Senior Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Manager - Soweto

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Manager to lead end-to-end supply chain operations in Soweto, Gauteng. This role requires deep pharma logistics expertise, strong leadership, and a proven track record of driving cost efficiencies while ensuring regulatory compliance, GDP and cold chain requirements.

You will manage procurement, inventory, forecasting, distribution, and vendor relationships; mentor a team; collaborate with manufacturing, QA, and sales; and implement

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• 7-9 years of progressive experience in supply chain management in pharma/healthcare.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage end-to-end pharmaceutical supply chain strategies.
• Oversee inventory management, forecasting, and demand planning to optimize stock levels and minimize costs.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics providers for timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Ensure compliance with pharmaceutical regulations, including GDP and cold chain requirements.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce lead times, and improve performance.
• Develop and implement robust risk management strategies to mitigate disruptions.
• Mentor a team of supply chain professionals and foster a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Utilize supply chain technologies and analytics to monitor performance and guide decisions.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality assurance, and sales to align supply chain with business objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle ERP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent pharmaceutical organization, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Manager to oversee and optimize their supply chain operations in Soweto, Gauteng . This critical role involves managing the end-to-end flow of materials and products, from procurement and inventory management to distribution and logistics, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in supply chain management within the pharmaceutical industry, excellent analytical skills, and a proven ability to drive continuous improvement. This is a key leadership position offering significant impact and career development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage strategies for end-to-end pharmaceutical supply chain operations.
• Oversee inventory management, forecasting, and demand planning to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize costs.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics providers to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of materials and products.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant pharmaceutical regulations, including cold chain requirements and GDP (Good Distribution Practices).
• Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce lead times, and improve overall performance.
• Develop and implement robust risk management strategies to mitigate supply chain disruptions.
• Manage and mentor a team of supply chain professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance.
• Utilize supply chain technologies and analytics to monitor performance, identify trends, and drive data-informed decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments including manufacturing, quality assurance, and sales to align supply chain activities with business objectives.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7-9 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, with a significant focus on the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.
• In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical supply chain complexities, including regulatory requirements (e.g., GDP, cold chain management).
• Proven experience in inventory management, demand forecasting, procurement, and logistics.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to develop and implement data-driven solutions.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in supply chain management software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Must be able to work on‑site in Soweto, Gauteng .

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• You will be part of a reputable pharmaceutical company dedicated to ensuring the reliable supply of essential medicines.
• This role provides a challenging and rewarding career in supply chain management within the dynamic region of Soweto .