Head of CS • Rotterdam

C. Steinweg Handelsveem BV is a leading Logistics Service Provider, specialised in warehousing, stevedoring, handling, forwarding and transporting of a range of commodities.

The group, nearing 175 years of history, is active at five continents at numerous locations in over 50 countries. They are specialist in commodity warehousing and handling with different divisions, which are divided in:

1. Base Metals (like aluminium, copper, nickel)
2. Ferroalloys & Minor Metals (like ferrochrome, lithium, cobalt)
3. Chemicals & Plastics
4. Soft Commodities (like cocoa, groundnuts, cocos).

Steinweg, originated in the Netherlands, has their headquarters in Rotterdam and manages a significant operation in the Netherlands at various sites, mainly in Rotterdam. The number of employees spans over a 1,000 colleagues of which approximately 200 are active in commerce, forwarding and order handling.

To further streamline their order to cash process to get ready for further growth in the future, Steinweg decided to create the role of Head of Customer Service Commodities for initially, both their Ferroalloys & Minor Metals, as well as their Soft Commodities division. These positions are new roles in the Steinweg organization.

Purpose of the role

The rapid developments in automation and digitalization demands for a more system and process driven approach of the various divisions at Steinweg.

The new role is largely responsible for seamless order handing, from enquiry to invoicing and will work closely, side by side, with the current Division Manager. The Division Manager will focus mainly on sales and business development, where applicable also in an international context. The new role will focus specifically on the customer service in the Netherlands.

The Head of Customer Service Commodities will have a team of 30 to 40 customer service representatives reporting to him/her. The Head of Customer Service Commodities will report directly to the CEO Netherlands.

This position will have significant impact in changing the current way of working into the best in class customer service. The group has selected a partner to develop their new global ERP system to further support their order to cash process. You will bring experience and expertise to the table to further define the user requirements and successful roll out of the new system

Education

A master’s degree (WO / HBO) in logistics, supply chain management, business administration or similar is required.

In addition to the business degree, relevant training and courses in topics such as lean, six sigma, project management, people management etc are preferred.

Experience and knowledge

At least 10 years’ of working experience from which minimum 5-7 years in a managerial role, heading a large order handling or customer service team in an international environment.

This experience is preferably gained within an international logistics or transport company, offering a variety of services for a diverse group of clients. Experience in the logistics world of commodities is preferred, but not a necessity. However we consider affinity with these commodities and activities important.

Hands on experience in leading a successful change and digitalization programme is needed to be successful in the role.

Competences required to be successful as the Head of Customer Service Commodities:

• Provide satisfactory solutions in situations involving the new and unexpected
• Take decisions as appropriate whilst at the same time ensuring others do likewise
• Focus and drive to achieve targets, budgets and results.
• Be confident when dealing with people in a strong changing environment, and encourage them to come up with imaginative solutions to difficult challenges
• Provide the best solutions in terms of quality and cost.
• Be alert to changing situations, show flexibility in approach, adaptability in difficult circumstances and continuously strive to achieve a result
• Create a network of contacts across various disciplines that provide advice on what resources are available both within or outside the organisation.
• Smooth relationships when difficult circumstances prevail and develop a culture of trust both within and outside the team
• Be a self-starter in order to achieve tasks and overcome problems as well as provide direction for others
• Continually seek out opportunity, practising and encouraging a culture of strategic excellence.

The offer

Steinweg offers an interesting and strategic important position with a high degree of responsibility in an international and dynamic environment. The role offers competitive employment conditions including bonus and employee participation.

The position will be in Rotterdam with, limited, international travelling needed for the role.

The process

The search and selection is done by Venturn, Niels Romme who can be reached at +31 6 386 30 623 / niels@venturn.nl. A personality and logical reasoning assessment is part of the overall process.