Description
The Director, Distribution Europe, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of product distribution in EU and is the primary liaison between Acadia and the company’s distribution and pharmacy partners. The role will serve as an integral, cross functional partner responsible for managing and implementing service and data contracts, evaluating performance and efficiency of 3PL and distribution partners. This position will collaborate with key internal stakeholders in Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, PV, Legal and CIAO. This position will be responsible for developing and executing the distribution strategy across European markets, ensuring efficient product flow from our 3PL to healthcare providers while maintaining compliance with European GDP (Good Distribution Practice) regulations and FMD (Falsified Medicines Directive) requirements.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Distribution Management
Implement the European distribution strategy aligned with the company's commercial objectives and regulatory requirements
Lead the implementation and on-going management of 3PL partnerships across key European markets
Establish distribution networks and partnerships with wholesalers, hospitals, and pharmacies across target European markets
Build and maintain relationships with key distribution partners and healthcare providers
Collaborate with Manufacturing and Supply Chain to implement inventory management strategies across multiple SKU's and regions
Monitor and optimize distribution costs while maintaining service levels
Partner with key stakeholders to ensure quality and pharmacovigilance compliance
Regular reporting to senior management on distribution performance and strategic initiatives
Compliance & Operations
Ensure compliance with European GDP guidelines and country-specific regulations for pharmaceutical distribution as well as FMD compliance
Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all distribution activities
Support communication with National Medicines Verification Organizations (NMVOs) across relevant markets
Support internal audits and prepare for regulatory inspections related to GDP and FMD compliance
Monitor and respond to any potential falsified medicine alerts within the supply chain
Manage temperature-controlled supply chain requirements for product integrity
Responsible for product distribution related documentation, deviations and investigations.
Ensure onboarding of new customers including developing customers agreements, payments terms, licensing verification, VAT verification etc.
Oversee order-to-cash processes and establish KPIs for distribution performance
Work closely with Finance to optimize order to cash processes and manage distribution costs
Education/Experience/Skills
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or work experience related field
Minimum 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical distribution, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
Proven experience in European healthcare distribution, preferably in specialty pharmaceuticals
Strong understanding of European GDP regulations, FMD requirements, and pharmaceutical supply chain requirements
Experience in pan-European transportation networks
Experience in all contracting aspects with external distribution partners and customers
Experience with cold chain products preferred
Key Skills
Deep knowledge of European healthcare distribution systems and regulations
Experience managing outsourced 3PL and distribution partners
Strong project management skills with track record of successful implementations
Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Fluent in English; additional European languages are advantageous
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Proven leadership abilities with experience managing cross-functional teams
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, growing organization
Ability to travel to the US and other countries in Europe (EU and other)
Scope
Recognized as an influential leader with the ability to influence without authority. Works with abstract ideas or situations that may affect other functional areas of the business and where analysis of situations or data requires collaboration and an understanding of the impact on other functional areas, business strategies, and the company's overall goals. Works on issues of diverse scope which require evaluation of a variety of factors and an understanding of functional area objectives and trends. Erroneous decisions will have a serious impact on the overall success of functional area and may impact the long-term success of the company.