Associate Director Supply Chain and Logistics

Associate Director Supply Chain and Logistics- Dublin or Letterkenny / Hybrid 

As a Fortune Global top 10 business, we’re one of the world’s leading healthcare companies. We have been supporting global healthcare systems from Ireland for 25 years, building a dynamic and diverse team of more than 2,000 talented individuals.
 With a strong ecosystem of investment and innovation, our business in Ireland is constantly growing to support the healthcare needs of the future. We are excited to introduce a new service line within the Optum network, focused on biosimilar commercialisation. This initiative represents a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare and pharma solutions. This role offers the unique opportunity to be at the forefront of something new, where your contributions will directly shape the future direction and success of the business. You’ll enjoy the benefits of working within a well-established company while also experiencing the excitement, agility, and innovation typically found in a new venture.

Optum is seeking a dynamic individual to join our team as an Associate Director Supply Chain and Logistics  for a new service line within the Optum network. In this position, you will be responsible for overseeing the distribution planning, coordination, and transportation of drugs within the Optum network. You will lead a team and be responsible for managing budgets, organizing schedules and routes, coordinating supplier management activities, facilitating imports into the United States, and ensuring compliance with Good Distribution Practices (GDP) and local regulatory requirements. You will be work alongside cross-functional teams such as procurement, quality assurance, finance and commercial planning and a network of biopharmaceutical manufacturers to provide logistic support. Your expertise in cGMP/GDP environments will be instrumental in helping Optum build a robust logistics infrastructure and in optimizing the overall supply chain.

Careers with Optum offer flexible work arrangements and individuals who live and work in the Republic of Ireland will have the opportunity to split their monthly work hours between our Dublin or Letterkenny and telecommuting from a home-based office in a hybrid work model.

Primary Responsibilities: 

•    Develop, execute, and monitor transportation processes and strategies in compliance with internal SOPs and adherence to cGMP, GDP and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) regulations
•    Establish operational procedures for activities such as verification of incoming and outgoing shipments, temperature data-logging, and cold chain delivery performance
•    Direct and oversee national and international transportation of temperature-controlled products, ensuring safe, compliant, and on-time movement of products through the network, 
•    Identify and implement solutions to improve the quality and efficiency of the transportation processes
•    Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms, coordinate product movements, optimize pricing, and ensure reliable delivery of high-quality goods
•    Work across supply chain teams to support inventory control procedures, including forecasting demand, managing stock levels, and minimizing excess or obsolete inventory
•    Facilitate collaboration and coordinate with product manufacturers, operation centers, logistics carriers, custom brokers and freight forwarders regarding all aspects of transport services such as order placement, building and reviewing shipping documents, importing products into the U.S., clearing customs procedures, tracking shipments tracking and monitoring performance
•    Act as liaison between cross-functional teams such as commercial planning, distribution, 3PL service providers and a network of pharma manufacturers
•    Develop and maintain strong relationships with transportation and logistics service providers and negotiate contracts to ensure cost-effective and reliable transportation services
•    Identify and communicate any shipment risks, and develop the appropriate recommendations and monitor the implementation of corrective actions to minimize supply risks
•    Lead and inspire a team of high performing supply chain and logistics personnel

Required Qualifications:

•    Proven experience in transportation management, preferably within the pharmaceutical industry (or bachelor’s equivalent in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field) 
•    Strong knowledge of transportation regulations, compliance requirements, and industry best practices.
•    Experience leading, developing, and implementing transportation strategies that drive operational efficiency and cost savings
•    Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and optimize transportation processes
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to oversee and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners
•    Proficiency in transportation management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS) other relevant software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
•    Demonstrate strong leadership and people management skills; ability to lead teams effectively and help set and achieve performance goals

Preferred Qualifications:

•    Previous of experience (or Master’s equivalent) in Supply Chain and/or Transportations Management
•    Proficiency in using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, inventory management software, and other relevant technology platforms
•    Experience working with external partners and 3PLs in the pharmaceutical industry
•    Knowledge of relevant industry regulations and guidelines, such as FDA requirements for drug manufacturing and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
•    Experience with contract management, and compliance
•    Proficiency in project management tools and software
•    Ability to analyze operational data, draw conclusions and make recommendations to senior management for consideration
•    Ability to prioritize and manage a variety of simultaneous projects

Please note you must currently be eligible to work and remain indefinitely without any restrictions in the country to which you are making an application. Proof will be required to support your application.

All telecommuters will be required to adhere to the UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalised groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: Optum is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, race, and membership of the Traveller community, or any other characteristic protected by law. Optum is a drug-free workplace. © 2024 Optum Services (Ireland) Limited. All rights reserved.