Operations Director

CryoPDP Operations DirectorThis 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.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 ResponsibilitiesDevelop and implement strategy for the start-up of new operationsLead, and establish an open communication path with your teamDelegate tasks effectively with clear goalsMaximize profitability through superior customer serviceOversee and streamline cold chain logistics operations to ensure efficient, timely delivery of servicesDevelop 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 conductEnsure adherence to industry regulations, maintain equipment to meet quality standards, and implement quality processes to safeguard the integrity of the cold chainRegularly assess operational performance, compare against benchmarks, and adjust strategies for continual improvementAct as a key point of contact for major clients and collaborate effectively with the executive team and other stakeholdersDrive initiatives to boost operational efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate service qualityReview, analyze, and present cost savings initiatives to the management teamMake recommendations in the development of long-term strategiesManage the financial aspects of each location while working closely with the VP of US OperationsOrganize relationships and agreements with external partners and vendorsLead business case justification for capital and asset deploymentLead 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 proceduresDevelop and maintain strategic relationships with vendors across the LATAM regionIdentify, evaluate, onboard, and manage vendors to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and service excellenceLead contract negotiations, pricing discussions, and service-level agreements (SLAs)Monitor vendor performance using KPIs and conduct regular business reviewsResolve supplier performance issues and implement corrective action plansEnsure vendors comply with company policies, regulatory requirements, and contractual obligationsCollaborate with Procurement, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal, and Operations teams to support business needsDrive cost-saving initiatives and continuous process improvementsAnalyze market trends, supplier capabilities, and regional risks to support sourcing strategiesManage vendor risk assessments and business continuity planningPrepare reports and dashboards on vendor performance, spend analysis, and contract statusSupport regional expansion and sourcing initiatives across Latin American countriesRequired Education and ExperienceAt least five years' experience in temperature-controlled logistics with a heavy focus on Managing OperationsA degree in Logistics, Transportation Management, or Business or equivalent work experience.Bilingual in English and Spanish languages preferredMulti-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 preferredBigQuery/Looker Studio proficiency for operational analytics.Track record of building SOPs and process standardization across distributed teams.Good Distribution Practices experience in Clinical Trials LogisticsExperience in Quality Assurance in internal audits for ISO 9001/2015 and GDPExcellent analytical, organizational, and communication skillsOperational performance knowledgeNegotiation skillsGood in Project ManagementStrong Lean / Six Sigma acumenGood use of standard Google Workspace, especially SheetsExperience in cross-functional roles with a requirement to remain independent and impartial and focus on company objectivesExperience in the Pharmaceutical industry is preferredTeam player able to work closely with procurement, operations, and transport teams internally as well as with external stakeholdersMultitasking – the ability to work and deliver multiple projects at the same timeStrong decision-making skillsCritical thinking skills, creative and innovative solutions to internal and external client needsStrong industry and company business knowledgeAbility to interpret financial data and manage a budget