Third Party Distribution Manager/3PL Distribution Manager

BioSpace; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 106,500 - 202,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

A global biopharmaceutical company in North Chicago is seeking a Distribution Manager to ensure timely delivery of products while driving performance and cost-effectiveness in the distribution network. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in warehouse management and strong stakeholder management skills. This role offers a competitive compensation range and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of direct warehouse management experience and/or experience managing 3PL warehouse providers.
• Demonstrated knowledge of distribution channels and requirements in the responsible countries.
• Some experience with training delivery preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the delivery of products to customers and patients in a safe manner.
• Drive cost effectiveness, performance and service levels for the distribution network.
• Coordinate with 3PLs to set inventory policies.

Skills

Operations Management

Strong communication skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Education

B.S. degree in Operations Management or Supply Chain

Tools

SAP IM

SAP WM

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Job description

Overview

Distribution Manager United States – North Chicago, IL at AbbVie Domestic Supply Chain Hub, 1401 N. Sheridan Road. The Distribution Manager is responsible for ensuring the delivery of AbbVie products to customers and patients in a safe and secure manner and within required timeframes. The role is a key interface to AbbVie Commercial Operations and will assist in implementing strategic distribution initiatives while achieving annual financial objectives. The role drives cost effectiveness, performance and service levels for the AbbVie distribution network in the area assigned. Lead a team of Distribution Managers responsible for end-to-end Supply Chain activities, Commercial Affiliate interactions and management of third-party service providers. Oversee distribution activities within countries of direct responsibility to ensure customer requirements are met while satisfying AbbVie policies and performance targets related to inventory efficiency, on-time delivery and quality/completeness.

Responsibilities

• Implement, support and document the Governance Model of the 3PLs leading Monthly Business Review (MBR) with each provider. Lead the implementation of the D&L KPI and ensure the monthly reporting requirements are met. Champion implementation of standard processes/policies developed by the D&L COE and drive other activities necessary to achieve operational excellence in distribution and customer service while promoting the CoE with Affiliates leadership.
• Lead Quarterly business reviews and support AbbVie and the 3PLs to align on Strategy, outcomes for the future and ensure targets met for Warehousing and Distribution operations. Monitor and provide feedback on 3PL performance (e.g., on-time delivery, inventory accuracy).
• Coordinate with appropriate D&L COE staff and AbbVie functional partners to set inventory policies that 3PLs must follow. Initiate activities in line with global and local financial policies, review inbound/outbound deliveries (returned goods), and inventory by product; resolve discrepancies and returns.
• Establish operating budget and measure financial performance through submission of monthly financial figures provided by the 3PLs. Lead GMI improvements and saving projects. Partner with 3PLs to find ways to improve Warehousing and Distribution processes to improve service levels to external customers. Liaise with affiliates by capturing customer requirements and supporting AbbVie commercial leads in the countries under their responsibility.
• Review upcoming volumes, product launches and future capacity needs; coordinate activities and communicate among the 3PL, Supply Planning and Customer Service teams. Undertake analysis for new product distribution to avoid delays and, where possible, expedite access to market (e.g., warehouse preparation, special distribution requirements).
• Work with Global and/or Regional COE staff to drive process changes and projects affecting AbbVie in the countries under their responsibility and/or its 3PL partner(s). Support Customer Service and QA in responding to requests or complaints, escalate order issues as required, assist with asset tracking and traceability, support Finance teams with actual-to-budget spend analysis, and plan with Global D&L COE staff to execute strategic projects.
• Identify distribution-related risks and escalate to the appropriate D&L COE staff as needed. Provide root cause analysis for underperformance; review 3PL performance gaps and improvement plans. Partner with Global Process Lead for Supply Chain, Warehouse and Logistics staff to plan and execute changes to SAP interfaces and reporting tools with the 3PLs.
• Communicate and sponsor the activities and key successes of the D&L CoE to ensure visibility during Management Review, S&OP, Area Review and other CoE meetings. Coordinate activities and communications among the 3PLs, Supply Planning and Customer Service teams to promote a continuous logistics culture within Affiliates and the Area.
• Identify Supply Chain improvement opportunities and drive a culture of continuous improvement. Promote sharing of best practices. Drive risk management processes and escalation as needed. Lead strategic projects with the 3PLs and support sourcing and selection of local 3PLs within the Area.
• Coach individuals in their personal and professional development; set yearly SMART goals and targets; act as liaison between the Regional Distribution Manager and Distribution Managers/3PLs to communicate requirements and priorities.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain or related field
• 8-10 years of direct warehouse management experience and/or experience managing 3PL warehouse providers
• Demonstrated knowledge of distribution channels and requirements in the responsible countries
• Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Experience with SAP IM, SAP WM and/or common Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) preferred
• Pharmaceutical or Healthcare supply chain experience preferred
• Some experience with training delivery preferred

Key Stakeholders

• Area & Region Finance Directors
• Finance Director
• General Manager
• Regional Distribution Manager
• Distribution Manager
• Local Finance teams

Additional Information

• Compensation range: $106,500 - $202,500 (salary varies by location and other factors)
• Comprehensive benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) for eligible employees
• Eligible to participate in short-term and long-term incentive programs

Equal Opportunity

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. For more information, visit the links provided in the posting.