Logistics Lead

About the role

The Logistics Lead oversees a comprehensive range of logistics operations at market/above-market level. Based on scope, complexity, and organizational requirements, this role encompasses strategic management across multiple functional domains:

• Third-Party Logistics Management - Strategic direction of external logistics partnerships
• Cost Control and Optimization - Financial stewardship and budget management
• Transportation Management - Strategic oversight of product movement to/from distribution centres
• Customs Management - Direction of import/export operations
• Warehouse Management - Governance of internal warehouse operations

Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight

Provide comprehensive accountability for the performance, efficiency, and effectiveness of logistics and warehouse operations. This oversight will need to be done for multiple distribution sites and connections with Sanofi and CMO sites.

Third-Party Logistics Management

• Direct daily operational excellence and orchestration
• Implement strategic management of interface challenges
• Develop and maintain robust Business Continuity Plans (BCP)
• Oversee inbound process optimization
• Manage product damage resolution and returns processing through integrated claim management with i.O2C
• Collaborate with Quality to ensure Good Distribution Practice implementation
• Lead participation in internal, external, and GDP audits
• Direct stock count procedures according to global protocols
• Lead internal controls, audit preparation, and Sox compliance
• Maintain an updated and signed off packaging guide

Supplier Relationship Management

• Evaluate supplier strategic value and criticality to business continuity, operational excellence, and performance metrics
• Cultivate strategic supplier partnerships built on trust and mutual benefit
• Serve as interface and take leadership if routine scrums (particularly during annual vaccines respiratory season and for Specialty Care business)
• Identify cost optimization opportunities while maximizing supplier value proposition
• Coordinate supplies management of materials (packaging elements) and balancing needs with all sites and vendors

Service Level Agreement Development

• Articulate precise business objectives and detailed service specifications
• Develop comprehensive KPIs, performance targets, and performance-based compensation structures
• Establish robust performance measurement reporting frameworks
• Implement remediation protocols for performance standard deviations

Performance Management

• Oversee VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) customer analytics and replenishment systems where applicable
• Maintain KPI frameworks with weekly/monthly performance reviews
• Establish systematic cost control processes, including contract compliance monitoring
• Review and approve 3PL invoices while identifying continuous improvement opportunities

Operational Excellence

• Ensure alignment between best practices and 3PL core model implementation
• Engage with internal stakeholders to optimize 3PL core model application
• Drive process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency
• Implement systematic performance monitoring to identify optimization opportunities
• Facilitate feedback collection from operational teams to drive continuous improvement

Cost Control and Optimization

• Develop strategic action plans for distribution cost tracking and optimization
• Implement expenditure controls with performance monitoring against approved budgets
• Engage cross-functional stakeholders (Trade, Customer Fulfilment, Commercial) to integrate distribution cost considerations into strategic decision-making regarding distribution models, route-to-market strategies, order minimums, delivery frequency, and service level commitments

Transportation Management

• Direct transportation planning and execution in compliance with Sanofi protocols and Good Distribution Practice (GDP)
• Optimize cost-to-serve metrics through strategic transportation management

Customs Management (as needed and in coordination with other functions)

• Direct import/export operations with strategic oversight
• Ensure comprehensive compliance and documentation protocols
• Develop multi-faceted Business Continuity Planning with redundant process flows

Warehouse Management

• Provide strategic support for local internal distribution centre operations in compliance with regulatory requirements, Good Distribution Practice standards, and Sanofi procedures

Requirements

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in logistics, warehouse operations management and or supply chain
• Minimum 4+ years of experience navigating and complex external vendor relationships or partner organizations
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent work experience
• Professional-level English language proficiency

Preferred Qualifications

• Onsite site logistics experience highly valued and cold chain knowledge a plus
• Exceptional relationship management capabilities across internal and external partner organization stakeholders
• Demonstrated collaborative leadership with proven ability to drive successful project outcomes within established timelines
• Extensive experience leading teams and projects within logistics, warehouse operations, and supply chain management
• Comprehensive knowledge of import/export regulations and Good Distribution Practice requirements
• Advanced proficiency with logistics management systems and technologies
• APICS certification
• In-depth understanding of downstream processes and pharmaceutical trade environment dynamics
• Expertise in KPI development and SLA management frameworks
• Demonstrated expertise in process improvement methodologies and change management principles
• Advanced data analytics capabilities with strong interpretive and insight generation skills
• Promised ability to operate effectively in matrix environments and adapt to dynamic business conditions