Associate Director of Warehouse and Distribution
A global manufacturing and life sciences organization that partners with leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare companies to help bring critical products to market. With operations spanning multiple continents and a strong commitment to innovation, quality, and operational excellence, the organization plays a vital role in supporting the healthcare supply chain and improving lives around the world.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Associate Director of Warehousing & Distribution to oversee and optimize a large-scale logistics and distribution network across North and South America. This highly visible leadership role will be responsible for driving distribution strategy, operational excellence, customer service performance, cost optimization, and supply chain resiliency while supporting a growing manufacturing business.
The successful candidate will lead a team of approximately 15 professionals and oversee a complex logistics network that includes transportation providers, warehouse operators, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and third-party logistics partners. This role carries ownership of a significant logistics budget and offers the opportunity to influence strategic supply chain decisions at both the regional and site level.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute regional warehousing, distribution, and logistics strategies aligned with business growth objectives.
- Lead network optimization initiatives, including warehouse footprint, inventory placement, transportation modes, and distribution channels.
- Drive improvements in service levels, cost efficiency, operational flexibility, and overall logistics performance.
- Oversee transportation, warehousing, inventory management, import/export activities, and distribution operations throughout the Americas.
- Manage logistics operations supporting manufacturing and distribution center activities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, warehouse operators, and 3PL partners.
- Ensure customer delivery commitments are achieved while improving OTIF (On-Time In-Full) performance.
- Establish and monitor KPIs related to safety, service, quality, inventory accuracy, warehousing, and transportation.
- Ensure compliance with customs regulations, international trade requirements, GMP standards, and other applicable regulations.
- Lead business continuity planning and supply chain risk mitigation initiatives.
- Develop, coach, and mentor a high-performing logistics organization.
- Champion continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Logistics, Engineering, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience within manufacturing, logistics, distribution, supply chain operations, or materials management.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and developing talent.
- Experience overseeing warehousing, transportation, inventory management, and distribution operations.
- Strong understanding of ERP systems and supply chain technologies.
- Proven ability to lead complex logistics networks and manage external logistics partners.
- Strong communication, stakeholder management, and strategic planning capabilities.
Preferred Experience
- Life sciences, pharmaceutical, medical device, chemical, food & beverage, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
- Third-party logistics (3PL) management.
- Transportation contract management and carrier management.
- Trade compliance, customs, and import/export operations.
- Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence programs.
- APICS, CPIM, CSCP, or similar supply chain certifications.
FAQs
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