Jan Caris

Senior Director Fulfillment Western Europe at Baxter

Antwerp Metropolitan Area

About

Supply chain - Logistics professional. Balance between strategic & operational management. Develop concepts and implement them, solid background in supply chain / logistics operations management (hands-on). Strong in conceptual thinking, people management, P&L responsibility, IT affinity. Specialties: supply chain management, logistics management, reorganization, outsourcing, centralization, union negotiation, stock management, purchasing, order processing, distribution, warehousing, spare parts management, return logistics, people management, analysis, performance management, project management, process improvement, IT affinity, ERP & WMS, 3PL negotiation, business development, ADR security adviser

Experience

  • Senior Director Fulfillment Western Europe at Baxter International Inc.
    Feb 2026 - Present · 5 mos

    Reporting to VP Global Fulfillment, Member of European Leadership Team Responsibilities: • Setting strategic direction for Western Europe's Integrated Supply Chain (ISC) Fulfillment activities: warehousing&distribution, transportation, inventory control, drive vendor performance and customer service • Achieving regional order fulfillment goals. Focus resources on continuous improvement and operational excellence and establish key performance metrics and benchmarks relating to supply chain to measure actual performance against goals on a regular basis • Manage the fulfilment leaders: warehouse leaders, transportation lead, and dotted line customer service lead for the region responsible for achieving financial commitments and key KPI’s in each function • Lead and coach the Fulfillment department in the development, implementation, and execution of supply chain processes to optimally deliver order fulfillment and business objectives • Engaging and aligning the team around business and function goals, developing team capability, and optimizing team resources to drive continuous performance improvement at both regional and global levels • Set strategic direction to the Fulfillment and dotted line to the Customer Service Operations in Western Europe and in alignment with Global Fulfillment strategies. • Accountable for optimizing service levels and total operating budget for Western Europe network, Review/ update supply chain/fulfillment practices following new or changing policies, standards, regulations, or laws. • Responsible for identifying and resolving business issues impeding achievement of goals. • Supply Chain Transformation: Lead initiatives to build a world-class supply chain, establishing a vision and strategy for leveraging digital applications to improve service, cost, agility, and inventory through digital technologies and automation.

  • Senior Director Distribution & Logistics EMEA at Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Jun 2022 - Jan 2026 · 3 yrs 8 mos

    Reporting to VP Global Distribution & Logistics, Member of European Leadership Team Responsibilities: • Directs and leads all aspects of Distribution and Logistics related matters for the company with an emphasis on improving overall supply chain efficiencies • Leads the region in End-to-End order fulfilment execution by taking the leadership role with the broader operations team to drive finished goods fulfilment strategy • Develop transformation plans to drive proposed changes in transportation, freight optimization, warehousing & distribution, and develop implementation plan and estimated range and timing of benefits (OPEX / inventory / service delivery) • Leverage analytics to improve performance and identify opportunities to minimize costs while improving service • Drive a culture of accountability and employee engagement across all locations; effectively lead individual and group performance to set goals and expectations • Lead the 3PL Relationship management, including: market studies/analysis, RFQ/RFP, and continuous performance optimization (Cost, Quality, Service) • Ensure all regulatory and compliance measures are met within company guidelines • Collaborate with the quality team to support the development, maintenance, and execution of a compliance roadmap • Ensure compliance with local safety requirements, managing an environment of zero safety incidents; assuring the organization embraces a culture of safety Scope: Main DCs in Netherlands, Belgium, UK, Lithuania, and cross multiple divisions in EMEA. Influencing $3B revenue.

  • VF Corporation (3 yrs 5 mos)
    • Director Distribution Centers Belgium
      Dec 2019 - Jun 2022 · 2 yrs 7 mos

      Responsibilities: • Responsible for the 2 Distribution Centers in BE serving EMEA: Provide strategic planning, resource allocation, operational execution, organizational management and setup financial budget & follow up. • Close collaboration with the respective brands to assure transparent follow up on processing & invoicing volumes • Collaborate with stakeholders to obtain the best solutions for the Distribution Centers in BE: Ensure continuous improvement, appropriate automation & processes, warehouse management systems, equipment and facilities for the DC’s. • Identify critical strategic & operational issues and collect, analyse, and interpret data to make fact-based decisions: monitor capacity, performance, accuracy, cost, ensuring a max safe environment for the staff. • Develop and execute strategic initiatives to include the integration of new brands, relocation of existing brands, and the rationalization of facilities which may initiate the construction or exit of DC facilities. Scope: Two 28.000 m² DC’s in Belgium – Sint Niklaas, 35M/year, 250-650 FTE, 1 manual & 1 automated servicing EMEA area for The North Face, Smartwool, Eastpak & Kipling

    • Director - Distribution Engineering EMEA
      Feb 2019 - Dec 2019 · 11 mos

      Manage the Distribution Engineering department EMEA: Provide strategic planning, resource allocation, operational execution, organizational management, overall project management, and financial responsibility. Advise and collaborate with stakeholders to obtain the best solutions for each of the Distribution Centres in EMEA. Ensure continuous improvement, appropriate automation, warehouse management systems, equipment and facilities for the DC’s. Identify critical strategic and operational issues and collect, analyse, and interpret data to make fact-based decisions: monitor cost, cycle time, and accuracy performance. Develop and execute strategic Engineering initiatives to include the integration of new brands, relocation of existing brands, and the rationalization of facilities which may initiate the construction or exit of DC facilities.

  • Coca-Cola European Partners (6 yrs 10 mos)
    • Associate Director Project Management Office Lead, Supply Chain Strategy & Coordination
      Jan 2017 - Jan 2019 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      In charge of leading the Supply Chain PMO, composed by 4 Project Managers. Accountable for the Supply Chain cross-BU Integration & Strategic projects across CCEP, acting as a catalyzer for the transformation, and ensuring both the “end state” (in terms of organization and savings), and the “way to get there”.

    • Associate Director External Warehouse CCE
      Jan 2015 - Dec 2016 · 2 yrs

      Manage the 3PL warehouses for CCE in BNL FR GB SE NO. Ensure Handling & Storage capacity. Manage contracts, budget & performance. Develop strategy & continuous improvement. Functional support to CCE warehouses.

    • Senior Warehouse Manager Central Europe
      Apr 2012 - Dec 2014 · 2 yrs 9 mos

      Manage the 3PL warehouses for CCE in NL & FR. Ensure Handling & Storage capacity. Manage contracts, budget & performance. Develop strategy & continuous improvement.

  • Supply Chain Consultant at Van Looy Group
    Sep 2004 - Mar 2012 · 7 yrs 7 mos

    Responsibilities: • Support Business Development • Project Management • Advise clients with Supply Chain & Logistics Solutions, help with implementation of these Solutions on time, within budget and objectives accomplished. Scope: • Sourcing/Purchase, Inventory Management, Warehousing, Distribution, Transport • Auditing, Improvement Projects, Project Management, Change Management