At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop supply chain operations in a global pharmaceutical company.
- Company: Established, research-led pharmaceutical firm with a patient-first philosophy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a commitment to innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health by ensuring reliable medicine supply.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in supply chain management within pharmaceuticals required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on integrity and meaningful outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are seeking a senior supply chain leader to head up end-to-end supply and demand operations within a UK-based global pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation. Reporting into the Manufacturing Leadership Team, this role leads a multidisciplinary function covering supply chain management, logistics, warehousing, demand planning and core enterprise systems including SAP and serialisation. The Director plays a critical role in ensuring reliable, compliant supply of medicines to global markets, shaping supply strategy, sponsoring major transformation projects and aligning manufacturing capability with commercial demand across multiple regions.
This role sits within a long-established, research-led pharmaceutical company with a strong global footprint and a clear patient-first philosophy. The organisation is values-driven, quality-focused, and committed to long-term investment in people, innovation and sustainable operations. Collaboration, integrity, and inclusive leadership are central to how the business operates, with a strong emphasis on delivering meaningful outcomes for patients and society.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and develop teams across supply chain management, logistics, warehouse operations, demand planning and supply chain systems.
- Own and drive demand planning and capacity-constrained production planning to meet global market requirements.
- Define and execute supply strategies that balance service, cost, risk, and compliance across international markets.
- Act as senior sponsor for supply chain-related transformation initiatives, including SAP, planning tools and serialisation.
- Provide strategic oversight of key suppliers, logistics partners and contract manufacturing organisations.
- Ensure all supply chain and warehouse activities comply with GMP, GDP and relevant regulatory standards.
- Establish and track supply chain KPIs to drive operational excellence, service reliability and cost optimisation.
- Manage supply risks including geopolitical disruption, tariffs, sanctions and supply continuity challenges.
- Partner closely with commercial, quality, finance, IT and global stakeholders to align manufacturing and market needs.
- Own supply chain budgets, headcount planning, cost of goods and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Significant senior-level supply chain leadership experience within pharmaceuticals or life sciences.
- Proven expertise across demand planning, logistics, warehousing, global supply networks and ERP systems (SAP).
- Strong understanding of GMP/GDP, global trade regulations, INCOTERMS and intercompany supply models.
- Experience managing complex supplier and CMO relationships at a strategic level.
- Demonstrated ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and drive change in complex environments.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at senior and executive level.
- Track record of delivering operational excellence, cost optimisation and service improvements.
- Degree-qualified in supply chain, engineering, business or a related discipline.
Supply Chain Director in Saint Albans employer: Planet Pharma
Contact Detail:
Planet Pharma Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Director in Saint Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend supply chain events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain operations. We recommend practising common interview questions and having your own questions ready to show your interest in their processes and challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your experience, focus on specific examples where you’ve driven change or improved efficiency. We want to see how you can bring value to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Director in Saint Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Supply Chain Director. Highlight your experience in supply chain management, logistics, and demand planning, especially within pharmaceuticals. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your leadership experience can drive transformation in our supply chain. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, manage complex supplier relationships, and deliver operational excellence. Numbers and results speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team. Let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Planet Pharma
✨Know Your Supply Chain Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of supply chain management, especially in the pharmaceutical sector. Be ready to discuss your experience with demand planning, logistics, and ERP systems like SAP. This will show that you understand the complexities of the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Supply Chain Director, you'll be leading multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in challenging environments. Highlight your ability to drive change and foster collaboration, as these are key traits the company values.
✨Understand Regulatory Standards
Familiarise yourself with GMP, GDP, and other relevant regulatory standards. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to quality and safety, which is crucial in the pharmaceutical industry.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Think about how you would define and execute supply strategies that balance service, cost, and risk. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing supplier relationships and navigating geopolitical challenges. This will show that you can think strategically and align with the company's goals.