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
