Sr Director, Global Distribution Operations & Logistics
Danaher Corporation
Summary
The Sr Director, Global Distribution Operations & Logistics is responsible for leading end-to-end global logistics and distribution networks, optimizing multi-site warehousing and transportation nodes, driving operational improvements and improving the customer delivery experience. This role ensures compliant, resilient, and cost-effective movement of Cytiva products through a global network of manufacturing plants, distribution centers, 3PL partners, and customer sites. This position reports to the VP, Global Supply Chain Operations and is part of the Global Supply Chain Operations organization located onsite at one of our Cytiva sites located in either the United States or Europe.
Job description
What you will do:
- Shape and execute enterprise logistics and distribution strategies - across company run and 3PL managed distribution centers that align network design, freight, and trade compliance to business growth, margin, and service outcomes.
- Lead large, complex, high-velocity distribution operations (10,000+ SKUs; consumables, hardware, service; multiple temperature modes), delivering sustained service alongside year-on-year workforce productivity gains
- Provide strategic oversight and direct line leadership of global transportation operations, including inbound, outbound, international, and intercompany logistics.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement across all distribution and logistics operations, while driving standardization of processes, metrics, reporting, and best practices across a global network
- Lead global, matrixed organizations through complexity and change, sustaining performance while executing structural, digital, and operating-model transformation.
- Manage global 3PL and carrier performance while driving operational efficiency and cost reduction.
- Drive distribution process optimization, digitalization, sustainability initiatives, and DBS-based continuous improvement.
Who you are:
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business administration, logistics, or a related field required; MBA preferred and 15+ years of progressive experience in logistics, distribution and transportation operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Builds high performing global logistics teams through growing/developing leaders and driving operational excellence
- Hands-on experience leading global logistics networks including air/ocean freight, multi-modal transportation, customs and compliance.
- Operating expense budget ownership at or above the $100M level; proficiency with P&L accountability
- Strong partnership skills - able to negotiate, structure, and handle sophisticated 3PL and carrier contracts, including dispute resolution.
- International team leadership experience with high ownership orientation— leading across time zones, cultures, and employment structure with significant autonomy and decision-making authority.
- Outstanding communication and executive presence, with the ability to influence senior partners and translate operational complexity into business impact.
Travel, Motor Vehicle Record & Physical/Environment Requirements:
Ability to travel internationally – up to 50%
It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:
- Proven track record directly leading large-scale distribution centers and managing global 3PL networks across multiple regions
- Experience leading high velocity, dynamic distribution and logistics networks in healthcare, life sciences or pharmaceutical industries
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business administration, logistics, or a related field required
- MBA preferred
- 15+ years of progressive experience in logistics, distribution and transportation operations
- At least 5 years in a senior leadership role
- Hands-on experience leading global logistics networks including air/ocean freight, multi-modal transportation, customs and compliance
- Operating expense budget ownership at or above the $100M level
- Proficiency with P&L accountability
- Strong partnership skills - able to negotiate, structure, and handle sophisticated 3PL and carrier contracts, including dispute resolution
- International team leadership experience with high ownership orientation
- Outstanding communication and executive presence
- Ability to travel internationally – up to 50%
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid time off
- Bonus/incentive pay
Company overview
Danaher Corporation is a leading global science and technology innovator headquartered in Washington, D.C., specializing in biotechnology, life sciences, and diagnostics. Founded in 1984 by brothers Steven and Mitchell Rales, the company has evolved from its origins as a manufacturing conglomerate into a premier healthcare technology organization with approximately 63,000 employees worldwide. Danaher operates through three core divisions: biotechnology (28% of revenues), which develops products for therapeutic development; life sciences (31% of revenues), focused on disease identification, new therapies, and drug testing/manufacturing; and diagnostics (41% of revenues), providing instruments, consumables, and software for disease diagnosis. The company's portfolio includes renowned brands such as Beckman Coulter, Cytiva, Pall Corporation, Cepheid, Leica Microsystems, and Abcam, serving pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, healthcare providers, and research institutions globally. Danaher is distinguished by its Danaher Business System (DBS), a continuous improvement methodology that drives innovation and operational excellence. With 2024 revenues of $23.9 billion, the company ranks 180th on the Fortune 500 and plays a critical role in advancing scientific research, improving diagnostic capabilities, and accelerating the development of life-saving therapies.