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Head of Global External Supply Operations
Country: Germany, Italy, Portugal
City: Aachen, Origgio, Lisbon
Department: Global Operations & Production
Job ID: 45204
Management | Permanent | Full-time | Hybrid
Our people in Manufacturing & Global Operations share two priorities: getting things done and making things better. If you’re a dynamic person with a positive mindset, you’ll fit in well here. It’s an international team with a powerful spirit of collaboration. Together, we make sure our products meet the highest standards of quality by constantly searching for ways to improve at every stage of our value chain – from the raw materials we buy through to the logistics network that brings our medicines to patients. Join our team and help us make an even bigger contribution to Grünenthal’s future.
What the job looks like
Each day you'll enjoy a variety of challenges, such as:
Define and execute the global External Supply Operations (ESO) strategy, ensuring alignment with Grünenthal’s business objectives and long-term manufacturing network needs.
Lead and oversee Grünenthal’s external manufacturing and in-licensed product network, managing approximately 66 suppliers with annual spend exceeding €200 million.
Ensure uninterrupted supply of externally sourced products across all key dimensions, including quality, service, cost, cash, compliance and risk.
Own strategic supplier relationship management (SRM), driving supplier performance, governance, value creation and executive-level partnerships.
Build, lead and develop a high-performing ESO organisation while providing strategic direction to cross-functional and virtual site teams.
Drive proactive supply risk management and act as the executive escalation point for critical supplier, quality and business continuity issues.
Lead and support strategic initiatives including due diligences, technology transfers, network optimisation, new product introductions and business integrations.
Partner with key internal functions and represent ESO in executive governance forums, strategic supplier reviews and major negotiations to ensure a flexible, reliable and cost-effective external manufacturing network
What you'll bring to the table
To make the most of this role and truly thrive, you should have:
Master's degree in Science, Engineering, Business Administration or a related field; MBA preferred.
Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in pharmaceutical operations, external manufacturing, supply chain and/or procurement, including extensive responsibility for global supplier networks.
Demonstrated success leading complex outsourced manufacturing operations and managing strategic partnerships with global CMOs/CDMOs at senior executive level.
Proven P&L accountability and experience leading end-to-end operational organizations with responsibility for business performance, cost optimization and value creation.
Deep understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain and quality systems across multiple dosage forms; experience with external manufacturing networks in a global, regulated environment strongly preferred.
Outstanding negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with a proven track record of successfully leading high-value commercial negotiations and resolving complex business challenges.
Strong people leadership capabilities with experience building, transforming and leading high-performing international teams and cross-functional organizations through change and growth.
Executive presence, strategic mindset and exceptional communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership, represent the company externally and operate effectively at Board, Executive Committee and C-level supplier interactions.
Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution, driving business results in complex, matrixed and fast-paced environments.
Willingness to travel internationally up to 25%.
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"In this role you will unite internal teams and external partners to deliver a resilient, competitive supply network."
Elke Geysen, the Hiring Manager
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About Grünenthal
Grünenthal is a global leader in pain management and related diseases. As a science-based, privately-owned pharmaceutical company, we have a long track record of bringing innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technologies to patients worldwide. Our purpose is to change lives for the better – and innovation is our passion. We are focussing all of our activities and efforts on working towards our vision of a world free of pain.
Grünenthal is headquartered in Aachen, Germany, and has affiliates in 28 countries across Europe, Latin America and the US. Our products are available in more than 100 countries. In 2024, Grünenthal employed around 4,300 people and achieved sales of € 1.8 billion.
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Your HR contact:
Sarah Schäfer
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Meet our teams
Website: www.grunenthal.com
LinkedIn: Grunenthal Group
Instagram: @grunenthal
