Position: Clinical Logistics Manager
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Reports to: Supply Chain Manager or Clinical Operations Director
Team Size: 4 direct reports
Role Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled Clinical Logistics Manager to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing the logistics of clinical trial materials, ensuring the efficient, compliant, and timely delivery of supplies across a variety of distribution channels. You will oversee warehousing, distribution, and the management of a logistics team, including 4 direct reports. Your expertise in road and sea freight logistics will be crucial to ensuring the smooth transportation of clinical trial materials to global clinical trial sites.
As the Clinical Logistics Manager, you will play a critical role in ensuring compliance with Good Distribution Practices (GDP) and regulatory requirements, while working cross-functionally to ensure that all materials are delivered accurately, on time, and with the highest standards of quality and safety.
Key Responsibilities:
* Logistics Strategy and Execution: Oversee the end-to-end logistics operations for clinical trial materials, including warehousing, transportation (road and sea freight), and distribution to clinical trial sites.
* Team Leadership: Lead a team of 4 logistics professionals, providing guidance, training, and development to ensure high performance and a clear focus on meeting project objectives.
* Warehousing Management: Manage the storage of clinical trial materials in compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards. Ensure efficient inventory control, proper stock rotation, and adherence to Good Distribution Practices (GDP).
* Transportation and Freight Management: Coordinate and manage road and sea freight logistics for the movement of clinical trial materials. Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and manage relationships with freight providers, ensuring timely and cost-effective transportation.
* Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all logistics operations comply with GDP, GMP, and other relevant regulatory guidelines. Ensure that all necessary documentation, labeling, and quality control measures are followed.
* Vendor Management: Oversee relationships with third-party logistics providers, freight forwarders, and warehouse partners, ensuring they meet performance expectations and service level agreements.
* Logistics Coordination: Work closely with the clinical supply chain and operations teams to ensure timely delivery and availability of clinical trial materials. Collaborate with clinical operations, procurement, and supply chain teams to forecast and plan logistics requirements.
* Cost Management: Develop and manage logistics budgets, ensuring cost-effective transportation and warehousing solutions while optimizing resources and reducing logistics expenses.
* Inventory and Supply Chain Visibility: Monitor inventory levels, track material movements, and provide regular updates to stakeholders on supply chain status. Implement systems and tools to enhance visibility and reporting on logistics activities.
* Issue Resolution: Proactively identify potential issues with logistics or transportation and resolve them promptly. Address any delays, shortages, or disruptions in the supply chain to ensure minimal impact on clinical trials.
* Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve logistics processes, reduce lead times, optimize transportation routes, and increase overall operational efficiency.
Qualifications & Experience:
* Experience: A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in logistics, with a focus on clinical trials or pharmaceutical distribution. Experience managing logistics operations related to road and sea freight is required.
* Team Management: Proven experience in managing and leading a team, with strong leadership, mentoring, and development skills to guide the team and meet departmental objectives.
* Regulatory Knowledge: Solid understanding of Good Distribution Practices (GDP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and other regulatory frameworks governing clinical logistics and pharmaceutical distribution.
* Freight Management Expertise: Extensive experience in road and sea freight logistics, including the management of shipping schedules, cost analysis, and negotiations with freight carriers.
* Problem-Solving Skills: Strong ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve logistics issues, including delays, transportation challenges, or inventory discrepancies.
* Communication and Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, vendors, and external partners, ensuring alignment and timely delivery of clinical trial materials.
* Technical Skills: Familiarity with logistics management systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Experience with tools for inventory management and supply chain visibility is a plus.
* Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple logistics functions simultaneously and keep track of materials, shipments, and regulatory compliance.
Why Join Us?
* Impactful Work: Make a direct impact on the success of clinical trials, ensuring that critical materials are delivered on time and in compliance with regulatory standards.
* Dynamic Team Environment: Work within a collaborative, cross-functional team, contributing to the smooth and efficient delivery of clinical trial supplies globally.
* Growth Opportunity: The role offers the chance to lead and develop a team while managing complex logistics operations within a global, fast-paced environment.
* Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, including professional development opportunities.