Director, High-Velocity Launch Operations

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DSV - Global transport and logistics
In 1976, ten independent hauliers joined forces and founded DSV in Denmark. Since then, DSV has evolved to become the world's 3rd largest supplier of global solutions within transport and logistics. Today, we add value to our customers' entire supply chain by transporting, storing, packaging, re-packaging, processing and clearing all types of goods. We work every day from our many offices in more than 80 countries to ensure a steady supply of goods to production lines, outlets, stores and consumers all over the world. Our reach is global yet our presence is local and close to our customers.  Read more at www.dsv.com

Location: USA - VIRTUAL - US Ohio 

Division: Solutions 
Job Posting Title: Director, High-Velocity Launch Operations - 116838 
Time Type: Full Time

Preferred Locations: Cincinnati, OH, Denver, CO, Salt Lake City, UT, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX

The Director of High-Velocity Launch Operations will lead the strategy, execution, and continuous evolution of DSV’s North American Contract Logistics (HT2), high velocity launch offering. This role is responsible for delivering rapidly deployable, scalable launch solutions, supporting new customer implementations, startup facilities, expansions, and major operational transformations across the network.

This leader will oversee both centralized project management functions and field-based launch execution teams, ensuring launches are operationally successful, financially sustainable, and aligned with customer expectations.

Success in this role requires the ability to drive results across a highly matrixed environment involving operations, engineering, finance, IT, commercial teams, customers, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Cross-Functional Influence

• Lead a team of regionally dispersed Launch Leads as well as Away Team resources.
• Build organizational capability in rapid launch execution, project governance, and startup stabilization. Specializing in short lead-time launches.
• Influence operational stakeholders and external partners without direct authority
• Partner closely with:
  • Operations Leadership
  • Global solutions, implementations, and engineering teams
  • IT/WMS implementation teams
  • Finance
  • Commercial and customer-facing teams
  • Customers

Launch Strategy & Solution Development

• Design, implement, and continuously improve DSV’s high-velocity launch operating model for new customer implementations and facility startups
• Develop scalable launch frameworks, playbooks, governance models, and standardized deployment methodologies in support of rapid deployments
• Establish repeatable launch processes that balance:
  • Speed-to-operational readiness
  • Financial forecasting & performance
  • Operational stability
  • Customer experience
• Partner with commercial and solutions engineering teams during pre-sale and implementation phases to ensure operational readiness, financial planning, and execution alignment

Financial Performance & Launch Sustainability

• Own launch-related financial performance and sustainability metrics, including:
  • EBIT performance
  • ROIC achievement
  • Startup expense forecasting & management
  • Labor ramp efficiency
  • Launch budget adherence
• Establish financial governance and tracking mechanisms for pre- and post-launch activities
• Identify and mitigate risks related to startup costs, implementation overruns, and operational instability
• Partner with finance and operations leadership to ensure launches transition successfully into steady-state operations

Program & Project Execution

• Lead both:
  • Virtual launch support functions (project/program management)
  • Physical launch execution teams supporting onsite startup activities
• Oversee end-to-end launch execution across:
  • Facility startups
  • Customer transitions
  • Expansions and retrofits
• Ensure launches are delivered on-time, within budget, and aligned to operational KPIs and customer SLAs
• Drive escalation management and executive-level issue resolution during critical launch phases

Change Management & Scope Governance

• Design and maintain structured change management methodologies supporting:
  • Customer scope changes
  • Operational requirement changes
  • Implementation modifications
• Establish governance processes for:
  • Change requests
  • Financial impact assessments
  • Timeline adjustments
  • Resource allocation
• Ensure cross-functional alignment and communication throughout implementation lifecycle changes
• Partner closely with customer stakeholders to manage expectations and execution risk

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on:
  • Launch velocity
  • Startup quality
  • Cost control
  • Customer onboarding experience
• Develop KPI scorecards and post-launch review processes to capture lessons learned and improve future implementations
• Establish launch readiness and stabilization metrics across the network

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field (preferred)
• 10–15+ years in supply chain, logistics, or operations analytics (3PL experience strongly preferred)
• 5+ years leading large-scale customer implementations, facility startups, or launch operations within a 3PL or distribution environment
• Exceptional stakeholder management and executive communication skills
• Ability to lead through ambiguity and high-pressure launch environments
• Strong change management and organizational influence capability
• Strategic thinker with operational execution discipline
• Experience in customer-facing roles

Technical & Functional Skills

• Experience with project management platforms (Smartsheet, MS Project, Jira, etc.)
• Advanced Excel (modeling, large dataset manipulation) skills
• Working experience in Business Intelligence tools (Power BI, Tableau, Looker, etc.)
• Strong familiarity with WMS platforms 
• Experience with SQL, data modeling, and data visualization best practices
• Strong understanding of:
  • Contract logistics operations
  • Distribution startup processes
  • Customer onboarding and implementation lifecycle management

Travel

• Expected 20-40% travel

For this position, the expected base pay range is $160,783.00 – $200,979.00 Annual. Actual compensation will be determined based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, and geographic location, in accordance with applicable laws and company policy.

Information regarding DSV’s benefits offerings, including eligibility, coverage options, and plan details, is available through the DSV Benefits Showcase. Benefits, programs, and eligibility may vary by location and division in accordance with applicable state and local laws.

DSV is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, disability, veteran status, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. If you require special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment with DSV, please contact Human Resources at hr@us.dsv.com. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. DSV reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.

DSV – Global transport and logistics

Working at DSV means playing in a different league.

As a global leader in transport and logistics, we have been on an extraordinary journey of growth. Let’s grow together as we continue to innovate, digitalise and build on our achievements.

With close to 150,000 colleagues in over 90 countries, we work every day to offer solid services and meet our customers’ needs and help them achieve their goals. We know that the best way to achieve this is by bringing in new talent, fresh perspectives and ambitious individuals like you. 

At DSV, performance is in our DNA. We don’t just work – we aim to shape the future of logistics. This ambition fuels a dynamic environment built on collaboration with world-class team players, accountability and action. We value inclusivity, embrace different cultures and respect the dignity and rights of every individual. If you want to make an impact, be trusted by customers and grow your career in a forward-thinking company – this is the place to be.

Start here. Go anywhere

Visit dsv.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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