Director of Strategic Operations

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; CAD 185,000 - 303,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual bonus

Paid time off

Professional development

Executive training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Director of Strategic Operations to lead pharmaceutical distribution in Kimberley. You will shape strategic operational plans, oversee warehouse and logistics, and ensure GDP compliance while managing cold chain logistics and a high-performing team.

You will drive cost efficiency, service improvements, and risk management within a highly regulated pharma environment, reporting to executive leadership and partnering with suppliers and regulators.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years in operations and supply chain; 5+ years in pharma/healthcare.
• Proven strategic planning and execution in complex distribution.
• In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical regulations, GDP, and cold chain.
• Track record of leading and developing teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management.
• Proficiency in inventory management systems, ERP, and WMS.
• Ability to operate in highly regulated environment.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic operational plan for pharmaceutical distribution.
• Oversee warehouse operations, inventory management, and logistics in the region.
• Ensure GDP and health standards compliance.
• Manage and optimize cold chain logistics.
• Lead, mentor, and develop operations team.
• Drive initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service.
• Manage budget, forecast needs, and control expenditures.
• Implement and monitor KPIs for operational effectiveness.
• Develop relationships with suppliers, logistics partners, and regulators.
• Oversee risk management for supply chain resilience and security.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

GDP knowledge

Cold chain logistics

Supply chain management

People leadership

ERP / WMS proficiency

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing pharmaceutical distribution company, is looking for an experienced Director of Strategic Operations to lead their operations in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This executive role is responsible for developing and implementing strategic operational plans to ensure efficient, compliant, and scalable distribution of pharmaceutical products. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of supply chain management, cold chain logistics, regulatory compliance within the pharmaceutical industry, and proven leadership experience. You will manage a significant operational budget, lead a team of operations managers and staff, and drive initiatives aimed at enhancing service levels, optimizing costs, and ensuring the integrity of the supply chain. This is a key leadership position for someone who can navigate the complexities of pharmaceutical logistics and contribute to the company's strategic growth objectives in the Northern Cape region. You will play an instrumental role in maintaining the highest standards of operation and quality control.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's strategic operational plan for pharmaceutical distribution.
• Oversee all aspects of warehouse operations, inventory management, and logistics within the region.
• Ensure strict adherence to all pharmaceutical regulations, including Good Distribution Practices (GDP) and relevant health standards.
• Manage and optimize cold chain logistics to maintain product integrity.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operations professionals, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Drive initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery.
• Manage the operational budget, forecast financial needs, and control expenditures.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, logistics partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee risk management strategies to ensure supply chain resilience and security.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in operations and supply chain management, with at least 5 years in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.
• Proven experience in strategic planning and execution within a complex distribution environment.
• In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical regulations, GDP, and cold chain logistics.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a track record of managing and developing teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in pharmaceutical inventory management systems, ERP, and WMS.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly regulated environment.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and compliance.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and substantial annual bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life assurance, and retirement fund benefits.
• Relocation assistance package.
• Generous paid time off and study leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and executive training.
• State-of-the-art warehousing and distribution facilities.
• Dynamic and impactful role within a growing industry in Kimberley .