Chief of Staff

The Chief of Staff (CoS) is a mission-critical partner and force-multiplier to the President & CEO of GEODIS in Americas, a ~$4B business unit of a global logistics leader. This highly visible, high-impact role combines strategic advisory, operational leadership, and cross-functional orchestration to drive execution at pace across a complex, matrixed organization. The CoS acts as an extension of the CEO-accelerating decision-making, removing obstacles, and ensuring flawless alignment and delivery of financial, operational, and strategic ambitions across all Lines of Business and corporate functions.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Partner directly with the CEO to translate regional strategy into concrete operating plans, priorities, and measurable outcomes.
• Drive operational excellence and cross-functional alignment across all Lines of Business (Contract Logistics, Freight Forwarding, Transportation Management, Supply Chain Optimization) and corporate functions (HR, IT, Legal, Marketing & Sales, Finance).
• Lead or co-lead high-priority, enterprise-wide initiatives: growth programs, cost transformation, customer experience, M&A integration, digital & technology deployment, operational turnarounds.
• Deliver rigorous analysis, scenario planning, and clear recommendations to inform CEO and Executive Committee decisions.

Executive Operations & Governance

• Own the CEO's operating rhythm: Executive Committee meetings, Monthly/Quarterly Business Reviews, Global Executive reporting, Board preparation, and annual strategic planning cycles.
• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and executive presentations.
• Proactively monitor KPIs, financial performance, risks, and operational health; escalate issues and opportunities with proposed solutions.
• Manage CEO-level internal and external communications with clarity, consistency, and impact.

Influence & Organizational Effectiveness

• Lead through influence in a heavily matrixed global environment; build coalition and secure buy-in from functional and LOB leaders who do not report to you.
• Act as a cultural champion for GEODIS values, safety, customer obsession, and operational excellence.
• Support talent management, succession planning, leadership development, and change management efforts across the region.
• Serve as a bridge between Americas leadership, global headquarters in Paris, and key external stakeholders (major customers, industry bodies, partners).

Project Leadership & Execution Excellence

• Serve as the region's preeminent project/portfolio leader, applying expert-level project and program management discipline (agile, waterfall, hybrid) to complex, cross-functional initiatives on time and on budget.
• Rapidly structure ambiguous problems, build detailed project plans, manage risks/mitigations, and drive accountability across senior stakeholders.

Representation & Special Projects

• Represent the CEO in internal and external forums when required.
• Lead or support due diligence, integration, and transformation projects as directed.

Qualifications & Success Profile:

Required

• Bachelor's degree; MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred
• 10+ years of progressive experience including management consulting, corporate strategy, business operations, P&L leadership, or prior Chief of Staff / GM-type role
• Proven operational leadership in large, matrixed, global organizations (logistics, transportation, supply chain, or industrial sectors highly valued)
• Expert-level project and program management skills (PMP, PgMP, Agile certifications a plus)
• Exceptional influence and stakeholder management skills; demonstrated success leading through influence rather than direct authority
• Superior executive communication: PowerPoint mastery, concise writing, and ability to distill complexity for senior audiences
• Financial acumen and comfort with P&L management, budgeting, and KPIs
• Highest levels of integrity, discretion, and judgment
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity and high-pressure situations while maintaining calm, maturity, and a sense of humor

Ideal Candidate Traits:

• Trusted advisor to CEO; viewed internally as a neutral, objective voice.
• Highly collaborative, operating with maturity, diplomacy, and discretion.
• Bias for action-drives clarity, removes barriers, and accelerates outcomes.
• Customer-obsessed, data-driven, and culturally aligned leader.
• Capable of stepping into strategic issues quickly and delivering structure, rigor, and momentum.