Job Description

This position has a salary range of $119,000 - $124,700, plus bonus potential.

Preferred internal candidates have been identified. All qualified candidates will be considered for this role and future opportunities.

CryoPDP Operations Director

This position requires approximately 40–50% travel to company branches and customer locations and occasional travel within the LATAM region (15-20%) . The Director of Operations must maintain a regular presence at regional facilities to provide leadership, operational oversight, employee development, and customer support.

The Director of Operations leads CRYOPDP's US pharmaceutical cold chain logistics platform across five facilities, ensuring GDP compliance, temperature integrity, and service excellence for cell and gene therapy, clinical trials, and commercial pharma clients.

This role owns operational strategy, team development across all branches, process standardization, technology adoption (BigQuery/Looker, CargoWise optimization, automation), vendor management, and DHL integration execution.

The Director is accountable for cross-branch P&L performance, client retention through operational excellence, and building a scalable operations infrastructure. The Director of Operations role will also provide operations oversight and support for the LATAM region.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategy for the start-up of new operations
• Lead, and establish an open communication path with your team
• Delegate tasks effectively with clear goals
• Maximize profitability through superior customer service
• Oversee and streamline cold chain logistics operations to ensure efficient, timely delivery of services
• Develop operational procedures, establish performance metrics, and continuously assess and refine processes, Team Leadership & Development: Lead, motivate, and support a large team, fostering a culture of accountability, professional growth, high performance, and ethical conduct
• Ensure adherence to industry regulations, maintain equipment to meet quality standards, and implement quality processes to safeguard the integrity of the cold chain
• Regularly assess operational performance, compare against benchmarks, and adjust strategies for continual improvement
• Act as a key point of contact for major clients and collaborate effectively with the executive team and other stakeholders
• Drive initiatives to boost operational efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate service quality
• Review, analyze, and present cost savings initiatives to the management team
• Make recommendations in the development of long-term strategies
• Manage the financial aspects of each location while working closely with the VP of US Operations
• Organize relationships and agreements with external partners and vendors
• Lead business case justification for capital and asset deployment
• Lead DHL Express integration across all US branches: service transition, rate structures, and operational alignment.
• Manage Philippines and India offshore team strategy and performance: task allocation, quality standards, and capacity planning.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with vendors across the LATAM region
• Identify, evaluate, onboard, and manage vendors to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and service excellence
• Lead contract negotiations, pricing discussions, and service-level agreements (SLAs)
• Monitor vendor performance using KPIs and conduct regular business reviews
• Resolve supplier performance issues and implement corrective action plans
• Ensure vendors comply with company policies, regulatory requirements, and contractual obligations
• Collaborate with Procurement, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal, and Operations teams to support business needs
• Drive cost-saving initiatives and continuous process improvements
• Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, and regional risks to support sourcing strategies
• Manage vendor risk assessments and business continuity planning
• Prepare reports and dashboards on vendor performance, spend analysis, and contract status
• Support regional expansion and sourcing initiatives across Latin American countries

Required Education and Experience

• At least 5 years' experience in temperature-controlled logistics with a heavy focus on Managing Operations
• A degree in Logistics, Transportation Management, or Business or equivalent work experience.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish languages preferred
• Multi-site operations management experience across 3+ locations.
• Track record of implementing operational technology (TMS, WMS, BI dashboards).
• Experience managing offshore/distributed teams.
• DHL Express or major integrator network experience is preferred
• BigQuery/Looker Studio proficiency for operational analytics.
• Track record of building SOPs and process standardization across distributed teams.
• Good Distribution Practices experience in Clinical Trials Logistics
• Experience in Quality Assurance in internal audits for ISO 9001/2015 and GDP
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Operational performance knowledge
• Negotiation skills
• Good in Project Management
• Strong Lean / Six Sigma acumen
• Good use of standard Google Workspace, especially Sheets
• Experience in cross-functional roles with a requirement to remain independent and impartial and focus on company objectives
• Experience in the Pharmaceutical industry is preferred
• Team player able to work closely with procurement, operations, and transport teams internally as well as with external stakeholders
• Multitasking – the ability to work and deliver multiple projects at the same time
• Strong decision-making skills
• Critical thinking skills, creative and innovative solutions to internal and external client needs
• Strong industry and company business knowledge
• Ability to interpret financial data and manage a budget