Director, R&D Logistics and Distribution Operations

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

46d

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.
• Influence & Stakeholder Management: Build strategic alliances with internal and external stakeholders and cross-functional teams across various levels of the organization to drive organizational objectives in a fast-paced environment of change.
• Autonomy & Problem Solving: Develop and implement operational strategies using critical thinking and data-driven decision-making skills to inform decisions and deliver appropriate value against strategic business objectives.
• Strategic planning and partner oversight to meet strategic business objectives. oversight of eco-friendly and sustainable and safe business practices; ability to manage multiple priorities and perform under pressure.
• Oversee OPEX budget management and performance. Inform CAPEX planning lifecycle.
• Foster a collaborative team; communicate effectively at all organizational levels.
• Proficient with ERP systems, shipping software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Capability to work in warehouse, shipping/receiving, and office environments.
• Occasional travel for vendor and regulatory meetings may be required.

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. Maintain compliance with all regulations, licensing, permitting, company SOPs, and GDP (Good Distribution Practices).
• 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 to deliver materials management and logistics for all AZ and outsourced service provider staff.
• Ensure appropriate licenses and permits are in place and renewed in support of GMP/non-GMP and import/export regulations and compliance in categories to include but not limited to where appropriate:
• Oversee pest control to meet GMP and corporate requirements.
• Ensure prompt identification and completion of corrective actions and documentation for regulatory audits.
• Maintain all pest control documentation for regulatory inspections and audits.
• Ensure all training, licenses and certifications are in place for physical locations and vendor personnel delivering pest control services.
• 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 to meet aligned goals and objectives.
• Utilize AI-enabled platforms (e.g., predictive logistics, smart tracking) to enhance operations, decision making, and compliance.
• Ensure operational datasets are accurate, structured and compliant for AI/ML applications and apply analytics for workflow and demand optimization.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies into GMP/non-GMP operations.
• Adapts dapts to evolving technologies, regulations, and business priorities; thrives in dynamic, fast-paced R&D environments.
• Champion adoption of digital tools, coaching teams for continuous improvement.
• Balance immediate operational excellence with future strategic direction to support scientific innovation.

Benefits

• Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees