Cold Chain Pharmacy Distribution Engineer

Intuitive•Sunnyvale, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cold Chain Pharmacy Distribution Engineer serves as a leader within Intuitive’s Global Logistics Team, partnering closely with the Fluorescence Imaging organization to enable the successful commercialization of pharmaceutical imaging agents. The primary function of this role is to ensure that all aspects of distribution (e.g., specialty distributors and wholesalers), transportation, storage, and logistics are clearly defined and seamlessly orchestrated to ensure compliance with cold chain pharmaceutical standards. This position leads the development and execution of RFPs, Operational Excellence (OpEx) initiatives, and end-to-end logistics and distribution programs—covering all cold chain processes, including specialty trade and regulatory compliance. The role is responsible for driving strategic, cross-functional initiatives focused on optimizing processes, enhancing scalability, and improving operational efficiency. Additionally, this role supports comprehensive project chartering, governance, and the execution of OpEx portfolio projects. Ideal candidates possess demonstrated expertise in leading complex logistics and distribution projects within highly regulated pharmaceutical environments, including cold chain pharmacy logistics.

Requirements

Minimum of 7 years of operations process experience, ideally in the pharmaceutical distribution industry.
Highly proactive with the ability to work independently.
Highly organized with a strong ability to prioritize tasks and deliverables across a portfolio.
Excellent communication skills, including experience presenting in front of leadership.
Fluent English language skills (both verbal and written).
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%.
Five plus years of BU or BU-facing experience, with sensitivity and commitment to business problem solving specifically in pharma, specialty pharma, and supply chain management.
Demonstrated experience and ability to use soft skills successfully.
Demonstrated experience in leading a cross-functional, global project teams.
Experience in logistics and distribution environments, third party logistics and cold chain.
Pharmaceutical regulatory compliance, e.g., FDA, DSCSA, QMS, beneficial.
Experience working with or leading IT teams in developing SAP-centric solutions beneficial.

Nice To Haves

Program or Product ownership
Familiarity with ISO13485:2016 and MDSAP
APICS certification

Responsibilities

Lead logistics workstream for new pharmaceutical product introductions from later-stage development through commercialization, including establishing the logistics network (e.g., 3PL, specialty distributors, wholesalers).
Define the end-to-end processes including inventory management, order flow, EDI/IT systems.
Execute Fluorescence Imaging and Global Logistics projects within the approved budget, timeline and scope.
Create process flow maps to help team partners and leaders gain a deeper understanding of process options.
Assist in the management of day-to-day relationships with 3PL providers, specialty distributors, and wholesalers with Fluorescence Imaging organization.
Develop and maintain project management infrastructure supporting project collaboration, communications, and delivery (e.g., Smartsheet, Box folders, project artifacts).
Identify and schedule project deliverables, milestones, required activities and tasks.
Assist in the creation of the Project Charter, execute and monitor to the Project Charter.
Establish work plan and staffing for project activities, iterations or phases, and arrange for recruitment or assignment of project personnel.
Implement project communication plan.
Develop and execute logistics launch plans, including timelines, risks, and mitigation strategies.
Ensure that project goals are accomplished and are in line with business objectives and success metrics.
Direct and coordinate activities of project personnel to ensure that the project progresses on scope, on schedule and within budget.
Present recommendations or ask for specific support to “go to green” of steering committees and leadership.
Collaborate with upstream and downstream partners to understand process pain points and drive improvements impacting cross-functional KPIs.
Present project updates, findings, and detailed, prioritized recommendations to sponsors and key stakeholders in various formats (e.g., Smartsheet dashboards, written reports, steering committees).
Collaborate with Global Process Owners to implement system and process improvements ensuring alignment and consistency for the Specialty program.