Director, Sample Logistics, Vaccines R&D

About this role

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, sci

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