R&D Land & Air Manager

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics, serves more than 420 ports around the world on five continents. With its subsidiary CEVA Logistics, a world leader in logistics, and its air freight division CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the CMA CGM Group is continually innovating to offer its customers a complete and increasingly efficient range of new shipping, land, air and logistics solutions.

Committed to the energy transition in shipping, and a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, the CMA CGM Group has set a target to become Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
Through the CMA CGM Foundation, the Group acts in humanitarian crises that require an emergency response by mobilizing the Group’s shipping and logistics expertise to bring humanitarian supplies around the world.

Present in 160 countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs more than 155,000 people worldwide, including 4,000 in Marseilles where its head office is located.

YOUR ROLE

As the inaugural R&D Land & Air Manager, you will have the unique opportunity to establish and lead a new R&D function in close link with the Businesses of the Group.

The R&D Robotics scope covers all logistics activities at CEVA Logistics, including Air, Ocean, Ground & Rail, Finished Vehicle Logistics, and Contract Logistics, with a particular emphasis on contract logistics as well as supporting other research entities of the group for shipping, port terminals, air logistics.

The areas of application may include Goods Handling, Warehousing, Transportation, and Monitoring & Surveillance. We aim to leverage technologies such as AGVs, Exoskeletons, Robots/Cobots, Extended Reality, and Automated & autonomous Vehicles/Drones, decision aiding-tool, OCR, vision recognition, AI etc…

This position requires strong project leadership and management skills, a solid background in robotics technologies and AI technology. A knowledge of logistics, supply chain, automation is a real plus.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ?

Create a team & supervise Projects delivery in its field: build a team from start, adopt the CMA CGM practices and procedures. Deliver on quick wins as well as mid and long-term strategy. Shape a strategy for each asset. Work with multiple cultures of the R&D Groupe (French, India / Asia). At ease with finance & subsidies, IP, risk management

Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement an R&D strategy on Automation & Robotics aligned with CMA CGM and CEVA's global objectives.

Research and Development: Lead research on new technologies to enhance logistics operations via robotics. Conduct research and stay updated on industry trends and advancements.

Roadmap Execution: Develop and refine an R&D roadmap for Robotics

Stakeholder Communication: Present R&D progress and innovations to key stakeholders for its field of research.

Partnership Development: Establish strategic partnerships with external stakeholders for its scope

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR ?

Master of Science’s degree or Engineering school degree applied to Robotics (with a focus on logistics, supply chain, automation or related fields).

Minimum of 10 years in engineering, business development, strategy, or a similar role within the shipping, logistics, or port industry. Previous experience in creating and leading new initiatives and teams from scratch is highly valued.

Proven success in leading and executing complex R&D projects, with a focus on innovation and technological advancements

Ability to adapt and embrace new ideas, methodologies, and technologies in the ever-evolving logistic industry

Ability to work effectively in a matrix organization and influence cross-functional teams

Capacity to establish and maintain strategic partnerships with external stakeholders

Proven track record of successfully leading and executing complex projects

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Excellent Communication and interpersonal skills in a multi-cultural environment

Come along on CMA CGM’s adventure !