Job Detail

Position Description

Head of Supply Chain IndustriesJob category
Permanent EmployeeGroup
Centre for Global IndustriesLocation
GenevaApply Now

HEAD OF SUPPLY CHAIN INDUSTRIES

The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

Within its Centre for Global Industries (CGI), the Mobility Industry Cluster engages with key industry players in four segments: 1.) automotive, 2.) airlines, travel and tourism, 3.) aerospace and space, 4.) supply chain industries. Supply Chain industries include all modes in moving goods from long range transportation by ship, air and heavy-duty vehicles to last mile distribution in cities and rural areas. Logistical characteristics of industry verticals, the nexus to global production networks, cross border trade issues and logistical challenges in emergency situations all play a major role in public private consultations. This includes the enabling role of logistical networks and key infrastructures in hubs like ports and airports as well as in the inclusion of remote areas.

In addition, digitization, blockchain, AI and other Fourth Industry Revolution (4IR) technologies form the base for new business opportunities and services.

Why we are recruiting

The current Head of Supply Chain Industries is departing at the end of 2018.

Reporting lines and interactions

The role will be based in Geneva with international travel (30%). The Supply Chain Industry group is part of the CGI Mobility Industry Cluster, with the bulk of the team currently residing in New York and in San Francisco at the Centre for the Fourth Industry Revolution (C4IR). The Head of Supply Chain Industries will report to the Head of Mobility Industries but will work closely with other Industry clusters located in Geneva such as Digital Economy, Production, Trade, Energy and Environment as well as with the team working on Blockchain in Supply Chains in the C4IR. The Supply Chain Industry group shares a Community and Platform Curator with the Automotive Industry group as well as Research & Analysis Capacity.

Main responsibilities

The Head of Supply Chain Industries will:

• Work closely with the Head of the Mobility Industries and the System Initiative “Future of Mobility” to develop the strategy for engaging and retaining key partners from the Supply Chain Industry with the Forum  


• Contribute to developing the portfolio of projects and knowledge documents within the System Initiative “Future of Mobility”, from a Supply Chain Industry point of view.


• Actively engage in team processes across the Mobility team to prepare and execute key Forum events, build out the team infrastructure and content portfolio


• Collaborate with the Partner Engagement and Partners Development teams to retain current and gain new partners


• Supervise and develop junior staff members on critical tasks such as the delivery of key events, selection process of new themes and projects and management of ongoing engagements.


• Cultivate new ways and partners for funding thought leadership opportunities and services in the shape of Forum led or contributing platform projects


• Build strong relationships across different departments of the World Economic Forum.


• Design private programming for awardees at Forum summits in collaboration with team members.

The Head of the Supply Chain Industries will be an integral part of the Mobility Team leadership. As such, s/he will:

• Form part of the management group overseeing the team of 15+ people staffed across the four Mobility industries


• Assume responsibility for strategic planning, budget and resource allocation within the Supply Chain Industry team together with the Head of Automotive Industry and growth opportunities of staff members.


• Shape programmatic direction of Supply Chain Industry contribution for major summits (Annual Meeting in Davos, Annual Meeting of the New Champions in China, Sustainable Development Impact Summit in New York and Regional Meetings).

The successful candidate will be assessed on:

• Credibility and stature in the field of Supply Chain technologies and industry insights


• Excellent and proven industry network and a profile beyond a narrow job profile


• The strength of his/her vision and ability to build and execute strategies and programs to drive progress and impact in the Supply Chain Industry


• Overall institutional and cultural fit with the World Economic Forum.

Preferred requirements and experience

• Have at least 10 years of professional experience in the industry


• Proven understanding of the key trends in Supply Chain Industry, grasp of new technologies and innovations from incumbents and pioneers, as well as credibility in the sector and connections to leading practitioner and ecosystem networks


• Have a master’s degree or equivalent


• Have experience working in an international and multicultural environment


• Have perfect command of written and spoken English; fluency in at least one other language is an advantage


• Possess excellent communication, interpersonal and networking skills; a positive team player, hardworking and an inspirational leader


• Moderation, facilitation, convening, or programme design experience a plus

Why work at the Forum

We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to improve the state of the world by building awareness and co-operation, shaping mind-sets and agendas and driving collective action. Join us and become a driver for positive change!

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