Marine Operations Manager EMEA

Job overview

Eastman is a global specialty materials company headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA, with approximately 13,000 employees serving customers in more than 100 countries. In 2025, the company generated revenue of around $8.8 billion. Committed to improving the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works collaboratively with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions, with a strong focus on safety and sustainability. To support our global operations and ensure the reliability of our supply chain, we are currently looking for a Logistics Operations Manager, Marine – EMEA.
As Logistics Operations Manager, Marine (EMEA) at Eastman, you play a vital role in successfully exporting our products across the globe. Reporting directly to the EMEA Logistics Manager, you lead a dedicated team of five professionals and drive all marine logistics operations (ocean shipments) across the EMEA region, ensuring our export flows are safe, efficient, and delivered on budget.
You balance day-to-day operational execution with long-term strategy. You work closely with our 4PL partner and ocean carriers to keep them sharp on quality, cost, and reliability. You serve as the primary escalation point for operational disruptions and continuously drive improvements in both internal and external processes, collaborating closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, Customer Service, and manufacturing sites.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the EMEA marine operations team of five direct reports, creating clear accountabilities and fostering a high-performance culture.
• Oversee day-to-day operational delivery of all ocean export shipments from the EMEA region, ensuring high levels of delivery reliability, customer satisfaction, safety, and quality — all within budget.
• Drive performance management of the 4PL partner and ocean carriers by implementing KPIs, conducting regular performance reviews, and supporting annual RFP initiatives.
• Initiate, lead, and implement process improvement projects that drive efficiency, digitalization, and cost optimization across the marine logistics supply chain.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders (Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing Sites, Customer Service) and external partners, serving as the escalation point for operational incidents and crisis management.
• Translate procurement and logistics strategies into operational KPIs, dashboards, and action plans, and cascade strategic targets into clear team objectives.

What you bring

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in logistics or supply chain, with proven expertise in marine logistics (ocean freight). Experience in the chemical industry or a similarly regulated environment is strongly preferred.
• A people-focused leader with a demonstrated track record of coaching, developing, and building high-performing teams.
• Experience managing complex logistics service providers (e.g., 4PL partners) and carrier relationships.
• Strong track record in operational excellence, SOP development, safety, compliance, and supplier management.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems; strong MS Office skills.
• Certifications such as APICS, Lean Six Sigma, or CPIM are a plus.
• Fluent in English (verbal and written); Dutch is a plus.
• Personal attributes: high accountability, excellent communicator, collaborative, decisive under pressure, strong relationship management and influencing skills, ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.

Why choose Eastman?

• A full-time permanent position in the chemical industry 
• A varied role within a great team, with room for your own input and ideas.
• An engaging, innovative environment where growth, learning, and taking initiative are actively encouraged.
• A dynamic, internationally oriented multinational with an open culture and collegial atmosphere.
• An attractive salary and benefits package in line with the chemical industry, including meal and eco-vouchers, a representation allowance, a strong bonus system, and a 'flexible income plan'.
• Flexible working hours with the possibility of working from home one day per week. A generous leave arrangement — in addition to the statutory 20 days, you are entitled to 18 additional days through working time reduction, plus seniority days
• A market-leading package of collective insurance: hospitalization insurance, outpatient insurance, pension plan, private accident insurance, and more.