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- Tasks: Lead operations for a new pharmaceutical distribution centre, ensuring compliance and performance.
- Company: Join a growing pharmaceutical distribution business focused on operational excellence and team development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, and the chance to shape national operations.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, driving innovation in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations leadership within regulated environments and a strong understanding of GDP/MHRA standards.
- Other info: Opportunity for national travel and significant influence on the company's growth strategy.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
Role: Head of Operations – Warehousing (Pharma)
Location: North-West London (with some national travel)
Package: £70,000 – £80,000 + Bonus
We’re pleased retained exclusively with a growing pharmaceutical distribution 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 or strictly regulated 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’s on 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 a genuine opportunity to grow with the business.
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 Serge Beklemisevs at Pod Talent.
Head of Operations - Warehousing (Pharma) employer: Pod Talent
Contact Detail:
Pod Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations - Warehousing (Pharma)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the pharmaceutical and warehousing sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who can provide insights into the company culture and operational challenges.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in GDP and MHRA compliance. Being well-versed in current regulations will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to operational excellence in a regulated environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your experience in building and mentoring teams, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's existing operations and any recent news about their growth or expansion. This knowledge 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 - Warehousing (Pharma)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in operations leadership, particularly within the pharmaceutical or regulated environments. Emphasise your understanding of GDP and MHRA requirements, as well as any relevant achievements in building high-performing teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for operations and your strategic vision for optimising distribution centres. Mention specific examples of how you've driven improvements in warehouse processes and team development in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to compliance, fulfilment performance, and operational development. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact in past positions, such as improvements in efficiency or safety standards.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Detail your experience in mentoring and developing teams. Provide examples of how you've inspired others and built a culture of continuous improvement, which is crucial for this role as a Head of Operations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pod Talent
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Head of Operations, it's crucial to highlight your previous leadership roles. Share specific examples of how you've built and mentored teams in a regulated environment, particularly within the pharmaceutical sector.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Compliance
Familiarise yourself with GDP and MHRA requirements before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you have implemented compliant SOPs in past roles and how you ensure audit readiness in your operations.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since this role involves acting as a strategic partner to the senior team, think about how you can contribute insights on capacity and operational risks. Prepare to discuss your approach to optimising warehouse processes and layout.
✨Exhibit Your Data-Driven Mindset
Be ready to talk about how you've used data to improve performance in previous positions. Provide examples of decisions you've made based on data analysis that led to successful outcomes in fast-paced environments.
