Executive Vice President, Global Vertical Head of Aerospace & Defense

DSV • Arlington Heights, IL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The EVP, Global Enterprise Vertical Head, Aerospace & Defence is responsible for shaping and leading DSV’s global Aerospace & Defence vertical strategy, positioning DSV as a trusted logistics and supply chain partner to leading aerospace, aviation, defence, and associated industry customers worldwide. The role defines the long-term commercial direction of the vertical and drives sustainable growth through strategic customer partnerships, deep industry insight, and differentiated logistics and supply chain solutions. As a senior executive leader, the EVP ensures DSV remains closely connected to developments shaping the Aerospace & Defence ecosystem, including evolving global supply chains, production and aftermarket requirements, regulatory and security considerations, technological advancement, sustainability, and geopolitical developments. The role requires deep logistics, supply chain, or Aerospace & Defence industry expertise, together with the executive presence and commercial judgement to engage senior customers, shape DSV's value proposition, and identify opportunities for long-term growth. Working closely with regional leadership teams, divisions, and global functions, the EVP ensures consistent execution of the vertical strategy while enabling commercial excellence, operational alignment, innovation, and the high standards of quality and compliance required by Aerospace & Defence customers.

Requirements

• A relevant university degree that equips you with strong analytical and professional foundations.
• Extensive leadership experience, typically 15- 20+ years, gained through senior commercial, operational, P&L, supply chain, or general management roles within global logistics, Aerospace & Defence, aviation, or similarly complex industries.
• Deep understanding of the global Aerospace & Defence ecosystem, including relevant OEMs, Tier suppliers, defence contractors, MRO providers, and associated supply chains.
• Strong appreciation of the regulatory, quality, security, trade compliance, and risk considerations associated with operating in Aerospace & Defence supply chains.
• Demonstrated ability to translate industry trends, customer strategies, and market intelligence into strategic growth opportunities and differentiated customer solutions.
• Proven track record of developing and executing global commercial strategies that deliver measurable revenue growth, customer retention, and long-term strategic partnerships.
• Strong executive leadership capability with experience operating successfully in complex, global matrix organizations and aligning commercial and operational stakeholders.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing capabilities, with the credibility to engage C-suite customers, senior industry stakeholders, and DSV executive leadership.
• Strategic and commercially entrepreneurial mindset, balanced with sound judgement and an appreciation for the governance and compliance requirements of the sector.
• Professional proficiency in English; additional languages are an advantage.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant profiles may include senior leaders with experience in: Commercial leadership within global logistics or supply chain organizations serving Aerospace & Defence customers.
• P&L or general management leadership of global or regional logistics businesses, industry verticals, or major enterprise customer portfolios.
• Operational leadership within global logistics organizations managing complex, time-critical, high-value, or regulated supply chains.
• Senior commercial, supply chain, operations, or business leadership roles within Aerospace & Defence OEMs, Tier suppliers, defence contractors, MRO organizations, or related businesses.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the global Aerospace & Defence vertical strategy, ensuring alignment with DSV's overall commercial priorities and long-term growth ambitions.
• Drive sustainable global revenue growth through strategic account development, customer retention, share-of-wallet expansion, and targeted new business opportunities.
• Position DSV as a trusted strategic supply chain partner to leading aerospace manufacturers, defence organizations and contractors, Tier suppliers, MRO providers, airlines, and other relevant participants across the ecosystem.
• Develop and maintain deep industry intelligence, remaining closely connected to market dynamics, customer investment priorities, production trends, aftermarket requirements, technological developments, and geopolitical factors affecting Aerospace & Defence supply chains.
• Translate industry developments and customer challenges into actionable commercial strategies, differentiated value propositions, and scalable logistics solutions.
• Ensure the vertical's commercial strategy recognizes the quality, security, regulatory, trade compliance, and operational resilience requirements associated with Aerospace & Defence supply chains, working closely with the appropriate DSV specialist functions.
• Lead global commercial excellence within the vertical, strengthening strategic account planning, customer engagement models, pipeline development, sales effectiveness, and commercial performance.
• Oversee the global enterprise account structure through the Vice President, Global Key Accounts and Regional Leadership roles ensuring coordinated customer strategies and execution across regions and divisions.
• Collaborate with regional commercial and operational leadership to convert the global vertical strategy into effective market execution while maintaining consistency in DSV's customer proposition.
• Represent DSV in executive customer engagements, strategic partnerships, and relevant industry forums, strengthening DSV's visibility, credibility, and relationships across the global Aerospace & Defence ecosystem.
• Foster a high-performance leadership culture, developing strong teams and enabling collaboration across countries, regions, divisions, and functions.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive