Divisional Head of Operations Pharma

This role is to support the GA , Bespoke Distribution and EAP from an operations viewpoint. The person will sit on the Pharma SLT and act as a conjugate between the Pharma Business and the Global Tech Ops Team. Pharma have a  GAP on the operations side of the business. The role will be cross-charged to the Pharma Division

Strategic Responsibilities &Operational Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute a scalable operations strategy aligned with divisional growth objectives to support our global activity.
• Lead transformation initiatives to enhance supply chain agility, cost efficiency, and service delivery.
• Identify and implement technology-driven solutions to streamline operations and support expansion.
• Capture and articulate the strategic direction and passion of the division

Supply Chain Leadership

• Oversee end-to-end supply chain functions, ensuring seamless integration of warehousing, logistics, procurement & global supply chain partners.
• Drive continuous improvement across inventory management, distribution, and fulfilment processes.
• Establish robust partnerships with third-party logistics providers to support international growth and service excellence.
• Relentless focus on cost effectiveness and financial management of operational functions.

Customer Experience & Service Excellence

• Champion a customer-centric culture by embedding service excellence into operational processes.
• Define and monitor KPIs to ensure high performance and rapid resolution of escalations.
• Collaborate with commercial teams to translate customer insights into actionable improvements.

Procurement & Supplier Strategy

• Lead strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and supply continuity.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies to safeguard against supply chain disruptions.
• Align procurement planning with financial forecasting and production schedules.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Build and inspire a high-performing operations & supply chain team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Develop leadership capability across operational functions through structured training and performance development.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements through ongoing education and oversight.

Governance, Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure full compliance with Pharma regulation , both unlicenced and commercial regulations (ISO, GDP, MDR etc.) across all operational activities.
• Provide strategic insights and performance reporting to senior leadership, highlighting progress against key initiatives.
• Collaborate with regulatory, legal, business and quality teams to maintain operational integrity and readiness.
• Develop and embed QMS procedures which are in line with both local and global regulations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with commercial, marketing, and program teams to ensure operational alignment with business priorities.
• Support new product / program introductions with operational planning and execution.
• Act as a strategic liaison between technical operations and commercial functions to drive 

Candidate Profile

• Experience: 10+ years in operations leadership within pharma, or regulated industries; proven track record in scaling operations internationally.
• Expertise: Deep knowledge of supply chain, logistics, procurement, and customer service; strong understanding of compliance frameworks (ISO, GDP).
• Leadership: Inspirational leader with experience managing cross-functional teams and driving cultural transformation.
• Technology: Proficient in ERP systems, supply chain technologies, and customer service platforms.
• Commercial Acumen: Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business goals into operational execution.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills; fluent in English (additional European languages a plus).
• Mobility: Willingness to travel across Ireland, UK, and Europe as required.