Head of Shipping

Head of Shipping

Are you looking to join a dynamic and innovative online marketplace that connects millions of buyers and sellers across Europe and beyond?

In this role, you will lead a high-impact function that directly drives the company’s growth, efficiency, and customer experience. You will thrive in an entrepreneurial and fast-growing environment where logistics innovation is key to scaling operations. This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of e-commerce logistics.

About our client       
Our client is a leading online auction platform that connects buyers and sellers of unique and collectible items, ranging from fine art and luxury goods to classic cars and rare artifacts. Originally launched as a community platform for collectors, the company has evolved into a globally recognized marketplace, offering expertly curated auctions across multiple categories. With a strong focus on quality, trust, and seamless customer experiences, they ensure secure transactions and reliable delivery services across Europe and beyond.

As the company continues to scale its operations and enhance its logistics network, they are seeking a highly experienced Head of Shipping to lead the development and optimization of their shipping and carrier strategies in a fast-growing global marketplace.

Position overview    
The Head of Shipping will play a critical role in defining and implementing a world-class logistics framework, ensuring smooth, cost-effective, and efficient shipping processes. This position will be responsible for shaping the Carrier & Network Strategy, scaling logistics programs, and improving shipping operations for a diverse range of items, including luxury goods, collectibles, and artwork.

As a key strategic leader, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user satisfaction, reduce costs, and optimize the logistics ecosystem while expanding the company’s presence across Europe and international markets. This is an Individual Contributor role.

Key Responsibilities

Develop Carrier and Network Strategy

  • Define the ideal partner network to enable EU-wide and global shipping for high-value and specialized items.
  • Identify and negotiate partnerships with leading carriers and logistics providers to enhance shipping speed, coverage, and cost efficiency.
  • Develop region-specific strategies to reduce shipping prices while improving delivery speed and service quality.
  • Lead contract negotiations and pricing agreements to optimize shipping costs and service levels.

Scale Logistics Programs and Integrated Shipping Solutions

  • Drive cost reduction for marketplace shipping across both manual and integrated solutions.
  • Expand the adoption of Integrated Shipping Solutions, including EU Hub operations, Insurance, Large Items, and White Glove services.
  • Improve shipping transparency by refining tracking mechanisms and optimizing operational workflows.
  • Work closely with Product and Engineering teams to enhance logistics-related features and improve the customer experience.

III. Build and Manage a High-Performing Logistics Network

  • Establish a specialized logistics network focused on business development, shipping operations, and analytics.
  • Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for shipping and logistics, ensuring continuous improvement and operational excellence.
  • Serve as the subject matter expert in logistics, providing strategic guidance to relevant business units and initiatives.
  • Educate the team and partners

Your Profile

Experience & Expertise

  • Minimum 5+ years of experience in logistics and carrier management, with a strong understanding of the European logistics ecosystem. 
  • Very Entrepreneurial, hands-on, ability to roll-up your sleeve and build from scratch
  • Proven expertise in 3PL management, courier networks, and marketplace logistics.
  • Solid experience managing shipping operations, including first-mile pickup, courier delivery, returns, and import clearance.
  • Familiarity with data integration and its role in logistics efficiency.
  • Strong background in product development lifecycle, with the ability to collaborate with engineering and product teams.

Leadership & Impact

  • Experience in Stakeholder Management within logistics and operations. You are eager to make an impact and educate the broader team.
  • A strategic mindset, capable of designing and executing a scalable shipping strategy.
  • Excellent negotiation skills, with a proven ability to secure favorable agreements with carriers and logistics providers.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, driving change and continuous improvement. 
  • This is an Individual Contributor position with high visibility

Contact
If you are a logistics leader with a passion for innovation and operational excellence, we encourage you to apply and drive the next phase of growth for this global platform.

Wouter Ordelman
M +31 6 502 11 802
wouter@semare.com