Transportation and Logistics Senior Manager

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.). The company focuses on oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, cell & gene therapies, and CNS, and seeks a Transportation and Logistics Senior Manager to oversee efficient, compliant, and risk-mitigated transportation of pharmaceutical products across the global supply chain in a fully outsourced environment.

• Oversee and improve the performance and efficiency of the global transportation network to ensure timely, error-free delivery of pharmaceutical products, including those requiring cold-chain and/or security controls. Establish, communicate, and enhance KPIs, and analyze trends for further review.
• Ensure delivery accuracy through reconciliation and resolution of transaction discrepancies. Resolve issues and escalations, identify root causes, and drive corrective actions. Serve as the primary team contact for transportation.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across delivery processes to increase customer satisfaction and reduce operating costs. Identify efficiency opportunities, implement changes, and manage projects and cross‑functional teams.
• Manage and optimize domestic and international transportation networks and operations. Define mode‑selection criteria, improve efficiency, mitigate risk, and establish routing guides.
• Participate in new product launch planning and implementation teams to address transportation requirements and support validation studies.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional stakeholders (Order‑to‑Cash, Trade, IT, Tax, Finance, Commercial Manufacturing, Supply Chain Operations, Quality, Legal, Sourcing, Regulatory, Insurance, and Trade Compliance) to support transportation activities, ensure on‑time delivery, and exceed customer expectations.
• Resolve complex day‑to‑day operational issues independently and appropriately escalated major issues.
• Ensure processes and systems are documented and compliant with Quality Management System requirements, Good Manufacturing and Distribution Practices, and FDA regulations.
• Serve as the commercial lead for transportation partners, manage tenders and RFPs from initiation through completion, ensure shipment visibility, lead technical solution discussions, negotiate freight agreement terms, and oversee budget administration, invoice auditing, and payment processes.
• Maintain sufficient knowledge to provide backup support for U.S. Distribution and Trade Compliance during short‑term absences.

• Collaborative, team‑oriented partner who communicates ideas confidently while remaining open to other perspectives.
• Analytical thinker with strong problem‑solving skills and adaptability to changing priorities.
• Excellent planning, organizational, and time‑management skills, prioritizing multiple projects.
• Strong influence and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Sound judgment within established guidelines.
• Self‑starter capable of working independently in ambiguous situations.
• Strong written, presentation, and communication skills.
• Manages processes rather than direct reports.

• 3–6 years of experience in supply chain, logistics, or related functions within an outsourced GxP environment.
• Strong knowledge of freight provider networks and third‑party logistics (3PL) processes, controls, and best practices.
• Demonstrated experience with logistics practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing or a related industry.
• Knowledge of technical solutions that improve logistics management efficiency and visibility.
• Experience supporting transport studies.
• Working knowledge of GMP and GDP as they relate to transportation.
• Working knowledge of cold‑chain transportation solutions for pharmaceuticals.
• Ability to work across global time zones; communications may occur outside typical business hours.
• Knowledge of domestic and international freight management across all transportation modes.
• Working knowledge of customs compliance regulations and import/export processes preferred.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and…