Associate Director of Supply Chain

Are you ready to steer end-to-end supply chain strategy for cutting-edge therapies that transform patients' lives?

Aquila Talent Solutions is seeking an Associate Director of Supply Chain to spearhead planning and materials management for a dedicated Cell and Gene Therapy CDMO facility based on-site in Rockville, Maryland. In this critical operational leadership role, you will collaborate closely with the Senior Director of Operations to shape overarching strategy, elevate service levels, and orchestrate the daily flow of planning, procurement, receiving, storage, and distribution. Leading a capable team across warehouse and logistics disciplines, you will ensure flawless execution in a highly regulated, life-saving manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Execution: Design and deploy robust demand and supply planning strategies, inventory management protocols, and service level frameworks aligned with annual operating goals.
• Materials & Operational Management: Oversee day-to-day warehouse, receiving, storage, and distribution operations in full compliance with CGMP requirements, implementing 5S methodologies to optimise storage and efficiency.
• Team Leadership & Development: Provide active coaching, mentorship, and clear performance objectives to direct reports (associates, coordinators, and clerks), fostering an inclusive, high-performing, and safe workplace.
• Budgetary & Cost Control: Formulate and manage the annual Materials Management budget, driving operational efficiencies to boost financial performance while mitigating logistical bottlenecks.
• Cross-Functional & Global Collaboration: Align local workflows with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Environmental Management Systems (EMS), collaborating across global teams to maximise synergies and maintain adherence to regulatory standards.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain/Materials Management, or a related discipline (or equivalent practical experience).
• At least 8 years of progressive supply chain experience, including a minimum of 5 years in direct people leadership.
• Proven background managing complex inventory control and tracking systems (ERP) within a matrixed business structure.
• Direct experience leading supply chain operations in a regulated CGMP environment, with a strong background in policy creation, quality systems, and regulatory audit readiness.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation capabilities, with a proven ability to translate complex statistical and operational data into strategic executive reports.

Nice-to-Have

• Substantial experience within a Cell and Gene Therapy or CDMO operating environment.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency using SAP software.
• Certified Materials and Resource Professional (CMRP) credential.

Why Join

At Aquila Talent Solutions, this position offers the opportunity to directly shape supply chain infrastructure where precision and reliability are essential. You will drive operational excellence within the rapidly evolving cell and gene therapy sector, solving intricate logistical challenges and building a resilient supply network that directly supports advanced clinical and commercial manufacturing.