Senior Associate, Logistics

Job Description: Sr. Associate, Logistics 

Amgen’s R&D Operations organization addresses complex challenges with exceptional people, tools and processes. The team provides tactical support to ensure R&D scientists and staff receive the goods and services they require, strong logistical support, and management of external partners through robust supplier oversight and governance programs. 

The R&D Operations Sr Associate is a hands-on role meant to implement strategies and procedures to ensure an efficient, fit-for-purpose scientific operating model. The R&D Operations Sr Associate is expected to take a lead role in executing and iterating on operational activities after implementation. This enables scientists to focus on key development activities while ensuring seamless integration of external suppliers, international shipping lanes, and lab consumable procurement channels.

Facilitating daily international shipments, the successful candidate will require strong organizational skills and an ability to lead from the front. Practical expertise in operations management, project management, & shipping logistics, as well as a desire to learn supplier management are vital to success in this role.  The candidate will join a team committed to exceeding productivity and operational goals on a global basis, and reports to the Sr. Manager R&D Operations. 

In addition to the above responsibilities, the Sr Associate will assist in designing & executing efficient procurement methods for lab consumables and reagents, monitor the efficiency of established shipping lanes, and ensure documentation and compliance with import/export regulations. As this role matures, there will be opportunities to grow into a more managerial role and learn supplier performance management in support of our research activity.

The candidate will maintain and interpret a variety of metrics and trackers to ensure budget and performance transparency. Continually evaluate current practices while finding opportunities to align, improve and re-design key processes and tools. In addition, they will participate in R&D-wide initiatives to improve operational efficiency and enable the organizational vision to be achieved. As a creative problem solver who can deliver meaningful results, this role will focus on: 

• Developing strong collaborative relationships with internal partners to support and proactively respond to evolving business needs. 

• Ongoing review and improvement of processes (shipping, procurement, etc)
• Managing & resolving escalations related to shipping and import/export compliance
• Continual improvement of lab logistics to ensure the most efficient processes (eg lab consumable procurement)
• Participating in environmental sustainability efforts 
• Managing compliant and scalable procurement of non-CAPEX scientific equipment and consumables 

• Managing and ensuring continuity of supply for key deliverables (eg lab consumables)
• Managing supplier contract deliverables within the categories assigned. 
• Assisting functional stakeholders in resolving issues relating to lab operations and procurement
• Working with internal customers in supplier scope of work development and contract lifecycle management (request for proposal creation and analysis, depending on thresholds) 

• Leading contract life cycle management process related to various supplier agreements 
• Developing fit for purpose shipping management strategies to support planning, tracking, compliance and reporting, as well as providing backup services when needed

• Closely coordinating with contract management staff to maximize the efficiency of our procurement processes

• Supporting initiatives related to lab modernization, transformation and relocation 
• Ensuring continuity of laboratory processes

Basic Qualifications 

Doctorate degree and 2 years of biotech/pharma-related business operations/supplier management experience 

OR 

Master’s degree and 4 years of biotech/pharma-related business operations/supplier management experience 

OR 

Bachelor’s degree and 6 years of biotech/pharma-related business operations/supplier management experience 

OR 

Associate’s degree and 8 years of biotech/pharma-related business operations/supplier management experience 

OR 

High school diploma / GED and 10 years of biotech/pharma-related business operations/supplier management experience 

Preferred Qualifications 

· Degree in biology, life sciences, health, medical or clinical sciences

· Strong planning and project management skills with the demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple high priority projects. 

· Experienced “integrator” role across multiple organizations, teams and processes with proven ability to advance strategic imperatives. 

· Proven ability to effectively implement strategies and deliver results. 

· Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, critical thinking and verbal/written communication skills. 

· Proven ability to develop collaborative internal and external relationships and navigating matrixed organizations. 

· Being able to adapt work and communication styles to meet organization needs. 

· Strong data analytics skills with experience in analytics software, (eg. Microsoft Access, Tableau, Smartsheet) as well as experience with document management applications (eg. Veeva), and portfolio planning tools and financial systems (eg. Planisware, MS Projects)