Director, Sample Logistics, Vaccines R&D

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY You will be responsible for managing the clinical sample logistics function for Pfizer’s vaccine clinical portfolio, ensuring samples are transported safely, compliantly, and reliably across domestic and international clinical trial networks to the Pearl River, NY biorepository and then distributed to our network of internal and external testing laboratories. You will lead an end-to-end logistics strategy from study start-up through operations and finally sample disposition. Your responsibilities include leading a large team, improving global logistics capabilities, advancing digital and automation initiatives, and partnering with Vaccines, Quality, Legal, Finance, Compliance, clinical study teams, couriers, and technology vendors. You will be accountable for maintaining sample integrity, enabling global clinical trial execution, and developing scalable logistics processes to support Pfizer’s vaccine pipeline. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Lead the global sample logistics function--Provide strategic and operational leadership for a team of 40+ colleagues responsible for domestic and international shipment execution, study start-up support, ongoing operations, and clinical sample lifecycle management. Shape long-term sample logistics strategy. Develop scalable operating models, governance frameworks, and business continuity plans that support pipeline growth, clinical trial expansion, and evolving global regulatory expectations. Protect sample integrity and compliance. Ensure reliable, temperature-controlled movement of clinical biological samples while maintaining adherence to applicable FDA, EMA, IATA, DOT, CDC, trade compliance, GCLP, and Pfizer quality requirements. Advance inspection readiness and quality oversight. Maintain robust documentation and audit-ready processes for deviation management, CAPAs, change controls, and training across sample logistics activities. Drive vendor governance and external partnership performance. Own courier and technology partner governance, service expectations, escalation pathways, performance metrics, contracts, and continuous improvement initiatives. Modernize operations through digital and automation innovation. Lead automation, robotics, dashboarding, track-and-trace, predictive planning, AI-enabled sample management, and performance analytics initiatives that improve visibility, decision-making, compliance, and efficiency. Partner across the enterprise. Serve as a Vaccines representative and subject matter expert in cross-functional forums involving clinical assay teams, study management, Quality, Legal, Finance, Trade Compliance, Research Informatics, Project Management, Data Management, and external partners. Develop people and culture. Lead workforce planning, talent acquisition, performance management, career development, and succession planning while fostering high morale, collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and open communication. Communicate with executive impact. Present complex logistics data, risk profiles, investment needs, and operational improvement opportunities clearly to senior leaders and cross-functional decision-makers. QUALIFICATIONS MUST HAVE Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related discipline. 8+ years of logistics, supply chain, clinical trial operations, central laboratory, or biopharmaceutical experience. 5+ years of direct people management experience, including successful leadership of large teams or multi-tiered management structures. Experience leading in a regulated environment and making sound judgments to complex operational, quality, compliance, and risk-management decisions. Knowledge of global sample logistics, cold-chain management, temperature-controlled shipping, customs requirements, infectious substance transport, and biohazard shipping regulations. Proven success building relationships, influencing without direct authority, negotiating with internal and external stakeholders, and leading through matrixed teams. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex operational information into clear recommendations for senior leadership. Strong change agility, problem-solving skills, and experience managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. NICE TO HAVE Advanced degree in Supply Chain Management, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Business Administration, or a related discipline. Experience working in a GCLP, GLP, GMP, clinical trial, vaccine, central laboratory, or regulated sample management environment. Experience leading automation, robotics, digital tools, dashboards, AI-enabled capabilities, or analytics initiatives in clinical operations, logistics, laboratory, or supply chain settings. Experience overseeing external vendors, couriers, technology partners, contracts, service levels, and supplier performance improvement. Experience defining and leading complex programs, executing with quality and timeliness, and delivering measurable business impact. The ideal candidate brings a breadth of leadership experience and the ability to inspire teams, develop talent, influence peers, simplify complexity, and create meaningful business impact. This leader will be energized by building high-performing operations, strengthening quality systems, introducing new technologies, and enabling vaccine programs that have the potential to improve lives around the world. PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to perform work while sitting or standing and to operate effectively in a complex, highly regulated, and deadline-driven environment. NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS This position may require occasional evening or weekend work to support critical business timelines, global shipment needs, or issue escalation. Occasional travel may be required for Pfizer site visits, courier or CRO interactions, scientific meetings, inspections, or other business needs. Relocation support available WORK LOCATION ASSIGNMENT: On Premise The annual base salary for this position ranges from $176,600.00 to $294,300.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 20.0% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States. Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility. Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer. U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future. Sunshine Act Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider’s name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constit