CAREERS AT ZENITH
Vacancy: European Director, Defence & Logistics Security
Across the logistics sector, security has moved from a cost of doing business to something that increasingly determines who gets the contract, as clients now routinely expect shippers and logistics providers to demonstrate that their sites and supply chains meet TAPA, AEO, C-TPAT or ISPS requirements. In the defence sector, access to the market depends on holding the right security approvals, on screened personnel and on tightly controlled supply chains. In both markets, organisations need a partner who understands these requirements in depth and knows what they mean for a site’s day-to-day operations.
We are a fast-growing European organisation in which knowledge and specialist expertise come first, with logistics and defence as two clear areas of focus. We’re now looking for a senior specialist who can turn our expertise into a clear commercial proposition and help us expand further into international markets. Many of our clients apply the same security standards to their European sites as they do in the Netherlands. This gives us a strong foundation to build on. A key part of your role will be to develop these existing relationships, identify opportunities at their other European locations and turn those opportunities into new projects.
LOCATION
Hybrid, from our head office in Vianen (Utrecht, the Netherlands)
EXPERIENCE
Senior-level position, requiring proven experience across Europe.
EMPLOYMENT
Permanent contract,
full-time (40 hours)
REGION
Across Europe, covering our clients’ international sites and supply chains, including visits to client sites abroad
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
The role in practice
This role combines specialist expertise with commercial responsibility. You’ll focus on two key markets: logistics, working with shippers, 3PLs, warehouse operators and port and terminal operators, and defence, with a focus on defence primes and their suppliers. You’ll use your knowledge of industry standards and regulations to identify business opportunities, advise clients and develop practical security solutions for organisations across the Netherlands and Europe.
Shaping our proposition
You’ll turn TAPA, AEO, C-TPAT and ISPS requirements into a clear commercial offering, with a defined scope, pricing and delivery model. Drawing on your expertise, you’ll show clients what these standards mean in operational terms for their warehouses, terminals, port facilities and production sites, and where Zenith comes in.
Growing alongside our clients
Many of our existing clients operate across Europe, creating opportunities to build on our partnerships beyond the Netherlands. Working closely with the account manager, you’ll introduce our proposition across their international operations, identify opportunities at other locations and build relationships with key decision-makers in security, supply chain and compliance.
New business development
You’ll play an active role in expanding our client base, both in the Netherlands and across Europe. By identifying new business opportunities and building relationships with key decision-makers in security, supply chain, risk and compliance, you’ll develop a strong pipeline and turn potential into long-term partnerships.
Defence market development
You’ll identify opportunities across the European defence sector, focusing on defence primes and their suppliers to establish where Zenith can add value. With approval regimes, regulations and industrial policy varying between countries, you’ll develop a clear proposition and a commercial approach tailored to each market.
Building a European partner network
You’ll develop a practical approach to delivering projects in each of our priority markets. Where working with a local partner is more efficient than delivering the work ourselves, you’ll identify and establish partnerships with trusted local companies, building a network that allows Zenith to deliver consistent quality across Europe.
Building on our specialist profile
Our knowledge of the standards our clients must meet is a key part of what distinguishes Zenith. You’ll strengthen that position through publications, sector events and industry partnerships, and be the go-to specialist for colleagues on supply chain security and compliance, translating new market requirements into our own ways of working.
WHAT YOU BRING
Your profile
You are a senior specialist who combines extensive expertise in supply chain security with strong commercial judgement and a strategic approach to business development. You are equally comfortable engaging with operational teams on site and discussing priorities with decision-makers at board level. You recognise opportunities, translate complex requirements into clear commercial propositions and have the experience and initiative to develop new markets.
Supply chain security expertise
You have senior experience in supply chain security, with in-depth knowledge of TAPA FSR/TSR/PSR, AEO and C-TPAT, cargo security and risk assessments, and experience auditing or certifying supply chain partners.
International experience
You have proven experience in security across multiple European countries, understand how their markets and regulations differ, and are willing to travel. An international network in logistics or defence is a strong advantage.
Cyber & compliance knowledge
You are at home with the cyber and compliance side of security, and understand how vulnerabilities in connected systems create supply chain risk. You are keen to master NIS2 and the Cyberbeveiligingswet, and how they apply to the systems we install.
Commercial track record
You have demonstrated experience in developing commercial propositions and building strong client relationships, and the ambition to take on greater responsibility for commercial performance as the role evolves.
Communication and stakeholder engagement
You communicate with confidence and authority at all levels, from board members and other key decision-makers to operational teams on site. You are fluent in both Dutch and English, written and spoken.
Knowledge of the defence sector
You are familiar with government and defence security frameworks such as ABDO and its successor ABRO, and NATO security requirements, and understand how national approval processes shape opportunities across European defence markets.
ABOUT ZENITH SECURITY
Your place in the team
You’ll report directly to the board and play an active role in our commercial meetings. While the position offers considerable independence, you won’t be on your own: dedicated support is in place from day one, and you’ll have access to the knowledge and experience of colleagues across Zenith, including our in-house expertise in the Cyberbeveiligingswet, the Dutch implementation of NIS2.
Support from day one
You’ll work closely with a dedicated account manager who supports quotations and contract negotiations, technical specialists who provide expertise in system design, cost estimates and tenders, and our marketing team supports market positioning, publications and industry events.
Strategic backing from the board
You’ll work closely with members of the board, who join you for high-level strategic discussions and introductions to prospective clients. Our flat structure means direct communication, quick decisions and the flexibility to act on new opportunities.
Building for long-term success
In your first year, the focus will be on establishing a strong foundation rather than immediate revenue targets. From the second year onwards, you’ll take increasing responsibility for commercial results. We’ll agree on clear objectives from the outset and review progress together every six months.
ZENITH SECURITY AS AN EMPLOYER
What we offer
You’ll join an organisation that combines specialist expertise with a collaborative approach and direct access to decision-makers. You’ll have the freedom and support to shape your role, develop our proposition and contribute to our international ambitions. We offer an attractive employment package and opportunities for professional development. We also place great importance on the wellbeing of our people, as reflected in our CSR policy.
As the role involves access to sensitive information, a security screening (verklaring van betrouwbaarheid) is a standard part of our recruitment process. We’ll explain the requirements and guide you through each step.
Attractive salary
A salary in line with the market that reflects your knowledge and experience.
Hybrid working
A hybrid working pattern, with our head office in Vianen as your base and travel across Europe where the role requires it.
Company car
A company car, so you can visit clients and partners with ease.
Professional development
Training, certification and courses that support both your professional and personal development.
Permanent contract
A permanent, full-time position of 40 hours a week.
Laptop & phone
A company laptop and mobile phone, provided for both office and remote working.
Build your own team
As the proposition grows, you’ll have the opportunity to build your own team, working closely with the board.
Benefits package
A strong benefits package, including a good pension scheme and room to discuss what matters to you.
EMPLOYEES
EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
INTEGRATED SYSTEMS
CLIENTS
APPLICATION
Interested in this position?
Does this role match your experience and ambitions? Then we would like to get to know you. Send us your CV using the form below and we’ll be in touch to discuss the next steps.
Would you prefer to call or email? You can reach us on +31 88 111 8777 or at werkenbij@zenithsecurity.nl.
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