Transportation and Logistics Senior Manager

📋 Description

• • Oversee and enhance the performance of SMPA’s global transportation network to ensure timely, error-free delivery of pharmaceutical products, including those requiring cold-chain and security controls, while establishing and analyzing KPIs to identify trends and drive improvements.
• • Ensure delivery accuracy by reconciling transaction discrepancies, resolving escalations, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions as the primary point of contact for all transportation-related issues.
• • Lead continuous improvement initiatives across delivery processes to increase customer satisfaction, reduce operating costs, and implement efficiency gains through project leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
• • Manage and optimize domestic and international transportation networks, defining mode-selection criteria, enforcing routing guides, supporting spot and long-term freight engagements, and maintaining associated documentation.
• • Participate in new product launch planning teams to address transportation requirements and support transportation validation studies to ensure compliance and operational readiness.
• • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Order-to-Cash, Trade, IT, Tax, Finance, Commercial Manufacturing, Supply Chain Operations, Quality, Legal, Sourcing, Regulatory, Insurance, and Trade Compliance to ensure on-time delivery and exceed customer expectations.
• • Resolve complex day-to-day operational issues independently and escalate critical matters appropriately, maintaining operational continuity in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
• • Ensure all transportation processes and systems comply with Quality Management System requirements, Good Manufacturing and Distribution Practices (GMP/GDP), and FDA regulations.
• • Serve as the commercial lead for transportation partners, managing RFPs and tenders from initiation through contract execution, negotiating freight agreements, overseeing AVL setup, purchase order administration, budget control, invoice auditing, and payment processes.
• • Act as the subject matter expert for global transportation, providing guidance and backup support for U.S. Distribution and Trade Compliance during short-term absences.
• • Maintain knowledge of domestic and international freight management across all transportation modes, including air, ocean, ground, and specialized pharmaceutical logistics.
• • Utilize data analysis to build reports, identify trends, and recommend operational alternatives to improve efficiency and reduce risk.
• • Maintain proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and Smartsheet to manage logistics data, reporting, and project tracking.
• • Work across global time zones, with occasional communications outside standard business hours to support international operations.
• • Ensure compliance with DSCSA regulations and customs compliance requirements for import/export processes.
• • Support the use of ERP/MRP systems, with SAP preferred, to manage logistics data and streamline operations.
• • Operate in a fully outsourced supply chain environment, managing third-party logistics (3PL) providers and ensuring adherence to best practices and contractual obligations.
• • Exercise sound judgment within established guidelines, demonstrating initiative and independence in ambiguous or high-pressure situations.
• • Communicate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders through strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• • Maintain a continuous improvement mindset, proactively identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and control costs across the transportation function.
• • Perform duties requiring extended computer use and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced, regulated pharmaceutical environment.