What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief of Staff position at GEODIS?
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.
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