Job Description: Chief Operating Officer – Pharma Operations
Location:
United Kingdom
Employment Type:
Full-Time, Senior Leadership
Position Type:
With One of Our Clients
About the Role
We are seeking an accomplished
Chief Operating Officer – Operations
on behalf of one of our clients to lead and oversee the end-to-end operations of their pharmaceutical solid dosage manufacturing business in the United Kingdom. This senior leadership role requires a proven professional with strong expertise in
operations, supply chain, commercial operations, production, quality, regulatory affairs, and large-scale projects
, ensuring smooth functioning and regulatory compliance across global markets.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership for all plant operations, including production, quality assurance, engineering, supply chain, and regulatory compliance.
* Drive efficiency and excellence in manufacturing of solid dosage formulations while ensuring adherence to GMP and international regulatory standards (MHRA, USFDA, EMA).
* Oversee
supply chain strategy and execution
, including demand forecasting, procurement, inventory management, vendor development, and global logistics to ensure uninterrupted market supply.
* Lead
commercial operations
in alignment with corporate strategy, including product costing, contract negotiations, business partnerships, and driving operational profitability.
* Lead cross-functional teams in managing large-scale projects, plant expansions, and technology transfers.
* Develop operational strategies that align with the company's global vision and business growth objectives.
* Partner with regulatory and quality leaders to maintain a strong compliance culture and inspection readiness.
* Foster collaboration between UK and India-based teams, ensuring smooth communication and alignment of global operations.
Key Requirements
* Graduate/Postgraduate in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
* 15–20 years of progressive leadership experience in
pharma solid dosage manufacturing and supply chain operations
, with strong exposure to operations, quality, and commercial functions.
* Deep understanding of international regulatory frameworks (MHRA, USFDA, EMA, WHO).
* Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and delivering operational excellence.
* Strong track record of handling large projects such as plant set-ups, capacity expansion, global tech transfers, and supply chain digitization.
* Experience in managing
commercial operations
, including pricing, vendor contracts, and client partnerships.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
* Prior experience working with Indian pharma operations and business culture will be a significant advantage.
Why Join?
* Opportunity to take a senior leadership role in a globally expanding pharmaceutical organization.
* Cross-cultural exposure with collaboration between the UK and Indian business operations.
* Strategic involvement across
operations, supply chain, and commercial functions
.
* Competitive leadership compensation and growth opportunities.