Director, R&D Logistics and Distribution Operations

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

86d • $135,200 - $202,800

About The Position

The Director, R D Logistics and Distribution Operations, leads all end-to-end warehousing, shipping, and receiving activities for GMP and non-GMP materials at a Pharmaceutical R D facility which includes incoming/outgoing material logistics of a North American BioCentre, and global import/export operations. This role ensures compliant and efficient timebound movement of materials—including temperature-controlled shipments, raw material deliveries, and disposals—while strictly adhering to GMP regulations, SOPs, and corporate standards. The Director manages internal and outsourced staff (~18 personnel from third-party service providers) supporting ~6,000 site-based colleagues. Responsibilities extend to overseeing pest control program management, ensuring all documentation is audit and inspection ready and compliant, and driving continuous improvement and innovation in logistics and warehousing operations. The role is focused on building a best-in-class program by leveraging partners, optimizing processes, deploying advanced technologies, and delivering operational excellence and superior customer service.

Requirements

• Bachelor's in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, Life Sciences, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 8-10 years in logistics/supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a GMP-regulated leadership role.
• Strong understanding of GDP, GMP, FDA, and international shipping regulations.
• Experience with cold-chain and temperature monitoring systems.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a fast-paced R D environment.
• Proficient with ERP systems, shipping software, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Manage all inbound and outbound shipments of GMP and non-GMP materials, including inter-site and international shipping, ensuring adherence to regulatory protocols and documentation, including import and export activities.
• Ensure GMP shipments meet temperature requirements using validated cold-chain packaging and monitoring from receipt to preparation and transit.
• Guarantee timely delivery of critical raw materials for manufacturing and R D.
• Coordinate closely with internal customers, vendors, and carriers for compliant delivery.
• Oversee the logistics management for the R D Facility and BioCentre, and storage of capital equipment and FF&E, both onsite and offsite.
• Develop and enforce SOPs for all shipping, receiving, disposal, and pest prevention activities.
• Lead initiatives to improve cycle time, compliance, and service levels.
• Ensure all areas are compliant with AstraZeneca safety protocols and global trade guidelines.
• Maintain systems to track all shipments, deliveries, and material disposition.
• Serve as the point of contact during internal audits and external inspections.
• Ensure trainings and certifications by support role for DOT, IATA, OSHA and HazMat requirements are in place.
• Ensure appropriate licenses and permits are in place and renewed in support of GMP/non-GMP and import/export regulations.
• Oversee pest control to meet GMP and corporate requirements.
• Ensure prompt identification and completion of corrective actions and documentation for regulatory audits.
• Direct, develop, and train the shipping and receiving team.
• Strategize with Quality, Facilities, Safety, Health & Environment, and other partners to align operations with standards.
• Act as primary contact for agencies during inspections related to import/export and related warehousing operations.
• Oversee third-party partner relationships for service quality and standards compliance.
• Utilize AI-enabled platforms to enhance operations, decision making, and compliance.
• Ensure operational datasets are accurate, structured and compliant for AI/ML applications.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies into GMP/non-GMP operations.
• Champion adoption of digital tools, coaching teams for continuous improvement.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Paid leaves
• Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree