Associate Director, Small Molecules & Biologics Logistics Operations (Remote Eligible)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals • Boston, MA

4d • Remote

About The Position

The Associate Director of Logistics Operations manages and executes logistics for distribution and movement of small-molecule and biologics products in support of product delivery. The role establishes and implements end-to-end management of clinical, development, and commercial shipments, including real-time tracking and issue resolution. Responsibilities encompass temperature-controlled logistics, third-party logistics (3PL) and carrier management, import/export compliance, and product distribution.

Working closely with couriers, Clinical Operations, CMO scheduling staff, Quality Assurance, and other stakeholders, this position plans and executes product movements across internal and external networks. It contributes to commercialization strategy, product launches, and lifecycle management, and supports logistics network design, continuous improvement, and strategic projects. The role also oversees logistics service providers, trade-management activities, and compliance for domestic and international transportation.

The position requires progressive pharmaceutical supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing leadership experience, strong cross-functional collaboration and project-management capabilities, and knowledge of pharmaceutical Good Distribution Practices, trade compliance, cold-chain operations, logistics systems, and applicable shipping regulations. The role is remote-eligible, with the option to work remotely, hybrid, or on-site under Vertex’s Flex @ Vertex program.

Requirements

• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, logistics, and/or manufacturing leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Direct experience managing logistics and temperature-controlled or cold-chain operations.
• Proven supervisory experience and ability to develop direct reports.
• Familiarity managing logistics across internal and external (CDMO) manufacturing sites.
• Excellent understanding of Good Distribution Practices in the pharmaceutical industry and demonstrated understanding of GDP principles and regulations.
• Working knowledge of trade-compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of logistics systems such as TMS and WMS, including system and carrier integrations.
• Experience building and managing complex global supply-chain logistics operations and network design principles.
• Familiarity with regulations related to hazardous shipments, employee safety, and freight classifications.
• In-depth experience with Microsoft Excel, including tables, arrays, formulas, and conditional formatting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues and solutions across the enterprise.
• Ability to build and sustain respect and trust across all levels of an organization and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to anticipate adverse scenarios and develop contingency plans.
• Sound judgment, business acumen, versatility, and flexibility as the business and team evolve.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and optimize resources to advance organizational goals and objectives.
• Ability to influence others in sensitive or difficult situations.
• Strong critical thinking, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work efficiently and independently in a changing environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with biological products and genetic and cell therapy technologies.
• Master’s degree in business, supply chain, industrial engineering, or finance.
• Thought leadership in logistics, warehousing, and transportation, with a demonstrated ability to innovate and implement practical, compliant solutions.
• Curiosity about advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends, and thoughtful adoption of capabilities that improve decision-making, innovation, efficiency, and patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute distribution and movement logistics for small-molecule and biologics products, including clinical, development, and commercial shipments.
• Establish and implement end-to-end shipment management, including real-time tracking and troubleshooting.
• Manage temperature-controlled logistics, 3PLs, carriers, import/export compliance, and product distribution.
• Contribute to commercialization strategy for small-molecule and biologics products, including process and technology requirements.
• Manage site-to-site movement of materials, including API, Start Material, SDD, DS, DP, and other manufacturing, testing, and release materials across internal, external, and 3PL networks.
• Establish programs and partnerships and support sourcing and selection of global 3PLs for warehousing, transport, and international logistics.
• Support development and execution of logistics network strategy for product launches and lifecycle management in alignment with corporate strategy.
• Oversee logistics service provider performance, including relationship management, service performance, audits and qualification, RFI/RFPs, continuous improvement, and contract-related activities.
• Develop continuous improvement plans for Vertex’s logistics infrastructure and identify and implement opportunities to improve operations and customer satisfaction.
• Identify, initiate, and manage cross-functional logistics projects using appropriate project-management methods.
• Manage project operations and act as a liaison among project management, project teams, Quality, and line management.
• Oversee logistics service providers’ trade-management activities and enforce corporate compliance for domestic and international transportation; troubleshoot trade-related issues.
• Represent and contribute to Global Logistics in strategic projects, business ventures, market expansion, and technology-platform decisions affecting logistics.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and support executive leadership and business stakeholders in developing strategies, long-term goals, and objectives.
• Plan and optimize group or function resources, including budgets, staff, technology, and succession planning.

Benefits

• Annual bonus eligibility.
• Annual equity awards.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous paid time off, including a week-long company shutdown in the summer and winter.
• Educational assistance programs, including student loan repayment.
• Commuting subsidy.
• Matching charitable donations.
• 401(k).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed