Distribution Manager
Job description
About the role
You will join a cross-functional team to expand the reach of Penumbrainc products to patients. This role focuses on managing regional distribution networks, driving sales growth, and improving customer satisfaction through strategic oversight. You will act as the primary operational link between corporate objectives and the field execution of distribution strategies. The position demands a proactive approach to identifying gaps and implementing solutions across the supply chain. Success in this role will be measured by the expansion of network coverage and the optimization of delivery workflows. You will leverage data to refine processes and ensure that product availability meets clinical and commercial demand. This is a critical role in translating high-level business plans into tangible market results.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Architect and deploy initiatives to enhance the distribution network across assigned regions.
- Source, qualify, and integrate new distributors to accelerate market penetration.
- Steward ongoing partnerships with distributors, hospitals, laboratories, and clinical physicians.
- Guide prospective users through the conversion funnel into active, repeat customers.
- Synchronize order fulfillment activities and maintain optimal inventory levels.
- Establish key performance indicators and monitor distribution metrics using analytics.
- Conduct immersive training for distributors on product portfolios and consultative selling.
- Synthesize market dynamics and competitor moves into actionable intelligence for executives.
- Represent the company at industry trade shows and oversee post-event engagement.
- Refine routing, warehousing, and transportation workflows to maximize cost efficiency.
- Perform root cause analysis on distribution delays and drive corrective actions.
- Standardize documentation for distributor onboarding and compliance procedures.
- Collaborate with logistics partners to resolve exceptions and ensure service continuity.
- Forecast demand scenarios to align distribution capacity with sales targets.
Requirements
- Hold a Bachelor degree in a related field such as business, logistics, or life sciences.
- Bring a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a demanding business environment.
- Accumulate at least 3 years of direct experience in medical device sales.
- Demonstrate strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities.
- Exhibit a high level of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail.
- Display the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks under pressure.
- Show proficiency in interpreting data and translating insights into operational plans.
- Maintain a valid driver's license suitable for frequent local and regional travel.
Nice to have
- Experience within medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or other regulated sectors.
- Background in sales leadership or marketing positions with P&L responsibility.
- Familiarity with regulatory frameworks impacting distribution in Latin America.
- Track record of building and leading high-performing field teams.
- Experience with CRM platforms and sales analytics tools.
- History of working in hospital or laboratory settings.
- Knowledge of inventory management systems and supply chain software.
- Exposure to business development in emerging markets.
Skills & tools
- MS Word
- MS Excel
- MS PowerPoint
Practical notes
- This role requires 50% to 75% business travel across the region.
- You will work in office, laboratory, cleanroom, and hospital environments.
- You must be able to lift and move up to 25 pounds safely and consistently.
- You must be able to wear 7 to 9 pounds of lead protection for extended periods.
- Occasional 24/7 on-call availability is required to address operational disruptions.
- Potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens and other infectious materials is inherent to the role.
- You must be capable of moving between buildings and multiple floors as part of daily duties.
- Travel may involve varied climates and conditions across different facilities.
- Adherence to strict safety protocols is mandatory in all work environments.
- Flexibility to adjust schedules in response to urgent distribution requirements.
- Compliance with all company policies and local regulations is non-negotiable.
- Documentation of all travel and expenses must be completed in a timely manner.
- Effective time management is essential to balance field visits and administrative duties.
- Strong organizational skills will support the management of complex distribution cycles.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a dispersed team is essential.
- Clear written and verbal communication is necessary for interacting with stakeholders at all levels.
- Problem-solving orientation will drive innovation in distribution challenges.
- Professionalism and integrity are fundamental to representing Penumbrainc in the market.
- Willingness to participate in training and continuous development opportunities.
- Readiness to adapt to changing priorities and market conditions.
- Commitment to quality and safety standards in every interaction.
- Alignment with the company's mission to improve patient access to critical therapies.
- Results-driven mindset focused on achieving and exceeding performance goals.
- Collaboration across functions to ensure seamless execution of distribution plans.
- Proactive communication regarding risks, delays, or changes in the operational plan.
- Capability to operate in fast-paced environments with minimal supervision.
- Dedication to maintaining accurate records and reporting outcomes accurately.
- Focus on building long-term relationships with partners and stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel during peak seasons and promotional campaign periods.
- Preparedness to handle logistical exceptions with calm and efficiency.
- Understanding of the importance of regulatory compliance in distribution activities.
- Engagement in safety drills and emergency preparedness as required.
- Participation in cross-departmental projects to improve overall performance.
- Willingness to provide feedback based on field observations and market insights.
- Ownership of end-to-end distribution processes from planning to closure.
- Contribution to the improvement of standard operating procedures.
- Support for special projects that enhance the reach and reliability of the network.
- Readiness to mentor junior team members on best practices and field insights.
- Active involvement in the continuous improvement of distribution operations.
- Commitment to the highest standards of professionalism in every engagement.