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- Tasks: Lead operations strategy and oversee a new distribution centre in the UK.
- Company: Join a growing pharmaceutical business focused on operational excellence and team development.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy, mentorship, and a culture that values innovation and growth.
- Why this job: Shape national infrastructure while driving compliance and performance in a high-energy environment.
- Qualifications: Strong operations leadership experience in a pharmaceutical setting with knowledge of GDP and MHRA standards.
- Other info: Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply, even if they don't meet every requirement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: North-West London (with some national travel)
We’re pleased retained exclusively with a growing pharmaceutical business on their search for a high-impact Head of Operations . This is a unique opportunity to build and lead the operational strategy for UK&I, including a capex projects and oversight of additional locations as the business expands.
This role is ideal for a driven, high-energy operations leader with a deep understanding of GDP and MHRA requirements, a passion for building high-performing teams, and the drive to embed scalable processes in a growing, regulated environment.
Your Role:
As Head of Operations, you will take full ownership of operational leadership across the UK network, with an immediate focus on establishing and optimising a brand-new distribution centre. You’ll be accountable for compliance, fulfilment performance, site safety, and team development – ensuring every process supports both operational excellence and regulatory requirements.
Reporting to the Operations Director, this is a visible, hands-on leadership role with the opportunity to shape national infrastructure as the business continues its rapid growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead all operational activity across the UK, including strategy agenda, fulfilment performance, operational development, transport, and facilities management.
- Build and mentor a warehouse team and site leadership structure focused on safety, ownership, and continuous improvement.
- Implement GDP/MHRA-compliant SOPs across warehousing, handling, and storage, ensuring audit readiness and high standards at all times.
- Drive improvement in warehouse processes, layout, systems and vendor performance, working closely with QA, Supply Chain and Commercial teams.
- Act as a strategic partner to the senior team – providing insights on capacity, expansion opportunities, and operational risk.
What You’ll Bring:
- Strong experience in operations leadership within a pharmaceutical/medical grade environment
- Excellent understanding of GDP, MHRA and medical-grade warehousing standards.
- Demonstrated experience building and improving operations in fast paced businesses including warehouse layout, SOPs, and tech adoption.
- A proven people leader who can coach and inspire teams at all levels, with a track record of developing future leaders.
- Commercially aware, confident in using data to improve performance, reduce risk, and make fast decisions.
- A self-starter with the energy and mindset to lead from the front – especially in ambiguous, high-growth environments.
What We Offer:
- The chance to lead the national operations agenda in a growing business, bringing your expertise and leadership to shape it from the ground up.
- Autonomy to design and optimise how the UK distribution network functions, with backing from a forward-thinking leadership team.
- A performance and people driven culture that values mentorship, initiative, and innovation with genuine opportunity to grow with the business.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that underrepresented groups are less like to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Pod Talent is dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams with our clients So if you are excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply as we are always on the lookout for great talent!
If this is an opportunity you feel would be suited to your skills and experience and are interested in finding out more then click Apply now or contact Seb Taylor at Pod Talent.
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Supply Chain
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Industries
Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
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Head of Operations - Pharmaceutical (London) employer: Pod Talent
Contact Detail:
Pod Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations - Pharmaceutical (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest GDP and MHRA regulations. Understanding these guidelines will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and operational excellence in the pharmaceutical sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the pharmaceutical operations field. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within their organisations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've improved operational processes in previous roles. Highlighting your experience with warehouse layout, SOPs, and tech adoption will showcase your ability to drive efficiency and compliance.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current operations and any recent news about their growth or expansion. Being knowledgeable about their business will allow you to tailor your discussions and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations - Pharmaceutical (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in operations leadership within the pharmaceutical sector. Emphasise your understanding of GDP and MHRA requirements, as well as any relevant achievements in building high-performing teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for operational excellence and your ability to lead in a fast-paced environment. Mention specific examples of how you've implemented scalable processes and improved warehouse operations in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills that align with the job description, such as compliance management, team development, and strategic planning. Use keywords from the job posting to ensure your application resonates with the hiring team.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Provide examples of your leadership style and how you have successfully mentored teams in the past. Highlight any initiatives you've led that resulted in improved performance or operational efficiency.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pod Talent
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Make sure you have a solid grasp of GDP and MHRA requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented compliant SOPs in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your expertise in navigating the regulatory environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Operations, you'll need to inspire and mentor your team. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams and developed future leaders in your past positions. Highlight your coaching style and how it has led to operational success.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss your approach to operational strategy and how you've driven improvements in fast-paced environments. Share specific instances where your strategic decisions positively impacted warehouse processes or overall performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in ambiguous situations. Think of examples where you've had to make quick decisions based on data, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of those decisions.
