Head of clinical Supply Chain

Position: Head of Clinical Supply Chain

Location: Frankfurt, Germany (3 Days Onsite, 2 Days Remote)

Company: Leading Global Pharmaceutical Company

Role Overview:

This is with a global pharmaceutical company based in Frankfurt, they are seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Clinical Supply Chain to lead and oversee all aspects of their clinical supply chain operations. This strategic leadership role will be responsible for ensuring the efficient and compliant delivery of clinical trial supplies, managing global supply chain activities from early clinical trials to post-market studies. The role will require close collaboration with cross-functional teams and senior management to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and regulatory-compliant supply of clinical materials.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership of Clinical Supply Chain Operations: Oversee the entire clinical supply chain, including sourcing, procurement, planning, packaging, labeling, distribution, and inventory management for clinical trial materials. Ensure that supply chain activities are executed efficiently to support clinical trials from Phase I to commercialization.
• Strategic Supply Chain Planning: Develop and implement global clinical supply chain strategies to ensure alignment with clinical trial timelines, regulatory requirements, and budget. Work closely with clinical development, regulatory, and commercial teams to establish a robust, flexible supply chain strategy that supports rapid clinical progression.
• Supplier & Vendor Management: Manage relationships with external suppliers and vendors, ensuring the timely delivery of clinical trial materials and services. Negotiate contracts, set performance metrics, and monitor supplier performance to meet the high-quality standards expected in clinical trials. Build long-term partnerships with key suppliers to optimize supply chain performance.
• Risk Management & Problem-Solving: Identify potential risks to the clinical supply chain (e.g., delays, shortages, regulatory challenges) and proactively develop and implement mitigation strategies. Resolve any supply chain disruptions or issues that may arise, ensuring minimal impact on clinical trial timelines and outcomes.
• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight: Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), GDP (Good Distribution Practice), and other applicable industry standards. Lead audits and inspections to ensure all clinical trial supplies are produced, stored, and distributed according to global regulatory requirements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams including clinical development, regulatory affairs, R&D, quality assurance, and project management to ensure alignment of clinical supply chain activities with overall project goals. Facilitate communication and decision-making between clinical, commercial, and operational teams.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead and manage a team of clinical supply chain professionals. Provide mentorship, guidance, and career development opportunities, fostering a high-performance culture. Ensure the team has the resources, training, and support to succeed.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to clinical supply chain performance, including on-time delivery, inventory management, and cost control. Provide senior management with regular updates on supply chain status, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the clinical supply chain function. Implement process improvements, new technologies, and automation to optimize clinical supply chain operations and reduce lead times and costs.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Clinical Supply Chain Experience: A minimum of 8-10 years of experience in clinical supply chain management within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. In-depth knowledge of clinical trial logistics, supply chain processes, and regulatory compliance specific to clinical trial materials is essential for this role.
• Leadership Experience: Proven experience in a senior leadership role within clinical supply chain management, with the ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams, influence senior management, and drive strategic decision-making.
• Regulatory Expertise: Strong understanding of GMP, GDP, ICH, and other relevant regulations governing clinical trials and pharmaceutical supply chains. Experience with regulatory submissions, audits, and inspections.
• Education: A degree in Supply Chain Management, Life Sciences, Pharmacy, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in supply chain management (e.g., APICS, CSCMP) are a plus.
• Skills: Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Proficient in clinical supply chain software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle). Ability to work with cross-functional teams and manage relationships with external partners and vendors.
• Global Perspective: Experience managing global supply chains, with the ability to navigate the complexities of international regulations, logistics, and supplier networks.
• Languages: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of German or additional languages is a plus.