Danaher

Sr Director, Global Distribution Operations & Logistics

Danaher • $225K — $275K *
Transportation
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business administration, logistics, or related field; MBA preferred.
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in logistics, distribution, and transportation operations.
  • At least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
  • Experience managing operating expense budgets of $100M or more with P&L accountability.
  • Strong negotiation skills for 3PL and carrier contracts, including dispute resolution.
  • International team leadership experience across time zones and cultures.
  • Outstanding communication skills with executive presence.

Responsibilities

  • Shape and execute logistics and distribution strategies across company and 3PL managed centers.
  • Lead complex distribution operations with over 10,000 SKUs, ensuring service and productivity gains.
  • Provide strategic oversight of global transportation operations, including inbound and outbound logistics.
  • Champion continuous improvement and standardization of processes across the global network.
  • Lead matrixed organizations through complexity and change while maintaining performance.
  • Manage global 3PL and carrier performance to drive efficiency and cost reduction.
  • Drive optimization, digitalization, and sustainability initiatives in distribution processes.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health care programs including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Paid time off to support work-life balance.
  • 401(k) plan for retirement savings.
  • Bonus/incentive pay eligibility based on performance.
Full Job Description

The Sr Director, Global Distribution Operations & Logistics is responsible for leading end-to-end global logistics and distribution networks, optimizing multi-site warehousing and transportation nodes, driving operational improvements and improving the customer delivery experience.  This role ensures compliant, resilient, and cost-effective movement of Cytiva products through a global network of manufacturing plants, distribution centers, 3PL partners, and customer sites.


This position reports to the VP, Global Supply Chain Operations and is part of the Global Supply Chain Operations organization located onsite at one of our Cytiva sites located in either the United States or Europe.


What you will do:

  • Shape and execute enterprise logistics and distribution strategies - across company run and 3PL managed distribution centers that align network design, freight, and trade compliance to business growth, margin, and service outcomes.
  • Lead large, complex, high-velocity distribution operations (10,000+ SKUs; consumables, hardware, service; multiple temperature modes), delivering sustained service alongside year-on-year workforce productivity gains
  • Provide strategic oversight and direct line leadership of global transportation operations, including inbound, outbound, international, and intercompany logistics.
  • Champion a culture of continuous improvement across all distribution and logistics operations, while driving standardization of processes, metrics, reporting, and best practices across a global network
  • Lead global, matrixed organizations through complexity and change, sustaining performance while executing structural, digital, and operating‑model transformation.
  • Manage global 3PL and carrier performance while driving operational efficiency and cost reduction.
  • Drive distribution process optimization, digitalization, sustainability initiatives, and DBS-based continuous improvement.

Who you are:

  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business administration, logistics, or a related field required; MBA preferred and 15+ years of progressive experience in logistics, distribution and transportation operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
  • Builds high performing global logistics teams through growing/developing leaders and driving operational excellence
  • Hands-on experience leading global logistics networks including air/ocean freight, multi-modal transportation, customs and compliance.
  • Operating expense budget ownership at or above the $100M level; proficiency with P&L accountability
  • Strong partnership skills - able to negotiate, structure, and handle sophisticated 3PL and carrier contracts, including dispute resolution.
  • International team leadership experience with high ownership orientation— leading across time zones, cultures, and employment structure with significant autonomy and decision-making authority.
  • Outstanding communication and executive presence, with the ability to influence senior partners and translate operational complexity into business impact.

Travel, Motor Vehicle Record & Physical/Environment Requirements:

  • Ability to travel internationally – up to 50%

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

  • Proven track record directly leading large-scale distribution centers and managing global 3PL networks across multiple regions
  • Experience leading high velocity, dynamic distribution and logistics networks in healthcare, life sciences or pharmaceutical industries 

Cytiva, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at .


The annual salary range for this role if based in the United States is $225,000 - $275,000.  This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.

This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.


We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.


Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

This job is also eligible for bonus / incentive pay.  This is the target earnings as % of base annual salary, subject to objective eligibility criteria and performance conditions as set out in the applicable scheme terms and conditions.


  #LI-AY1

About Danaher

Beckman Coulter develops, manufactures and markets products that simplify, automate and innovate complex biomedical testing. More than 275,000 Beckman Coulter systems operate in both Diagnostics and Life Sciences laboratories on seven continents. For more than 75 years, our products have been making a difference in peoples' lives by improving the productivity of medical professionals and scientists, supplying critical information for improving patient health and delivering trusted solutions for research and discovery.

Danaher Careers

Joining Danaher means becoming part of a global team committed to driving growth, innovation, and leadership across various industries. At Danaher, we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for professional development and personal achievement.

Work You’ll Do

At Danaher, you will engage in work that propels global industries forward through innovation and leadership. Our team at Danaher is dedicated to enhancing the company's impact on science, technology, and healthcare. We believe in fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, where every team member’s contribution is valued.

Explore Danaher’s Career Opportunities

Whether you are looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership role, Danaher offers a range of employment opportunities to help you advance your career. Our hiring process is designed to identify and attract professionals who are not only skilled but are also passionate about making a difference.

Innovate and Grow with Us

Join a team where innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Danaher’s commitment to innovation drives our leadership in the market and our ability to offer unique solutions to our clients. Here, your skills in technology, problem-solving, and creativity will be honed through challenging projects and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits and Culture

Danaher is dedicated to providing a supportive work environment where careers flourish. Our benefits package is designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From diversity training to professional development programs, we invest in every employee's growth and well-being.

Networking and Professional Development

At Danaher, networking and professional development are part of our DNA. We encourage our employees to connect with colleagues and leaders through various networking events, training sessions, and collaborative projects. This culture of growth and learning helps every team member build a rewarding career filled with exciting new challenges and opportunities.

Join Our Team

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore the open positions on our Danaher Careers page. Tailor your resume, prepare for your interview, and join a team that’s dedicated to making a real impact. At Danaher, your career is just the beginning of a journey filled with leadership opportunities, innovative projects, and a chance to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry.

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Danaher: Where Careers Grow

At Danaher, we are not just creating job opportunities; we are building careers that make a difference. Join us in our mission to shape the future through innovation, leadership, and growth.
Learn more about Danaher
Size
78,000 employees
Market Cap
$189 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.6 billion
Founded
1969
5 Year Trend
+11.8%
Revenue
$22.2 billion
NASDAQ

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