Head of Supply Chain Management

Are you ready to turn precision into progress and play a key role in shaping the future of pharmaceutical innovation?

R&D Partners is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Supply Chain to lead and transform our end-to-end supply chain operations within our Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO). This role is critical to ensuring seamless integration of warehouse, inventory, and supply chain functions under a unified leadership structure. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in GMP regulated environments, preferably within pharmaceuticals, and will possess strong leadership capabilities to drive operational excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement. German language proficiency is highly desirable to effectively collaborate with our key German speaking vendors and partners.

Please note that to be considered for this role you must have the right to work in this location.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive supply chain strategy aligned with business objectives and GMP compliance requirements.
• Lead the integration of warehouse operations into broader supply chain processes, creating a unified, efficient, and compliant function.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimise cost, quality, and delivery performance.

Supply Chain Management

• Oversee end?to?end supply chain processes including demand planning, material planning, procurement coordination, and scheduling.
• Ensure robust supply continuity to support manufacturing plans, client projects, and site operational needs.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to measure performance, identify bottlenecks, and enhance transparency across the supply chain.

Warehouse & Inventory Management

• Lead warehouse operations including receiving, material handling, storage, dispensing, and distribution.
• Implement efficient inventory control systems ensuring accurate stock levels, traceability, and full GMP compliance.
• Ensure proper segregation, temperature control, documentation, and security for all materials.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure all supply chain and warehouse activities adhere to GMP, GDP, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate closely with QA, QC, Production, and Regulatory Affairs to support audits, inspections, and CAPAs.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation across supply chain and warehouse processes.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with suppliers, CMOs, logistics providers, and equipment suppliers, including strategic German-speaking partners.
• Negotiate contracts, service levels, and supply agreements.
• Work cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, Quality, and Finance teams to ensure alignment and timely execution.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing supply chain and warehouse team.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and development pathways.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Key Skills and Requirements:

Essential

• Proven working years of supply chain experience, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong background in GMP-regulated, preferably pharmaceutical or biotech, environments.
• Proven experience managing inventory, warehouse, and supply chain operations.
• Demonstrated success integrating or transforming supply chain and warehouse functions.
• Excellent understanding of ERP/MRP systems and digital tools.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills.

Desirable

• German language proficiency (business level).
• Experience working within a CDMO environment.
• APICS/CSCP or similar supply chain certification.
• Experience with regulatory inspections (MHRA, FDA, EMA)

Key Competencies

• Strategic and operational thinking
• Leadership and team development
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Stakeholder and vendor management
• Continuous improvement and Lean mindset
• High attention to detail and compliance orientation

For more information, please contact Emma Miles.

If you are interested in applying to this exciting opportunity, then please click ‘Apply’ or to speak to one of our specialists visit the ‘Contact Us’ page.

R&D Partners is a leading life sciences recruiter focused on finding exceptional people and matching them with the finest positions across the globe. R&D Partners is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

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