Head of Warehouse & Logistics

About the job:

Lead end-to-end warehousing and logistics operations for our new pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. This role requires establishing operational systems from the ground up, implementing regulatory-compliant processes, and building a high-performing logistics organization. You will design and execute logistics strategies that support rapid business growth while maintaining pharmaceutical quality standards. This greenfield opportunity demands both strategic planning capabilities and hands-on operational leadership in a fast-paced startup environment.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

MATERIALS FLOW AND SHIPMENTS MANAGEMENT

• Manage the complete flow of materials from supplier receipt through customer delivery. Deploy team members, equipment, and resources to establish efficient operations capable of handling high-volume throughput.

• Implement processes that optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure regulatory compliance. Establish control parameters and performance metrics focused on delivery excellence.

• Manage customs clearance and regulatory requirements for international shipments. Develop documentation systems that minimize delays and facilitate border crossings.

• Apply and hold required customs and storage licenses

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

• Ensure on-time, in-full delivery to manufacturing operations and customers through effective inventory control. Implement monitoring systems that provide real-time visibility into stock positions and enable rapid corrective action.

• Execute annual physical inventory processes with high accuracy standards. Develop systems to identify and address potential obsolescence issues.

• Create dashboards that provide visibility into stock coverage, inventory turns, and key performance metrics to support data-driven decision making.

TEAM LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT

• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing logistics team in a startup environment. Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations aligned with organizational objectives.

• Create individual development plans for team members that enhance technical capabilities and leadership skills. Implement mentoring programs and cross-training initiatives to build organizational resilience.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and innovation. Provide regular coaching and feedback to accelerate team performance and professional growth.

• Lead through ambiguity and change, helping team members navigate the evolving demands of a growing organization while maintaining focus on core deliverables.

QUALITY AND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

• Develop and execute 3PL governance frameworks that include regular performance reviews, continuous improvement initiatives, and relationship-building activities. Create collaborative partnerships that drive mutual value and operational excellence.

• Establish asset management programs including preventive maintenance and calibration protocols. Manage relationships with third-party logistics providers, ensuring adherence to service level agreements and pharmaceutical quality standards.

• Lead shipping validation processes that ensure product releases meet quality standards and timeline requirements.

• Own and implement logistics related change controls

• Lead logistics related deviation investigations such as temperature excursions and damages.

• Develop risk mitigation strategies that identify and address potential operational disruptions.

WAREHOUSE PLANNING

• Develop warehouse strategies and implementation plans that address current operational needs while anticipating future growth. Identify and prioritize initiatives that support critical business requirements.

• Provide visibility into future capacity needs and translate forecasts into actionable projects with defined timelines and resource requirements. Execute warehouse optimization initiatives on schedule.

• Balance resource allocation across competing priorities to maximize efficiency while maintaining operational flexibility.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

• Monitor and optimize operational budgets for warehouse operations and transportation. Drive cost efficiency initiatives while maintaining quality standards and service levels.

• Identify cost-saving opportunities through process improvement, technology implementation, and operational redesign.

• Lead cross-functional initiatives that enhance end-to-end supply chain performance. Develop effective working relationships with key stakeholders across manufacturing, quality, procurement, and commercial functions.

LOGISTICS IT SYSTEMS AND MASTER DATA

• Implement and optimize logistics information systems that enable tracking, documentation, and analytics. Drive system enhancements that improve execution speed and performance visibility.

• Manage logistics master data ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with governance requirements. Lead digital transformation of logistics operations.

• Be one of the SAP key users for logistics and warehousing modules

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrated achievement of on-time, in-full delivery performance exceeding 95% in pharmaceutical environments

• Knowledge of pharmaceutical regulations including GDP, GMP, and international shipping requirements

• Proven ability to reduce lead times while maintaining quality control standards

• Strong problem-solving skills with expertise in root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions

• Strong competency in writing standard operating procedures, working instructions, and deviation investigation reports.

• Warehouse capacity planning experience with ability to anticipate needs and implement mitigation strategies

• Experience managing 3PL relationships and driving performance through effective governance

LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

• Ability to build high-performance teams focused on accountability and execution

• Experience making informed decisions that balance speed with compliance requirements

• Track record leading cross-functional teams to deliver process improvements

• Commitment to continuous improvement with ability to drive teams toward performance targets

• Demonstrated success in developing and mentoring logistics professionals

• Change management expertise with ability to lead teams through ambiguity

• Strong stakeholder management skills with ability to influence across organizational boundaries

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

DELIVERY METRICS

• On-Time, In-Full Delivery: Achieve >95% performance

• Order Cycle Time: Reduce processing times through process optimization

• Warehouse Turnaround Time: Meet or exceed service level agreement commitments

COMPLIANCE AND QUALITY

• Audit Performance: Achieve minimal findings in regulatory inspections

• Deviation Response Time: Meet established timelines for investigation and resolution

• Documentation Accuracy: Maintain compliance rates exceeding regulatory requirements

OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY

• Warehouse Capacity Utilization: Optimize space usage without compromising efficiency or safety

• Inventory Turnover Rate: Exceed industry benchmarks

• Stock Accuracy: Maintain >99% inventory accuracy

• External Warehouse Spend: Operate within budget parameters

• Obsolescence Rate: Maintain levels below established thresholds

TEAM PERFORMANCE AND DEVELOPMENT

• Employee Engagement: Achieve top-quartile engagement scores within the organization

• Training Completion: Ensure 100% completion of required technical and compliance training

• Talent Development: Implement individual development plans for all team members

• 3PL Performance: Drive continuous improvement in partner performance metrics

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Achieve positive stakeholder feedback on logistics team effectiveness

This role offers the opportunity to establish logistics operations for a growing pharmaceutical startup. The position requires operational expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to execute effectively in a demanding, fast-paced environment while building and developing a high-performing team that will shape the organization's logistics capabilities.