Head of Global External Supply Operations

About the Role

Join Grünenthal Group's Manufacturing & Global Operations team focused on delivering results and continuous improvement. We operate internationally, prioritizing collaboration to ensure product quality throughout the entire supply chain—from raw materials procurement to logistics delivery of medicines to patients. As the Head of Global External Supply Operations, you will play a pivotal role in shaping Grünenthal’s external supply network and future success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the global External Supply Operations (ESO) strategy aligned with Grünenthal’s overall business goals and manufacturing network requirements.
• Lead the management of Grünenthal’s external manufacturing and in-licensed product network, overseeing about 66 suppliers with an annual expenditure exceeding €200 million.
• Guarantee uninterrupted supply of externally sourced products focusing on quality, service, cost, cash flow, compliance, and risk management.
• Own strategic supplier relationship management, enhancing supplier performance, governance, value generation, and executive-level partnerships.
• Build and lead a high-performing ESO team and offer strategic guidance to cross-functional and virtual site teams.
• Proactively manage supply risks and act as the escalation point for critical supplier, quality, and business continuity concerns.
• Lead and support major strategic initiatives, including due diligences, technology transfers, network optimization, product launches, and business integrations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and represent ESO in governance forums, strategic supplier reviews, and major negotiations to maintain a flexible, dependable, and cost-efficient external manufacturing network.

Candidate Profile

• Master's degree in Science, Engineering, Business Administration or related discipline; MBA is preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in pharmaceutical operations, external manufacturing, supply chain, or procurement with extensive global supplier network management.
• Proven track record managing outsourced manufacturing operations and strategic partnerships with global CMOs/CDMOs at a senior executive level.
• Experience with P&L responsibility and leading end-to-end operational functions focusing on business performance, cost control, and value creation.
• In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain processes, and quality systems for multiple dosage forms; experience with global regulated external manufacturing networks is strongly desirable.
• Exceptional negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills with demonstrated success in leading significant commercial negotiations and resolving complex issues.
• Strong leadership aptitude for building and transforming international, cross-functional, high-performing teams through change and growth.
• Executive presence, strategic orientation, and excellent communication skills capable of influencing senior leadership and engaging effectively with boards, executives, and C-level suppliers.
• Ability to combine strategic thinking with operational delivery in complex, matrixed, and fast-moving environments.
• Willingness to undertake international travel up to 25% of the time.

Additional Information

This position is a permanent full-time role based in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany with onsite work required. The successful candidate will unite internal teams and external partners to build a resilient and competitive supply network as emphasized by Hiring Manager Elke Geysen.