistics service providers and external warehouses, combined with strong stakeholder coordination, ERP affinity, cost awareness, a continuous-improvement mindset and willingness to travel approx. 25%
• Fluent English language skills are required; German language skills are considered as a strong advantage.

What you can look forward to:
Benefits may vary depending on location

• Flexible working hours and a hybrid work model
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities
• An international and collaborative working environment
• Structured onboarding and support from day one
• ... and much more!

Who we are:
At Toyota Automated Logistics, you actively shape the future of intelligent intralogistics. As part of Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), we are a global partner for integrated warehouse automation solutions. Founded in April 2026, we bring together the strengths of Bastian Solutions, viastore, and Vanderlande’s warehousing business under one unified brand. Together, we develop scalable automation systems, intelligent software, and end‑to‑end services across the entire lifecycle for customers around the world. Our ambition is clear: to set industry benchmarks and actively shape the future of intralogistics. For Every Challenge, a Reliable Solution.

Diversity & Inclusion:
At Toyota Automated Logistics, we believe diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to equal opportunities and an inclusive work environment, and base our hiring decisions on qualifications, potential, and motivation. Support or adjustments during the application process are available upon request. #TAL