Supply Chain Management Lead – Specialty Portfolio

Role Objective

The Supply Chain Management Lead is responsible for overseeing the flow of supply chain information across internal teams, manufacturing sites, and external partners.

The role ensures the effective management of the global supply network supporting the manufacture and distribution of products across all registered markets.

This position supports organisational strategy by ensuring the smooth execution of supply plans aligned with demand forecasts, enabling delivery of operational and financial targets within defined territories and long-term strategic plans.

The role also contributes to business continuity planning and ensures compliance with relevant regulatory and quality standards governing supply chain operations.

Key Responsibilities

Supply Planning & Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP)

• Lead the integrated business planning / S&OP process for the specialty product portfolio to ensure business objectives are achieved.

• Define inventory holding strategies and targets.

• Develop and maintain a rolling master supply plan, including multiple planning scenarios to respond to evolving business priorities.

• Present supply recommendations and key decisions to senior leadership.

• Track and manage supply chain performance metrics.

• Lead the development and improvement of S&OP processes.

• Lead initiatives to simplify supply chain processes and ensure regulatory documentation is updated accordingly.

Manufacturing & External Partner Management

• Act as the primary supply chain interface with internal and external manufacturing partners.

• Manage communication with suppliers regarding supply-related matters.

• Collaborate with manufacturing science and technical teams to ensure supply chain considerations are incorporated during pre-clinical and clinical development phases.

• Develop volume-based pricing scenarios in collaboration with commercial teams to support negotiations with contract manufacturers.

• Manage service performance against contractual agreements and quality requirements.

• Lead projects to develop new manufacturing capabilities with internal and external partners.

• Oversee stock forecasting and ordering processes with manufacturers.

• Optimise inventory levels of finished goods, work-in-progress, and active ingredients to minimise overall costs.

• Work closely with quality teams on investigations and root cause analysis with suppliers.

Supply Chain Strategy & Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and supply chain operations.

• Foster a culture of operational excellence and cost efficiency across inventory management areas.

• Lead the development of systems and tools that improve operational efficiency within supply chain management.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with global regulatory requirements (e.g. EMA, MHRA, FDA).

• Participate in the resolution of quality issues with manufacturing partners.

• Identify and assess supply chain risks and implement sustainable compliance improvements.

Strategic Planning & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support the development and execution of demand and supply strategies for each product in collaboration with commercial teams and demand planning functions.

• Develop long-term demand and capacity planning strategies.

• Analyse market and industry trends to identify operational improvement opportunities.

• Collaborate across functions to ensure alignment of business goals and supply capabilities.

• Monitor departmental performance and implement adjustments to achieve business targets.

• Manage departmental budgets and resources effectively.

• Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget in collaboration with finance teams.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop the supply chain management team.

• Ensure tasks are executed efficiently and aligned with organisational objectives.

• Set clear performance objectives and foster accountability within the team.

• Support team development through coaching, mentoring, feedback and structured development plans.

Professional Experience & Technical Skills

• University degree or equivalent professional experience.

• Minimum 10 years of supply chain leadership experience within the pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing industry.

• Experience operating within make-to-order and make-to-stock manufacturing environments.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience working with SAP/APO SNP and/or PP/DS.

• Strong knowledge of end-to-end manufacturing supply chain processes including:

  • Demand management

  • S&OP

  • Production planning

  • Capacity planning

  • Material planning and procurement

  • Order fulfilment

  • Master data management

  • Product lifecycle management

• Working knowledge of MRP II is preferred.

• Understanding of GMP / GCP regulatory environments.

• Experience negotiating commercial agreements within contract manufacturing environments.

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Word).

• Strong analytical, reporting and senior stakeholder presentation skills.

Leadership & Behavioural Skills

• Proven leadership experience with the ability to develop and manage high-performing teams.

• Strong decision-making capability in complex and uncertain environments.

• Clear and concise communication skills with stakeholders at all levels.

• Comfortable working in dynamic, fast-changing environments.

• Ability to manage pressure and maintain focus on priorities.

• Demonstrates accountability and holds others accountable for delivery.

Core Competencies

Influencing & Stakeholder Management

Builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support strategic objectives and create long-term partnerships.

Strategic Thinking

Anticipates future business needs and identifies opportunities for operational and strategic improvement.

Communication & Relationship Building

Promotes open communication and fosters collaborative relationships that enhance organisational performance.

Decision Making & Analytical Thinking

Makes well-informed decisions based on analysis of complex data and operational considerations.

People Management

Develops team capability through structured development plans, coaching, feedback and performance management.

Change & Innovation

Drives continuous improvement and champions new ideas that enhance business performance and supply chain capability.

Performance Management

Creates a performance-driven culture that encourages development, accountability and achievement of organisational goals.

Key Stakeholder Relationships

Internal

• Quality

• Customer Service

• Regulatory Affairs

• Finance

• Supply Chain & Procurement teams

External

• Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs)

• Distribution partners

• Suppliers

• Logistics providers