Distribution Management Senior Expert

The Distribution Management Senior Expert manages the end-to-end transportation of goods from suppliers to customers, coordinating shipping schedules, optimizing routes, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The role works closely with carriers, contract manufacturing organizations, and internal teams to ensure timely, cost-effective, and GDP-compliant delivery of products., The Distribution Management Senior Expert acts as the primary point of contact for internal and external customers regarding logistics execution activities, including intercompany order management, import and export documentation, and transport coordination within the OTC/FMCG and Pharmaceutical environment.

The position contributes to on-time, cost-efficient, and GDP-compliant transportation of raw materials, bulk products, and finished goods. It also drives process improvement initiatives within global logistics operations management.

Geographical Scope: Global

Major Responsibilities

1. Intercompany Delivery Order Management

• Manage intercompany delivery orders within Sales and Distribution (SD) processes.
• Manage goods receipt processes in collaboration with Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs).
• Create Sales Orders when required, including API and ME orders, or MSOs for pre-booking purposes.
• Plan and coordinate primary distribution for customers.
• Trigger urgent and high-profile deliveries.
• Manage the order-to-invoice cycle, ensuring timely delivery in line with agreed performance metrics and high customer satisfaction.

1. Transport Planning & Preparation

• Coordinate export documentation required for transport execution, including commercial invoices, packing lists, weight notes, Certificates of Origin, and Dangerous Goods documentation when applicable.
• Support customs-related activities and provide necessary documentation for trade and GDP purposes.
• Proactively optimize transport activities and address risks affecting service-level adherence.
• Ensure timely and optimized shipments based on prioritization plans, in alignment with S&OE Supply Management and established transportation and supply chain processes.

1. New Routings, Lanes & Product Launches

• Act as a transportation and logistics expert, supporting the design and implementation of new logistics setups.
• Contribute to the setup of new routings, trade lanes, and product launches, ensuring compliance with Bayer GxP requirements.

1. Continuous Improvement

• Support or lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize process flows, including document automation and digitalization, communication enhancements, sustainability initiatives, and capability development aligned with the logistics strategy.

Key Relationships

Internal Partners

• PH and CH Product Teams
• Internal Sites
• Global and Regional Supply Chain Management Teams
• Global ITCC
• Global and Regional Control Towers
• Global Logistics Services
• Quality Teams

External Partners

• Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs)
• 4PL Providers
• 3PL Providers

• University degree in Business Administration, Logistics, or Supply Chain Management.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in supply chain and logistics, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry or a similar regulated environment.

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong understanding of legal, regulatory, and GMP/GxP requirements in FMCG and pharmaceutical distribution.
• Sound knowledge of supply chain and logistics processes.
• Strong background in transport planning and a general understanding of forecasting.
• Knowledge of SAP R/3, particularly SD and MM modules; WMS knowledge is desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software tools.
• Dangerous Goods training and certification is a plus.

Personal Competencies

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong customer focus and ability to manage cross-functional relationships.
• Proactive, action-oriented, and results-driven.
• Strong problem-solving and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment.
• Ability to lead or contribute to low-complexity projects.
• Project management capabilities.

Languages

• Fluent English required.
• Spanish or German is an advantage.

• 4 regions
• 2 main warehouses/hubs in Germany
• 2 4PL providers and several 3PL providers across Ocean, Air, and Overland transport
• More than 250 loading points
• More than 30,000 intercompany deliveries per year