Supervisor, Logistics at Thermo Fisher Scientific

How will you make an impact?

The OPD & Logistics Manager coordinates all import/export, domestic distribution and transportation requirements in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa for clinical trial supply projects. This will range from initial discussions with Project Managers, Program Leads, Customers and Logistics Partners to alignment with internal teams.

Direct responsibilities include the smooth running of all operational delivery activities to make sure that supplies are delivered as intended with regards to targeted OTIF (on-time, in full), delivery, and cost-efficiency while maintaining quality standards and goals. This will be achieved in accordance with the internal and external guidelines embracing new product introduction, schedule delivery, process performance improvement, and delivering the operations strategy.

Purpose:

• The holder of this position is independent in carrying out the assigned tasks listed below and is expected to practice continuous improvement and self-training on distribution operations subjects, have the knowledge and confidence to identify areas for improvement and, with limited oversight, develop solutions to achieve our service goals.
• With limited supervision plan, advise strategically, direct, and control distribution and logistics activities within South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, assume responsibility with limited supervision and with appropriate training on software tools and processes be capable of leading and coordinating inbound and outbound time critical cold chain shipments with high a level of accuracy. The position highly impacts the efficiency and smooth workflow of daily operations.

Responsibilities:

• Manages, coordinates, and supervises all processes for temperature-critical inbound shipment receipts, outbound shipments dispatch and returns of used / unused supplies from investigator sites.
• Lead a team of staff and be responsible for managing their day-to-day tasks to ensure all activities are fulfilled (carried out) accurately in compliance with quality procedures and cGXP standards as well as all ongoing training and performance requirements and assessments.
• Collects data and prepares important metric reports, contributes to the company’s performance monitoring while putting forward ideas on how improved efficiency can be achieved and be aware of external influences that may always require the company to respond to.
• Timeously addresses and resolve customer queries and ensures customer satisfaction.
• Work with warehouse staff and transportation providers to ensure timely and accurate deliveries.
• Develop cost reduction initiatives while maintaining productivity and quality.
• Arranges the collection of vital documentation such as contract information, shipping instructions MSDS etc. to plan and schedule deliveries to meet customer needs.
• Participates in meetings and TCs of new clinical studies in a routine manner.
• Maintains filing of the registers and study documents in accordance with Standard Operation Procedures and local legislation.
• Ensure that IMPs and other clinical materials are distributed according to the agreed procedures and in compliance with cGDP and cGMP.
• Ensuring activities are carried out in accordance with statutory, regulatory and company policies.
• Ensuring that all distribution orders are processed and dispatched on time and to the agreed quality standards.
• Overall responsibility to identify and report any risks of not achieving targets and reasons.
• Relationship and Performance Management of approved logistics partners.
• Participation in projects as a lead, working with functional teams to streamline processes to improve the customer experience, enable profitable growth and become more efficient. This includes the implementation of all electronic data systems between FCS and key suppliers, including shipment and invoicing transfers.
• Undertake any other duties on an ad-hoc basis required by the line manager.

Keys to Success:
Education

• Tertiary Qualification in Supply Chain / Logistics or equivalent in a relevant subject.

Experience

• At least 4 years of proven experience in a distribution/logistics manager role, managing/leading a team.
• At least 2 years of proven experience in international and domestic transport – freight industry, import and export regulations, and be able to understand and interpret industry standards and regulations.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
• Knowledge and Understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and detailed knowledge of local legislation.
• Ability to understand a client’s requirements and to be able to devise and articulate the most appropriate solutions.
• Good knowledge of clinical trial supply chain processes. Excellent analytical and numeric skills are crucial, as well as presentational skills.