Director, Sample Logistics, Vaccines R&D

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.

Responsibilities

Lead the global sample logistics function and provide strategic and operational leadership for a team of 40+ colleagues; Shape long-term sample logistics strategy, including scalable operating models, governance frameworks, and business continuity plans; Protect sample integrity and compliance, ensuring reliable, temperature-controlled movement of clinical biological samples; Advance inspection readiness and quality oversight, maintaining robust documentation and audit-ready processes; Drive vendor governance and external partnership performance, including courier and technology partner governance; Modernize operations through digital and automation innovation, including automation, robotics, dashboarding, track-and-trace, predictive planning, and AI-enabled sample management; Partner across the enterprise 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, leading workforce planning, talent acquisition, performance management, career development, and succession planning; Communicate with executive impact, presenting complex logistics data, risk profiles, investment needs, and operational improvement opportunities to senior leaders

Requirements

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

Benefits

Relocation support available; Participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 20.0% of base salary; Eligibility to participate in share based long term incentive program; 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions; Additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution; Paid vacation, holiday and personal days; Paid caregiver/parental and medical leave; Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage