Job Description
**Associate Director Supply Chain and Logistics** Optum, a Fortune Global top 10 business, seeks a dynamic individual to lead the distribution planning, coordination, and transportation of drugs within the Optum network. **Job Description** As a key member of the Optum team, you will oversee the distribution planning, coordination, and transportation of drugs within the Optum network. You will lead a team and be responsible for managing budgets, organizing schedules and routes, coordinating supplier management activities, facilitating imports into the United States, and ensuring compliance with Good Distribution Practices (GDP) and local regulatory requirements. **Responsibilities** * Develop, execute, and monitor transportation processes and strategies in compliance with internal SOPs and adherence to c GMP, GDP and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) regulations * Establish operational procedures for activities such as verification of incoming and outgoing shipments, temperature data-logging, and cold chain delivery performance * Direct and oversee national and international transportation of temperature-controlled products, ensuring safe, compliant, and on-time movement of products through the network * Identify and implement solutions to improve the quality and efficiency of the transportation processes * Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms, coordinate product movements, optimize pricing, and ensure reliable delivery of high-quality goods * Work across supply chain teams to support inventory control procedures, including forecasting demand, managing stock levels, and minimizing excess or obsolete inventory * Facilitate collaboration and coordinate with product manufacturers, operation centers, logistics carriers, custom brokers and freight forwarders regarding all aspects of transport services * Act as liaison between cross-functional teams such as commercial planning, distribution, 3 PL service providers and a network of pharma manufacturers * Develop and maintain strong relationships with transportation and logistics service providers and negotiate contracts to ensure cost-effective and reliable transportation services * Identify and communicate any shipment risks, and develop appropriate recommendations and monitor the implementation of corrective actions to minimize supply risks * Lead and inspire a team of high performing supply chain and logistics personnel **Requirements** * Proven experience in transportation management, preferably within the pharmaceutical industry (or bachelor's equivalent in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field) * Strong knowledge of transportation regulations, compliance requirements, and industry best practices * Experience leading, developing, and implementing transportation strategies that drive operational efficiency and cost savings * Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and optimize transportation processes * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to oversee and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners * Proficiency in transportation management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS) and other relevant software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook * Demonstrate strong leadership and people management skills; ability to lead teams effectively and help set and achieve performance goals **Preferred Qualifications** * Previous experience (or Master's equivalent) in Supply Chain and/or Transportation Management * Proficiency in using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, inventory management software, and other relevant technology platforms * Experience working with external partners and 3 PLs in the pharmaceutical industry * Knowledge of relevant industry regulations and guidelines, such as FDA requirements for drug manufacturing and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) * Experience with contract management and compliance * Proficiency in project management tools and software * Ability to analyze operational data, draw conclusions and make recommendations to senior management for consideration * Ability to prioritize and manage a variety of simultaneous projects