Klaas-Jan de Jonge

COO | Executive Operations Leader | €50M+ Budget Accountability | Multi-Site & Transformation | Builds High-Trust Performance Cultures

Zürich Metropolitan Area

About

Executive operations leader with 20+ years of experience leading complex, multi-site organisations in international commercial environments. I have held country-level operational accountability with €50M+ budget responsibility and multi-layer management structures of up to 120 FTE. I specialise in leading leaders. I build strong management teams that take ownership, bring solutions instead of problems and operate with clarity and accountability. My leadership style combines financial discipline, data-driven decision-making and process affinity with a pragmatic, high-trust culture approach. Throughout my career, I have delivered structural cost improvements, led multi-million capex automation projects and strengthened operational performance in demanding environments. I am particularly interested in COO or senior operations roles within PE-owned portfolio companies or mid-sized international businesses (FMCG, MedTech, industrial), where operational excellence and culture-building are critical for sustainable growth.

Experience

  • SEREO – RECYCLING AS A SERVICE (Full-time · 3 yrs 5 mos)
    • Group Head of Supply Chain (Executive Team Member)
      Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

      Executive team member with end-to-end accountability for supply chain, procurement, planning and Quality management across multiple organisations. Lead management teams responsible for operational execution and continuous improvement. Translate board-level strategy into operational roadmaps and measurable performance outcomes. Drive structural improvements, ISO certification and organisational development across entities.

    • Head of Supply Chain Management - PET Recycling Schweiz
      Feb 2023 - Feb 2025 · 2 yrs 1 mo

  • Logistics Manager at Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company
    Nov 2019 - Feb 2023 · 3 yrs 4 mos

    Held full operational accountability for the Swiss logistics network (6 warehouses, ~1,000 delivery points) with >€50M annual budget responsibility. Led a multi-layer management organisation of 120 FTE, developing managers and strengthening accountability across the structure. Directed a multi-million CHF warehouse automation investment, improving scalability and operational performance. Delivered seven-figure structural cost reductions through outsourcing and network optimisation while maintaining service excellence. Regular exposure to executive board level for investment cases and operational strategy discussions.

  • Head of Global Spare Parts Supply Chain at Belimed
    Jul 2018 - Oct 2019 · 1 yr 4 mos

    As the Head of Global Spare Parts Supply Chain at Belimed, I took charge of a comprehensive spare parts portfolio, overseeing warehousing, transportation, and inventory management. Notable responsibilities and achievements include: • Successfully led the go-live and ramp-up of a newly outsourced warehousing operation, enhancing cost-effectiveness. • Orchestrated the seamless delivery of 40,000 diverse SKUs to 80 countries, ensuring global supply chain efficiency. • Managed a dedicated team of 15 employees, with a customer centric mindset, optimizing operational performance.

  • Sabbatical at Sabbatical
    Oct 2017 - Jun 2018 · 9 mos

    During my sabbatical, I embraced the joys of family time and immersed myself in sports, finding the perfect balance between relaxation and staying active. Additionally, I seized the opportunity to expand my skill set by delving into the world of Lean Six Sigma, earning my Green Belt certification. On the cultural front, I dedicated time to learning basic Spanish.

  • The HEINEKEN Company (8 yrs 6 mos)
    • E2E Customer Service Manager
      Oct 2016 - Sep 2017 · 1 yr

      In my role as the E2E Customer Service Manager at The HEINEKEN Company, Switzerland, I played a pivotal role in orchestrating transformative changes: • Implemented logistic trade terms to positively influence customer ordering behavior. • Led the process of consolidating and reorganizing three customer service departments into a cohesive team of 40 FTE, fostering synergy and efficiency. • Spearheaded a transportation tender specific to the Swiss market, optimizing logistics operations.

    • Customer Service Manager
      Mar 2014 - Sep 2016 · 2 yrs 7 mos

      During my tenure as Customer Service Manager, I made significant contributions: • Implemented Cost2Serve, a very detailed analysis of how customer behavior influences supply chain costs. • Led a 5 FTE customer service team responsible for the order-to-cash processes, returns, and complaints. • Successfully implemented several cost-saving initiatives, resulting in a commendable 16% reduction in logistics costs. These roles provided me with valuable insights into end-to-end customer service management and strategic cost optimization, contributing to my holistic approach to supply chain dynamics.

    • Supply Chain Planner
      Apr 2009 - Feb 2014 · 4 yrs 11 mos

      As a Supply Chain Planner at The HEINEKEN Company, Bunnik (NL), I played a crucial role in shaping efficient and strategic supply chain processes: • Performed demand planning and statistical forecasting to optimize inventory levels. • Managed supply planning for production, materials, and toll-fillers, ensuring seamless operations. • Designed and implemented a vendor rating system to enhance supplier relationships and performance. These experiences equipped me with a solid foundation in supply chain planning, fostering a keen understanding of demand and supply dynamics.