Supply Chain Manager - External Operations

Role Overview

This permanent position based in Dublin, Ireland, at a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer offers a challenging opportunity as a Supply Chain Manager specializing in external operations. The incumbent will oversee comprehensive commercial supply chain functions across a global manufacturing network, ensuring seamless product supply, driving operational excellence, optimizing inventory, managing supplier relationships, and facilitating continuous improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain integrated network supply plans to guarantee continuous product availability.
• Lead planning efforts across raw materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), drug products, packaging components, and finished goods.
• Drive the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process through detailed supply data analysis, scenario planning, and risk evaluations.
• Formulate long-term supply strategies supporting business expansion and provide strategic recommendations.
• Create inventory management strategies that balance customer service excellence with financial targets.
• Administer inventory planning parameters, and manage stock aging, surplus inventory, and obsolescence using SAP systems.
• Conduct purchasing activities and supervise purchase orders relevant to commercial supply chain operations.
• Establish and nurture effective relationships with external suppliers and contract manufacturing organizations, ensuring their performance and compliance.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics through KPIs, conduct business reviews, and participate in governance meetings.
• Support SAP planning processes, ensuring data accuracy and adherence to procedural compliance.
• Lead risk management initiatives within the supply chain and develop mitigation plans to enhance supply reliability.
• Promote business process enhancements and implement industry best practices throughout supply chain operations.
• Collaborate closely with teams from Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, Procurement, Commercial, and External Operations to meet organizational goals.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Science, or a related field is required.
• 7 to 10 years’ experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or regulated manufacturing supply chain management roles.
• Proven expertise in end-to-end supply planning and commercial supply chain management.
• Demonstrated leadership in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes.
• Competency in inventory planning, purchasing activities, and supplier performance oversight.
• Proficiency with SAP ERP planning systems.
• Experience working within GMP-regulated manufacturing environments is essential.
• Strong cross-functional stakeholder management and collaboration skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, project management, and change management capabilities.
• Experience liaising with external manufacturing partners such as CMOs or CDMOs is highly preferred.
• Possession of APICS/CPIM certification or a comparable credential is advantageous.

Skills

• Commercial supply chain management
• Network supply planning
• Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
• Inventory optimization
• SAP ERP system expertise
• Purchasing and procurement management
• Supplier relationship management
• External manufacturing partnerships (CMO/CDMO)
• KPI formulation and supplier performance monitoring
• Supply chain risk and continuity planning
• Continuous process improvements
• Cross-functional leadership and collaboration
• Project and change management

Benefits and Perks

• Opportunity to work within a globally recognized pharmaceutical company.
• Exposure to complex and multinational supply chain operations.
• A supportive, collaborative, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Strong potential for professional growth and career advancement.
• Competitive remuneration complemented by a comprehensive benefits package.