Senior Manager, Logistics & Global Control Tower
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Role Overview
The Senior Manager, Logistics & Global Control Tower is a strategic leader responsible for orchestrating end-to-end logistics operations and overseeing Regional Control Towers across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Acting as the "air-traffic controller" of the supply chain, this role leverages advanced visibility platforms, foundation systems, predictive analytics, and a 24 / 7 follow-the-sun approach to anticipate disruptions, minimize delays, and optimize cost and service levels. The position drives operational excellence, digital transformation, and continuous improvement, leading a geographically distributed team to deliver resilient, efficient, and customer-centric logistics solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Control Tower Leadership & End-to-End Visibility
- Lead and continuously improve the Global Logistics Control Tower, ensuring real-time supply chain visibility and proactive management across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
- Orchestrate daily operations : Oversee real-time monitoring, exception management, escalation protocols, and recovery planning for NA & EMEA regions.
- Own and present supply chain performance metrics to drive actionable insights and executive decision-making.
- Drive risk mitigation : Use predictive analytics, orchestration tools, AI-driven forecasting, and real-time data to anticipate and resolve disruptions.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with procurement, demand planning, customer operations, warranty operations, trade compliance, other control tower leaders, and carriers / 3PLs to resolve issues and optimize service levels.
- Lead root-cause analysis for major disruptions and implement corrective / preventive actions with internal and external stakeholders.
- Champion continuous improvement : Advance process automation, refine playbooks, and integrate new technologies and data sources.
- Develop and mentor a diverse team of control tower analysts across multiple regions and time zones.
- Manage vendor relationships and drive enhancements to visibility platforms and control tower capabilities.
- Support strategic initiatives : Enable network design, scenario modeling, improvement initiatives and operational readiness for peak seasons.
Digital Transformation & Technology Leadership
Champion the adoption and integration of cutting-edge logistics technologies, including :Real-time transport visibility platforms (e.g., FourKites, Project44, etc)Warehouse and transport management systems (WMS / TMS)Robotics, IoT, and automationPredictive analytics and AI / ML optimization enginesCloud-based logistics platforms and digital twinsDrive digitalization initiatives with the Logistics Center of Excellence to enhance data quality, usability, and decision-making speed.Oversee the implementation and utilization of IoT sensors and advanced analytics for real-time monitoring, risk mitigation, and process automation.Operational Excellence
Develop and execute logistics strategies aligned with global and regional objectives, focusing on Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.Establish and monitor KPIs for transportation, warehousing, customs, and cost, using advanced dashboarding and data visualization tools.Lead resilience planning, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies to ensure supply chain continuity and adaptability across all regions.Change Management & Agility
Leading change initiatives to drive technology adoption, cultural transformation, and process innovation across diverse teams.Demonstrating agility in responding to regional disruptions, regulatory changes, and evolving customer needs.Collaborative Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
Foster collaboration and trust among cross-functional, cross-regional teams and stakeholders, promoting open communication and the sharing of best practices to ensure alignment and customer satisfaction.Serve as the primary interface for logistics functions and internal stakeholders across all regions.AI-Driven Process Optimization & Data-Driven Decision Making
Integrate AI and machine learning to optimize demand forecasting, routing, inventory, and predictive maintenance.Promote a data-driven culture, empowering teams to use analytics for operational decisions, transparency, and continuous improvement through shared KPIs and dashboards.Team Leadership & Talent Development
Build and mentor a high-performing, digitally fluent logistics and control tower team; promote upskilling in AI, automation, and data literacy.Design and implement formal skills needs analysis, talent marketplaces, and cross-functional recruiting strategies to future-proof the organization.Compliance & Sustainability
Ensure audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and adherence to global standards in all logistics operations.Champion sustainability initiatives, including carbon footprint reduction, green logistics practices, and responsible resource management.Qualifications
Required :
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business Analytics, or related field (Master's / MBA preferred).812+ years of progressive logistics / supply chain experience, with at least 45 years in a control tower, supply chain visibility, or real-time transportation management leadership role.Proven hands-on experience with leading control tower platforms (FourKites, Project44, Tive, Overhaul, SAP Control Tower, Blue Yonder Control Tower, etc.).Deep expertise in end-to-end logistics processes across multiple modes (ocean, air, parcel, LTL / FTL, intermodal, last mile, fulfillment operations, trade operations).Strong background in exception management, predictive analytics, and performance score-carding.Demonstrated success in reducing detention / demurrage, improving OTIF by ?10%, and delivering multimillion-dollar cost savings through control tower initiatives.Experience managing or collaborating with 24 / 7 or follow-the-sun teams is a strong plus.Preferred :
Analytical mindset with advanced Excel / SQL / Tableau / Power BI skills; experience with AI / ML-driven forecasting tools highly desirable.Experience with robotics, IoT, blockchain, visibility platforms, and digital twin technologies in logistics.Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making under pressure.Strong communication and stakeholder management skillsable to translate complex supply chain events into clear executive updates.Process excellence orientation (Lean / Six Sigma certification a plus).Leadership ability to mentor analysts and influence cross-functional partners.Fluency in English; additional languages are advantageous.Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or supply chain analytics.Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with