US Distribution Senior Specialist

AstraZeneca; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Mississauga is looking for a Distribution Senior Specialist to oversee compliance in logistics operations and improve interactions with third-party providers. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in Distribution Operations and expertise in Quality Management Systems. Strong leadership and project management skills are essential for handling complex distribution challenges. Apply now to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Distribution Operations or Supply Chain.
• Comprehensive understanding of account management.
• Fluency in English is crucial; proficiency in other languages is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Accountability for product movement deviation investigation.
• Quality deviation process management with 3PL.
• Handling after-hours customer issues.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

Degree in Business Management or related field

Tools

SAP

MS Office

Job description

Are you ready to dive into the dynamic world of logistics and distribution? As a Distribution Senior Specialist, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless operations between third‑party logistics providers, Alexion Country Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain Operations. With your expertise in Good Distribution Practice (GDP), you'll lead investigations and analyses to uphold compliance standards.

Your knowledge of distribution processes across various channels will be key in optimizing partner interactions and resolving issues. From leading returns to being responsible for PO generation and invoice accountability, your decision‑making skills and effective communication will drive success in this fast‑paced environment. Join us in maintaining SOPs and work instructions while fostering cross‑functional partnerships across the company.

Accountabilities:

• Responsible for accountability of all product movement deviation investigation, SCARS, complaints, and subsequent documentation to ensure GDP compliance for shipping process including CAPA closure of records in Alexion’s Quality Management System.
• Partners closely with Quality and third‑party logistics provider (3PL) to initiate the quality deviation process at 3PL/s and ensure resolution as well as process change as needed for 3PL SOP revisions.
• Manage 3PL Freight & Distribution accounting activities as applicable, including but not limited to accrual tracking.
• Assist and backup with management of daily inventory and material movement requests at the primary distribution centers and forward stocking locations.
• Handle customer issues for after hours, weekends and holiday for on‑call specialists. Lead all aspects of after‑hours, weekend, and holiday customer concerns for on‑call specialists, coordinating urgent distribution needs with Alexion’s facilities.
• Validate inventory discrepancies as needed within Alexion’s validated SAP system and identify root causes to formulate recommendations for process improvements to improve inventory accuracy. Communicate with management on any issues related to returns (reverse logistics).
• Effectively runs and owns returns inventory process lifecycle and accountability, to ensure destruction occurs for all returned product in a timely manner by the 3PL and is detailed appropriately.
• Ensures GMP compliance relative to inventory processes and procedures as well as compliance to contractual obligations as stated in our SOP’s and 3PL contract.
• Responsible for raising purchase requisitions to purchase orders in Coupa. Quality check and approve invoices for requisition to pay.
• Raises issues or irregularities observed to Distribution as identified.
• Booking manager for Custom Critical trucking and temperature documentation at receipt destination for applicable lane management needs.
• Product complaint investigation oversight and adherence to reporting SME. Ensures regular communication with Customer Operations teams to ensure obligations to reporting are met including return product samples for analysis and dispositions to CMO.
• Runs Distribution Operations adherence to training meets vital timelines and serves as point of contact for all Alexion related questions.
• Expert in coordinating the system to ensure the quality of documents as they progress through their Lifecycle.
• Supports DSCSA including the management of T3 data in TraceLink as needed.
• Ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures and mentorship materials while focusing on pinpointing opportunities for improving efficiencies.
• Provide backup and cover for the team during periods of absence or vacation.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in Distribution Operations/Relations, Supply Chain or meaningful work experience.
• A comprehensive understanding of account management is required.
• Experience with project management and knowledge of distributors, inventory management, collections and procurement.
• Experience in leading a broad range of responsibilities pertaining to the overall service of both external and internal customers.
• Previous experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems, in particular SAP experience.
• Excellent written and verbal skills and strong social skills.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of GMP/GDP standards.
• Strong problem‑solving experience.
• Intermediate to sophisticated proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Fluency in English both written and oral is crucial; proficiency in other languages is desirable.
• The duties of this role are generally conducted in an office environment. As is typical of an office‑based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non‑linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Degree in Business Management, Supply Chain/Logistics, or related field preferable.
• Six sigma certifications preferred.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we fuel bold thinking with the power to inspire life‑changing medicines. In‑person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we usually spend three days per week working from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, you’ll find yourself at the forefront of biomedical science, exploring rare opportunities that push boundaries. Our commitment to transparency, objectivity, and ethics drives us to translate complex biology into transformative medicines. With our global reach and potent capabilities, we’re shaping the future of rare disease treatment into new areas of unmet need. Here, your career journey is about making a difference where it truly counts.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now!

Date Posted: 11-Nov-2025

Closing Date: 25-Nov-2025

Alexion is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where every single person can belong because of their uniqueness. The Company will not make decisions about employment, training, compensation, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment based on race, color, religion, creed or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), parental status (including adoption or surrogacy), military status, protected veteran status, disability, medical condition, gender identity or expression, genetic information, mental illness or other characteristics protected by law. Alexion provides reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of candidates and employees. To begin an interactive dialogue with Alexion regarding an accommodation, please contact [e-mail]. Alexion participates in E‑Verify.