Head of Supply Chain

Head of Supply Chain

Location: Hamburg, Frankfurt, or Munich

Industry: Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Experience Required: 7 Years in Supply Chain Management within the Pharmaceutical Industry

About the Company

We're recruiting on behalf of a growing pharmaceutical organization committed to improving patient outcomes through the development, manufacturing, and distribution of high-quality healthcare products. As they continue to expand their operations across Europe and international markets, they are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Supply Chain to lead and optimize our end-to-end supply chain function.

Position Overview

The Head of Supply Chain will be responsible for developing and executing the company's supply chain strategy across procurement, demand planning, inventory management, manufacturing planning, warehousing, logistics, and distribution. The successful candidate will ensure an agile, compliant, and cost-effective supply chain that supports business growth while maintaining the highest standards of quality and regulatory compliance within the pharmaceutical sector.

This role will partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Commercial, Finance, and External Supply Partners to ensure seamless product availability and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the end-to-end supply chain strategy aligned with business objectives and growth plans.
• Lead the transformation and continuous improvement of supply chain processes, systems, and capabilities.
• Drive supply chain resilience through effective risk management, scenario planning, and business continuity initiatives.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve service levels, operational efficiency, and cost performance.

Supply Planning & Operations

• Oversee demand forecasting, supply planning, S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning), and inventory optimization processes.
• Ensure uninterrupted product supply across domestic and international markets.
• Manage inventory levels to balance product availability, shelf-life considerations, and working capital requirements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) to optimize production planning and capacity utilization.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Lead strategic sourcing activities and supplier relationship management.
• Develop strong partnerships with suppliers, logistics providers, and contract manufacturing partners.
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements to achieve cost efficiencies while maintaining supply security and compliance.
• Evaluate supplier performance and implement continuous improvement programs.

Logistics & Distribution

• Ensure efficient warehousing, transportation, import/export, and distribution operations.
• Optimize logistics networks across Germany, Europe, and global markets.
• Maintain compliance with GDP (Good Distribution Practice) requirements and applicable pharmaceutical regulations.
• Monitor and improve OTIF (On-Time In-Full) delivery performance.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure full compliance with GMP, GDP, regulatory requirements, and company quality standards.
• Support audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews related to supply chain activities.
• Implement robust quality and risk management practices throughout the supply chain network.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Build, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing supply chain team.
• Foster collaboration across cross-functional departments and external partners.
• Provide regular operational and strategic updates to executive leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• 7 years of progressive supply chain experience within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences industry.
• Proven leadership experience managing end-to-end supply chain operations and high-performing teams.
• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical regulations, including GMP, GDP, and quality management systems.
• Demonstrated success in S&OP, inventory management, demand planning, procurement, and logistics.
• Experience managing relationships with CMOs, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), and global suppliers.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management capabilities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Fluent in English; German language skills are highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business Administration, or related field.
• APICS/ASCM (CPIM, CSCP) or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience working within international or multi-site pharmaceutical environments.
• Knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP S/4HANA, SAP IBP, Oracle, or similar platforms.
• Experience leading digital transformation and supply chain optimization initiatives.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Leadership & Team Development
• Operational Excellence
• Supply Chain Risk Management
• Change Management
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Negotiation & Supplier Management
• Process Improvement & Lean Methodologies

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible working arrangements and hybrid working options.
• Career development and leadership growth opportunities.
• International exposure within a dynamic pharmaceutical environment.
• Opportunity to play a critical role in delivering life-changing medicines to patients.