Distribution Team Lead

Lead European Distribution Transformation

Drive a large-scale European distribution transformation that will shape the future of supply chain performance, resilience, and sustainability. This role focuses on overseeing the implementation of European distribution changes in 2027 to deploy a future-ready network. The objective is to enhance service, resilience, and sustainability while reducing logistics costs and transportation miles. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and external logistics providers to ensure seamless execution and sustained benefits.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and manage an integrated EU distribution implementation plan, including milestones, dependencies, and readiness criteria.
• Translate the European distribution strategy into actionable country-specific deployment plans.
• Coordinate phased market transitions, ensuring alignment across workstreams and addressing local requirements.
• Establish and lead program governance, including working teams, steering forums, and executive updates.
• Conduct detailed impact assessments covering people, processes, systems, data, contracts, and service continuity.
• Partner with Procurement and functional owners to support contracting and transition to the new operating model.
• Build strong relationships with logistics providers to ensure service expectations and implementation deliverables are met.
• Develop and execute market cutover and transition plans, including inventory positioning and system readiness.
• Lead operational readiness reviews, implementation rehearsals, and cutover execution.
• Drive stakeholder engagement and change management through all stages of the transformation process.
• Coordinate training, documentation, and readiness materials with business owners.
• Protect customer service and supply continuity through risk management and contingency planning.
• Design and lead post-implementation hypercare governance and performance reviews.
• Track implementation outcomes and ensure delivery of targeted program benefits.
• Facilitate post-implementation reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare concise recommendations and presentations for senior leadership.
• Travel within Europe as needed to support affiliate engagement and implementation activities.

Key Skills and Requirements

• Expertise in program/project management, supply chain, distribution, logistics, or business transformation.
• Experience leading complex multi-country transformations or operational deployments in Europe.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical distribution and associated regulatory and quality considerations.
• Proven ability to manage integrated plans across multiple markets, functions, and suppliers.
• Proficiency in project governance, risk management, issue resolution, and executive reporting.
• Familiarity with supplier transitions, operating-model implementation, and post-go-live support.
• Knowledge of organizational change management principles, stakeholder engagement, and adoption strategies.
• Strong analytical skills for KPI definition, benefits tracking, and scenario assessment.
• Effective communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Self-directed, collaborative, and resilient leadership style with sound judgment.
• Experience with SAP-enabled order-to-cash, warehouse logistics, or master-data processes is desirable.
• Formal project management or change management certification is advantageous.
• Fluency in English; additional European language skills are a plus.
• Willingness to travel within Europe during critical implementation periods.