Director Road Network Planning (m/f/d)
Diegem, 1831 Machelen, Belgium
Posted on Aug 8, 2026
DHL Express - a company that connects people!
Would you like to take your career to the next level with the world’s most international company?
DHL Express pioneered cross-border express delivery in 1969 and today operates in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. We connect people across the globe—and the more people we connect, the better life becomes for everyone.
At DHL Express Network Operations European Head Office, we manage and monitor the performance of the processes and procedures that keep shipments moving through the DHL network. Working closely with multiple business functions, we drive improvement and innovation every day. We are more than just a company—we live and breathe our values and are powered by passionate people.
NetOps Road Network EU is looking for a Director Road Network Planning (f/m/d) based Brussels. This role leads the strategic planning and optimization of a complex hub-and-spoke road transportation network spanning 33 European countries, balancing service, capacity, and cost to support one of the world's largest express logistics operations.
Could this be you?
Join our global network as part of the Network Operations Management Team.
How will you contribute to the success of DHL?
- Lead the strategic planning of DHL’s Express European ground linehaul and domestic route network, ensuring optimal service coverage and cost efficiency.
- Oversee daily and long-term route and capacity planning, including network design, schedule optimization, and forecast modelling.
- Partner with key stakeholders and relevant teams to ensure seamless handover between plan and execution, balancing utilization and service reliability.
- Manage the deployment and refinement of advanced planning tools and relevant systems.
- Develop and maintain digital network models to simulate scenarios, stress-test plans, and evaluate “what-if” opportunities for growth or cost savings.
- Analyse forecast trends, volume patterns, and service performance to adjust capacity and reduce empty mileage.
- Collaborate with Vendor Management to align carrier contracts, rates, and performance expectations with network plans.
- Establish a unified European route-planning methodology, supported by standard KPIs, governance, and digital workflows.
- Drive continuous improvement through data analytics, AI-assisted optimization, and automation in planning processes.
- Lead and mentor a team of planners, data analysts, and modelling specialists across multiple countries.
- Support the continuous improvement of Express network performance across Europe by working closely with cross-functional stakeholders.
Do you have what it takes?
- University’s degree in Business, Statistics or Mathematics or equivalent professional experience.
- Extensive experience in logistics management, linehaul operations, road transportation management or transportation network planning with a proven track record of translating operational requirements into effective network solutions.
- Ability to translate complex data, operational insights, and business objectives into effective network strategies and actionable plans.
- Experience leveraging advanced analytics, AI-driven solutions, predictive modelling, and digital planning tools to drive continuous improvement.
- Strong analytical skills, with Python and SQL experience preferred, to support data-driven decision-making and network optimization.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively across planning, operations, and transformation functions in a dynamic international environment.
- Track record of delivering measurable improvements in service performance, network efficiency, and cost optimization.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and align diverse groups across a multinational organization.
- Sound business judgment and a customer-focused mindset, balancing commercial objectives with operational excellence.
- Excellent written and spoken English; proficiency in an additional European language is an advantage.
What we offer?
- Strong career support in an international environment
- Work for the top employer and Great Place To Work winner 2025
- Multifarious benefit program
- Access to comprehensive learning programs
Become part of our team
If you are looking to further your career at the global market leader in Express logistics and are keen to be part of an organization whose focus is to connect people and improve lives, we are interested to hear from you. Apply now!
We are committed to equal opportunity and reject any forms of discrimination. The basis for employee selection at DHL Group is qualification, performance, skills and experience.
Connecting People. Improving Lives.
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