Our client is a mid-sized European pharmaceutical company with a strong commercial presence across key EU markets and a growing pipeline of branded and generic products. With a reputation for high-quality manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and a broad therapeutic portfolio, the company partners with global suppliers for API sourcing, FDF production, and third-party logistics (3PL) operations.
As the business continues to grow and mature across the region, this position offers a key leadership opportunity for a supply chain professional looking to shape and optimize operations in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Position Overview
Our client is seeking a Director of Supply Chain – Europe to lead regional supply chain operations, ensuring reliable, cost-effective, and compliant product availability across multiple European markets. The role will oversee regional demand forecasting, supply planning, distribution, logistics, and vendor management, while aligning with global supply chain leadership and internal stakeholders.
This is a hands-on leadership role that combines strategic oversight with operational execution, requiring strong cross-functional collaboration, regulatory understanding, and supplier performance management.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee end-to-end European supply chain operations for commercial and development-stage pharmaceutical products
* Lead demand planning and S&OP processes across European affiliates to ensure forecast accuracy and supply alignment
* Manage relationships with 3PLs, CMOs, and suppliers, ensuring service-level performance, compliance, and cost control
* Coordinate regional order fulfillment, distribution, and import/export logistics across multiple countries
* Ensure compliance with EU GDP, GMP, and local regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical supply chain operations
* Monitor and improve supply chain KPIs (OTIF, inventory turns, forecast accuracy, etc.)
* Develop and implement regional supply chain policies, procedures, and SOPs in coordination with global standards
* Partner with cross-functional teams including Regulatory, Quality, Commercial, and Finance to support product launches and market expansions
* Support product lifecycle planning, including new product introductions, packaging changes, and product phase-outs
* Lead regional supply risk assessments, business continuity planning, and vendor performance reviews
Qualifications
* 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical supply chain management, with a strong focus on European markets
* Proven success managing regional or international supply chain functions, including external manufacturing, 3PLs, and EU distribution networks
* In-depth knowledge of EU GDP/GMP regulations, import/export processes, and regional compliance requirements
* Experience with demand planning, S&OP, ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and supply chain metrics
* Strong vendor and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across functions and geographies
* Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Life Sciences, Engineering, or related field required; Master’s degree or MBA preferred
* Fluency in English required; additional European languages a plus