Head of Supply Chain

Role overview

An established pharmaceutical business is seeking a seasoned Head of Supply Chain for a permanent position in Galway. The role will begin with an on-site requirement, with a hybrid arrangement considered after six months.

You will take ownership of the end-to-end supply chain across two product portfolios: human health and veterinary health pharmaceuticals. This includes planning, procurement, materials control, logistics, warehousing, and final customer fulfilment.

Key responsibilities

• Set and drive supply chain strategy so it supports manufacturing objectives and wider business goals.
• Lead Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) and Integrated Business Planning (IBP) to keep Production, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and Commercial teams aligned.
• Manage demand planning, master production scheduling, and capacity planning.
• Oversee sourcing of APIs, excipients, and packaging materials, including supplier risk management, compliance oversight, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Direct warehousing, stock control, and distribution of finished goods, including cold chain and controlled drug logistics.
• Improve freight movements and international trade routes to strengthen efficiency and service levels.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, GDP, HPRA, EMA, and FDA requirements.
• Maintain data integrity, traceability, and alignment with batch release processes, while supporting internal and external audits.
• Lead, coach, and develop the supply chain team and promote a culture of accountability.
• Track and improve performance using KPIs such as OTIF, forecast accuracy, inventory turns, cost-to-serve, and S&OP maturity.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in supply chain leadership within pharmaceuticals or life sciences.
• Strong practical knowledge of GMP, GDP, and international regulatory compliance standards.
• Demonstrated experience managing global suppliers, vendor performance, and complex international logistics networks.
• Advanced analytical ability and hands-on use of ERP/MRP systems such as SAP or Oracle.
• Strong stakeholder management, commercial awareness, and financial decision-making skills.
• A strategic, execution-focused leader with a collaborative style and a track record in continuous improvement, lean practices, and digital transformation.

Additional information

The position is based in Loughrea, Ireland, with an initial on-site arrangement at the facility. Hybrid working may be available only after successful completion of the probationary period.

About the recruiter

Berkley Business & Technology is a specialist consultancy that recruits professionals across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. Interested candidates were invited to share their profile for a confidential discussion about this opening or other career options.