Associate Director, Warehouse & Logistics

At Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to empower the scientific community with more freedom and flexibility to accelerate our collective impact on humanity. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.

The Associate Director, Warehouse & Logistics is responsible for the execution, stability, and continuous improvement of Element Biosciences’ warehousing, logistics, and internal material flow operations within an established strategic framework. This role supports on-site warehousing at HQ, manufacturing material flow, off-site domestic warehousing, and an existing European 3PL, ensuring materials and finished goods move accurately, compliantly, and efficiently.

This is a hands-on, execution-focused leadership role requiring strong operational judgment, disciplined follow-through, and the ability to lead teams while remaining close to day-to-day operations. The role partners closely with senior leadership by providing operational insight, data, and recommendations to inform longer-term strategy and system evolution. This role is a San Diego based role and will report directly to our Senior Director, Supply Chain.

If you possess the following and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this role.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Execute and continuously improve the global warehousing and logistics operating model, including inbound logistics, internal material flow, finished goods warehousing, outbound distribution, and intercompany movements
• Ensure reliable dock-to-line and line-to-dock material flow to support manufacturing schedules and throughput
• Own inventory accuracy and integrity for all warehouse-controlled locations, including cycle count program execution, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
• Manage day-to-day performance of domestic and international 3PLs, freight forwarders, and transportation partners against established SLAs
• Support partner onboarding, transitions, and performance recovery efforts as needed
• Serve as the primary operational owner for global trade compliance execution, including import/export controls, documentation, and audits
• Act as the operational business owner for WMS execution and adoption, supporting phased implementation, process stabilization, and user adherence
• Provide operational input and analysis to inform future systems, network, and logistics strategy.
• Establish and drive performance against KPIs for service, inventory accuracy, labor productivity, safety, and cost
• Lead and develop a multi-layer organization through managers and supervisors, with a strong player–coach approach
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the current operating model
• Maintain strong operational visibility and personally engage in execution and problem-solving when required
• Organizational Scope: Core Multi-site warehouse operations; Direct support of Manufacturing Operations through reliable material flow; Active 3PL with potential expansion; Direct leadership of Warehouse & Logistics and Trade Compliance; 25+ warehouse, logistics, and compliance professionals across multiple layers

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, Industrial Engineering or related field
• MBA or advanced degree preferred but not required for candidates with demonstrated operational leadership experience
• APICS CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent professional certification preferred
• 8-12 years of progressive experience in warehouse, logistics, or supply chain operations, including leadership roles with increasing scope and accountability
• Experience supporting multi-site warehouse operations, including manufacturing-adjacent environments
• Proven ability to manage 3PL and transportation partners and drive performance against service and cost targets
• Hands-on experience with warehouse management systems (WMS), including implementation phases, process design, and adoption
• Working knowledge of global trade compliance and customs processes
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through managers while staying operationally engaged
• Strong execution mindset with the ability to balance operational detail and cross-functional collaboration

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 15 pounds
• Must be flexible in working hours as this position may require customer support during non-regular business hours

Location:

• San Diego

Travel: 

• Domestic/international travel up to 15%

Job Type:

• Full-time/Exempt

Base Compensation Pay Range:

• $143,000 - $196,000

In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for stock options, discretionary annual bonus, no cost health insurance plans, 401k with company match, and flexible paid time off. 

Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience. 

We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.