Manager, Distribution at Inovio in San Diego, California

Job Description:

About INOVIO

INOVIO is a biotechnology company focused on rapidly bringing to market precisely designed DNA medicines to treat and protect people from infectious diseases, cancer, and diseases associated with HPV. INOVIO is the first and only company to have clinically demonstrated that a DNA medicine can be delivered directly into cells in the body via a proprietary smart device to produce an efficacious, robust and tolerable immune response. Partners and collaborators include Advaccine, ApolloBio Corporation, AstraZeneca, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)/Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND)/Department of Defense (DOD), HIV Vaccines Trial Network, International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Medical CBRN Defense Consortium (MCDC), National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Ology Bioservices, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Plumbline Life Sciences, Regeneron, Richter-Helm BioLogics, Roche/Genentech, Thermo Fisher Scientific, University of Pennsylvania, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, and The Wistar Institute. For more information, visit www.inovio.com.

Job summary

The Manager, Distribution is a highly driven, well-qualified individual that provides oversight and day-to-day direction relating to clinical and commercial customer orders and returns of GLP/GMP medical devices for INOVIO and its third-party logistics (3PLs). This position directly oversees all clinical and commercial shipping/receiving requests in support of clinical trials, R&D, and commercial operations. The Manager, Distribution possesses the necessary skills to interact closely with various internal/external customers to oversee and coordinate timely and accurate processing of all internal/external customer requests, 3PL activities, international logistics needs, and applicable ERP setup/maintenance/testing. This position requires exemplary leadership/communication skills, a positive attitude, and a sound understanding of best-in-class industry standards and operational methods.

Essential job functions and duties

• Work closely with the management to identify, implement, and execute broad strategic initiatives in support of tactical plans to enhance operational performance and develop INOVIO's international distribution networks


• Provide oversight of contracted 3PL's and direction/leadership for onsite shipping/logistics operations per KPI's


• Set up and oversee contracted 3PL operations in developing markets, as required


• Recruit / hire / train personnel and manage employee performance to organizational standards


• Serve as a technical expert company-wide for international logistics related questions/issues


• Manage, motivate, assess, reward, and coach direct reports


• Work cross-functionally and align with key business partners to identify ways to improve business processes and achieve INOVIO's core values and objectives


• Respond to and resolve difficult customer issues and complaints when situations have been escalated


• Generate and present reports, charts, and graphs to management


• Generate and approve documents such as SOPs, Work Instructions, Protocols, and Reports


• Oversee customer/3PL-related ERP system updates, integrations, and maintenance activities


• Ensure that all transactions are performed in line with company standards, timeframes, and expectations


• Coordinate international/domestic logistics strategy and freight courier services for the most effective service at the lowest cost.


• Provide instruction in line with (and reinforces as necessary) company SOP's and Work Instructions


• Drive improvements/efficiencies in line with industry principles


• Assign tasks, review work, and provide direction to ensure that requirements are met in a timely/efficient manner.


• Perform other duties as required

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree and 5 years of experience in a medical device/life sciences environment, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been attained.


• Minimum 5 years of industry experience in distribution functions within an FDA regulated environment (3PL experience strongly preferred) and previous management experience preferred.


• Understanding of cGMP principles and standards


• Excellent understanding of and experience in international logistics


• Experience with ERP systems (preferable experience with Microsoft Dynamics)


• Ability to collaborate and work well with colleagues and internal/external customers


• Familiarity with CFR Title 21 Part 820 and ISO 13485:2012


• Ability to work independently and collaborate within a team


• Ability to provide quick decision-making and remain positive in a dynamic environment


• Excellent leadership, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills


• Excellent presentation skills and ability to speak before employees/organization


• Proficient with standard Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Project)

Disclaimer

INOVIO Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. In keeping with our policy, INOVIO will recruit, hire, train and promote into all job titles the most qualified individuals, without regard to race, color, creed, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

A current US work authorization is required. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. INOVIO offers an attractive benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer.

Important notice to employment businesses/agencies

INOVIO does not accept referrals from employment agencies unless written authorization from the INOVIO Human Resources department has been provided. In the absence of written authorization, any actions undertaken by employment agencies shall be deemed to have been performed without our consent and therefore INOVIO will not be liable for any fees arising from employment agency referrals in respect to current or future position vacancies at INOVIO.