Pfizer

Director, Sample Logistics, Vaccines R&D

Pfizer$176K — $294K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field.
  • 8+ years in logistics, supply chain, clinical trial operations, or biopharmaceuticals.
  • 5+ years of managing large teams or multi-tiered management structures.
  • Experience in regulated environments making complex operational and compliance decisions.
  • Strong understanding of global sample logistics and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the global sample logistics team of 40+ colleagues in clinical trial sample management.
  • Develop long-term logistics strategies to support clinical trial growth and regulatory compliance.
  • Ensure sample integrity and compliance across all relevant laws and guidelines.
  • Maintain audit-ready processes and documentation for quality oversight.
  • Manage external vendor performance and governance, including couriers and technology partners.
  • Drive innovation in logistics through digital tools and automation initiatives.
  • Serve as a Vaccines subject matter expert in cross-functional team discussions.

Benefits

  • 401(k) plan with matching contributions and 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.
  • Relocation assistance may be available.
Full Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY

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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead the global sample logistics function--Provide strategic and operational leadership for a team of 40+ colleagues responsible for domestic and international shipment execution, study start-up support, ongoing operations, and clinical sample lifecycle management.
  • Shape long-term sample logistics strategy. Develop scalable operating models, governance frameworks, and business continuity plans that support pipeline growth, clinical trial expansion, and evolving global regulatory expectations.
  • Protect sample integrity and compliance. Ensure reliable, temperature-controlled movement of clinical biological samples while maintaining adherence to applicable FDA, EMA, IATA, DOT, CDC, trade compliance, GCLP, and Pfizer quality requirements.
  • Advance inspection readiness and quality oversight. Maintain robust documentation and audit-ready processes for deviation management, CAPAs, change controls, and training across sample logistics activities.
  • Drive vendor governance and external partnership performance. Own courier and technology partner governance, service expectations, escalation pathways, performance metrics, contracts, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Modernize operations through digital and automation innovation. Lead automation, robotics, dashboarding, track-and-trace, predictive planning, AI-enabled sample management, and performance analytics initiatives that improve visibility, decision-making, compliance, and efficiency.
  • Partner across the enterprise. Serve as a Vaccines representative and subject matter expert 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. Lead workforce planning, talent acquisition, performance management, career development, and succession planning while fostering high morale, collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and open communication.
  • Communicate with executive impact. Present complex logistics data, risk profiles, investment needs, and operational improvement opportunities clearly to senior leaders and cross-functional decision-makers.


QUALIFICATIONS

MUST HAVE
  • 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.


The ideal candidate brings a breadth of leadership experience and the ability to inspire teams, develop talent, influence peers, simplify complexity, and create meaningful business impact. This leader will be energized by building high-performing operations, strengthening quality systems, introducing new technologies, and enabling vaccine programs that have the potential to improve lives around the world.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to perform work while sitting or standing and to operate effectively in a complex, highly regulated, and deadline-driven environment.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

This position may require occasional evening or weekend work to support critical business timelines, global shipment needs, or issue escalation.

Occasional travel may be required for Pfizer site visits, courier or CRO interactions, scientific meetings, inspections, or other business needs.

Relocation support available

WORK LOCATION ASSIGNMENT: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $176,600.00 to $294,300.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer's Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 20.0% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life's moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site - U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States.
Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer.

U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.

Sunshine Act

Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider's name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.

EEO & Employment Eligibility

Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.

Pfizer endeavors to make www.pfizer.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process and/or interviewing, please email [redacted]. This is to be used solely for accommodation requests with respect to the accessibility of our website, online application process and/or interviewing. Requests for any other reason will not be returned.

To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available on Pfizer Careers.
Research and Development

About Pfizer

Hospira, Inc. is the provider of injectable drugs and infusion technologies. Through its broad, integrated portfolio, Hospira is uniquely positioned to Advance Wellness™ by improving patient and caregiver safety while reducing healthcare costs. The company is headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., and has approximately 16,000 employees.

Pfizer Careers

Joining Pfizer’s global team offers more than just job opportunities; it’s a chance to be a part of a company that leads with science and innovates for better health. As a leading biopharmaceutical company, Pfizer is at the forefront of transforming lives through innovation, leadership, and diversity. Work You’ll Do At Pfizer, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, engaging in work that enhances global health and saves lives. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, professional growth, and inclusivity, making every day a learning opportunity. Here, your skills will be honed, your professional acumen will be expanded, and you will be part of a team that values the power of diverse insights to drive success. Pfizer’s Leadership and Growth Lead and innovate with Pfizer, where we value the growth of each employee. Our leadership is committed to providing employees with the training and resources needed to excel in their careers. Pfizer offers a variety of career paths, including roles in research, marketing, finance, technology, and more, each offering a unique blend of challenges and rewards. Internship and Employment Opportunities Start your career with Pfizer through our internship programs or dive straight into a full-time position. We are hiring individuals who are passionate about healthcare and who seek to make a difference in the world. Our internships provide invaluable industry experience, networking opportunities, and a potential pathway to full-time employment. Benefits and Culture Pfizer is dedicated to fostering a workplace where all employees feel valued and can achieve their full potential. We offer competitive benefits packages that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. At Pfizer, you’ll find a culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Join Our Team Explore the numerous job opportunities at Pfizer by searching open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for driven, curious, and innovative team players who are ready to advance their careers in a transformative company. Stay Connected Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Pfizer. Interview and Resume Tips Prepare for your future with Pfizer by utilizing our resources for resume building and interview preparation. We provide guidance on how to effectively showcase your skills and experiences to align with the needs of a position at Pfizer. Our goal is to help you succeed in securing a role that suits your professional goals and personal growth aspirations. Pfizer: A Place Where You Can Make a Difference Every position at Pfizer contributes to our mission of making the world a healthier place. Whether through direct patient care, research innovation, or corporate roles that support our operations, your work will have global impact. Join us in our journey to change lives—explore Pfizer careers today.
Learn more about Pfizer
Size
79,000 employees
Market Cap
$285.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$9.6 billion
Founded
1849
5 Year Trend
+9%
Revenue
$41.9 billion
NASDAQ

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