Global Distribution Network Optimization Lead

Location: Denmark | Duration: Approximately 12–18 months

Help shape a more efficient and resilient global vaccine distribution network

Can you turn complex logistics data into practical improvements?

Do you know how to challenge transport flows, strengthen supplier performance and uncover what drives distribution costs?

And would you like to build capabilities that continue to make a difference beyond your assignment?

At Bavarian Nordic, we are looking for a Global Distribution Network Optimization Lead to improve our global distribution network and strengthen the tools, insights and ways of working behind it.

This position is initially established for approximately 12–18 months to deliver priority network improvements and build a lasting capability within Global Distribution & Logistics.

Your role

You will assess how our distribution network performs today and identify how it can better balance cost, service, lead time, capacity and resilience. Turning network data and operational insights into a prioritized roadmap, you will work with colleagues and logistics partners to put agreed improvements into practice.

You will report to the Head of Global Distribution & Logistics. The role has no direct reports, so your impact will come through your analytical expertise, project leadership and ability to create alignment across functions.

You will collaborate closely with Distribution Leads, Global Planning, Regional Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Supply Chain Compliance, Quality and the I2O Process Manager, as well as logistics service providers and carriers.

What you will do

Your responsibilities will cover three connected areas:

Optimize the distribution network

• Assess the current network and develop a prioritized optimization roadmap covering cost, service, lead time, capacity and risk.
• Analyse distribution lanes, shipment profiles, routes, transport modes and network flows to identify improvement opportunities.
• Build transparency on distribution costs and cost-to-serve to support informed decisions.
• Identify opportunities for shipment consolidation, routing improvements, changes in transport mode and network redesign.
• Lead or support the implementation of agreed changes, working with Distribution Leads to turn recurring operational issues into lasting improvements.

Strengthen supplier strategy and performance

• Develop logistics supplier and carrier strategies in close collaboration with Procurement.
• Establish a supplier performance framework with clear KPIs, governance, performance reviews and improvement plans.
• Support logistics tenders, supplier selection and contract optimization.
• Work with suppliers, carriers and internal stakeholders to deliver measurable improvements in cost and service.

Build capabilities that last

• Establish analytical tools, standards and governance that make network optimization an ongoing part of how we work.
• Support future digital ways of working, including the use of transportation management systems (TMS) to improve visibility and decision support.
• Build and transfer knowledge so that colleagues can sustain and develop the capability beyond the assignment.

What success looks like

During the assignment, you will establish a clear network optimization roadmap and a prioritized set of improvement opportunities. You will provide better visibility of distribution costs, develop practical lane and routing recommendations, and put a supplier performance framework and strategy in place.

Success will also mean implementing changes that deliver tangible improvements in cost, service and network resilience—and leaving colleagues with the tools and knowledge to continue that work.

What you bring

You have strong experience in logistics, transportation, distribution or supply chain network optimization. You understand both the commercial drivers of a distribution network and the operational realities of making changes work.

We are looking for someone with:

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex data into practical business decisions.
• Experience in logistics sourcing, tenders, carrier management and supplier performance management.
• A strong commercial and cost mindset, with the ability to assess trade-offs across service, lead time, capacity and risk.
• Strong project and change management skills, including the ability to move improvements from analysis into implementation.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence across functions.

How you work

You combine a strategic perspective with a practical approach. You are comfortable challenging existing arrangements but take the time to understand operational needs before recommending changes.

You create clarity around opportunities, priorities and expected benefits, and bring colleagues with you through implementation. You also share your knowledge openly, helping others take ownership of new tools and ways of working.

Why join Bavarian Nordic?

This is an opportunity to deliver meaningful improvements within a defined assignment while shaping how global distribution develops over the longer term. You will influence network decisions, supplier strategies and the analytical capabilities that support reliable vaccine distribution.

At Bavarian Nordic, we work to improve and save lives through vaccines. Our culture values persistence, openness to change and collaboration. In this role, you can put those values into practice by solving complex distribution challenges and building improvements together with colleagues across the business.

Caught your interest?
If you are ready to take on a pivotal role in a growing organization and drive meaningful change in healthcare, apply now and join Bavarian Nordic in our mission to improve health outcomes and foster sustainable growth.

We kindly request that headhunters or recruitment agencies refrain from contacting us regarding this position.

Bavarian Nordic is a global vaccine company with a mission to improve health and save lives through innovative vaccines. We are a preferred supplier of mpox and smallpox vaccines to governments to enhance public health preparedness and have a leading portfolio of travel vaccines. We are headquartered in Denmark and have manufacturing, research, and sales offices across Europe and North America.

Bavarian Nordic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

For more information, visit www.bavarian-nordic.com

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