Summary:

The Senior Director, Global Logistics & Distribution has overall responsibility for shipping and storage of all Vaxcyte CMC materials including finished goods, bulk product and samples. Scope includes material for Research, Development, Clinical and Commercial. This position will report to the Executive Director, Global Supply Chain.

Essential Functions:

STRATEGIC PLANNING:

• Develop and implement a global logistics and distribution strategy aligned with corporate objectives including network design, transportation optimization and warehousing operations

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT:

• Ensure the efficient, timely, compliant and high-quality delivery of all materials in scope
• Ensure that pack-outs are robustly designed with the appropriate containers and associated components to maintain material at target temperature and facilitate efficient receipt
• Ensure robust shipping agreements are in place with CMOs and suppliers of criterial raw materials
• Oversight of all logistics related policies, guidelines, SOPs and Work Instructions
• Ensure sound inventory management practices are in place at all storage facilities
• Ensure inventory losses are minimized to lowest possible levels
• Establish and track Key Performance Indicators

COMPLIANCE / REGULATORY:

• Ensure compliance with international trade laws, import/export regulations, tariffs and customs requirements, including managing country of origin, customs valuation and documentation.
• Ensure all shipping and storage operations are compliant with Good Distribution Practices (GDP)
• Ensure that temperature excursions and other logistics related deviations occur at low frequency and are resolved in a compliant and timely manner with minimal material losses.
• Ensure external supply chain partners have an established CAPA program and monitor the same
• Ensure the successful design & execution of a Shipping Validation Program

VENDOR MANAGEMENT:

• Select and Manage relationships with logistics providers, transportation companies, freight forwarders, third-party logistics (3PL) partners, import /export brokers and other logistics service providers
• Select and manage relationships with passive and active cold chain packaging/container vendors

RISK MANGEMENT:

• Identify and mitigate risks within the logistics network to ensure product supply continuity

TEAM LEADERSHIP:

• Lead, mentor, and scale a high-performing global logistics team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT:

• Manage the global logistics budget, conduct financial analyses to support decision-making, and ensure cost-effectiveness without compromising quality or service.
• Ensure tariff obligations are managed in a cost-effective manner.

TECHNOLOGY & AUTOMATION:

• Drive the adoption of advanced technologies and automation within logistics operations to enhance efficiency and resilience.
• Development and maintenance of IT systems to track shipping requests, actual shipments and temperature data.

CROSS FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION:

• Interface with Vaxcyte Commercial, Quality, Finance, IT, Process Development, Regulatory, Legal MSAT, Supply Planning, Clinical Supply, Supplier Management, Project Management, Operations and other Functions
• Interface with Logistics staff at CMOs

Requirements: 

• BS in a science-related discipline is a definite plus.
• 12+ years’ experience working in the Life Sciences industry.
• 12+ years’ experience in International cGMP cold chain shipping
• Experience managing a pharmaceutical 3PL
• Fluent with all global shipping-related statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Understand the requirements, technologies, and processes of cold-chain supply management.
• Experience with pharma logistic service providers with knowledge of qualified active and passive containers.
• Experience with arranging international and domestic transportation.
• Experience authoring and using GxP documents such as SOP’s and work instructions.
• Relentless focus and passion around process improvements (efficiency and automation).
• Excellent communication, customer service, and relationship skills.
• Vaccine distribution experience highly valued.