Distribution Manager

Distribution Manager

GCL D3

Lead distribution operations that keep life-changing medicines moving! This Distribution Manager role drives day-to-day execution across EU Hubs, guiding a team of Logistics Coordinators to deliver reliable, compliant, and efficient supply. The focus is on building a strong Lean culture, standardising processes, and using data to improve performance. Ready to coach a high-performing team, solve complex logistics challenges, and shape how medicines reach patients across borders?

Accountabilities

• Lead and manage a 10+ person team responsible for EU Hubs distribution, setting clear objectives, planning resources, and tracking performance against agreed targets.
• Oversee daily inbound and outbound supply operations with supply sites, LSPs, warehouses, and freight forwarders to meet service, cost, and quality goals.
• Use information systems and digital dashboards to monitor important metrics, complete management reporting, and drive remediation where performance is off track.
• Ensure full compliance with GxP/GDP, Safety, Health and Environment, Sarbanes Oxley, trade and regulatory requirements, and AstraZeneca policies and Code of Ethics.
• Act as the highest critical issue point within EU Hubs distribution to resolve delivery issues quickly and protect customer supply.
• Develop and maintain strong local relationships with Freight Forwarders, Logistics Service Providers and Third Party Logistics Service Providers.
• Promote continuous improvement by leading Lean initiatives, standardising processes, and embedding digital ways of working to improve right first time, reduce cycle time, and deliver cost savings.
• Proactively identify risks to supply, run scenario analyses, and implement mitigation and contingency plans with clear critical issue paths.
• Partner closely with Quality on deviations, CAPAs and change controls to maintain robust GDP-compliant operations.
• Ensure the team has clear SLAs and RACIs with stake-holders; review them regularly so roles, handoffs and critical issue routes remain transparent.
• Coach and develop team members through feedback, training and development plans, building capability and a high-performance culture.
• Manage budgets in line with financial policies, optimising people resources and targeting measurable financial savings.
• Ensure all activities are performed only after relevant training is completed and that capability requirements are met or supported by development plans.
• Foster an environment where potential non-compliance is reported promptly and addressed effectively.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Bachelors/Masters Degree in Business, Logistics, Engineering, Management or other relevant discipline
• 5 years plus experience of managing operational service delivery teams spread across multiple locations/countries
• Experience of working with or for a Freight Forwarder, Logistics Service Provider or 3rd Party Logistics Provider
• Knowledge of Logistics Industry, government agencies and regulatory authorities and regulations associated with the international distribution of pharmaceutical products
• Experienced performance manager and coach
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Experience in global enterprise resource planning systems (i.e. SAP, WMS & TMS)
• Track Record in demonstrating sound critical judgement
• Fluent in English

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Leadership Programme accredited (AZ or similar)
• Supply Chain accredited ie APICS CLTD
• Logistics accredited ie CILT
• Exposure to digital tools such as Power BI, Power Automate, and AI.
• Life Science Industry experience, > 5years in GxP regulated environments
• Experienced Lean Practitioner
• Customer Service or Management experience
• Analytical capability
• International experience

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge

perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual

flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

AstraZeneca offers the chance to work on a leading-edge end-to-end supply chain where Lean thinking is real, not theoretical: standardized ways of working are used to simplify processes, focus on what matters most, and free up time for problem-solving together. Teams collaborate across countries and functions, using data, digital tools and shared learning to tackle complex challenges while keeping patients at the centre of every decision. It is a place for people who enjoy variety, adapt quickly, speak up with ideas and want to see the impact of their work in the medicines that reach patients worldwide.

If this role sounds like the next challenge to tackle, apply now and help shape how our medicines reach those who need them most.

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.