Global Supply Chain Process Architect – Planning & Regulatory Compliance

By applying Systems Thinking, this role bridges the gap between commercial demand, R&D/manufacturing constraints, and international regulatory requirements, ensuring that global planning frameworks are efficient, compliant, and resilient.

Core Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning Process Architecture & Governance

• E2E Planning Process Ownership: Lead the architectural design, standardization, and L1–L3 process mapping for core planning functions, including Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) / Integrated Business Planning (IBP), Demand Planning, Supply & Capacity Planning, Inventory Optimization, and Order Fulfillment.
• System Translation: Partner with IT/BPM to translate business planning frameworks into advanced digital systems (e.g., SAP, OMP), ensuring high data integrity and seamless system interfaces across manufacturing sites and distribution hubs.
• Delegation of Authority (DoA): Maintain and govern Supply Chain DoA frameworks, ensuring clear decision-making thresholds across demand/supply balancing, inventory write-offs, and allocation rules.

2. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation

• Global SC Regulatory Frameworks: Act as the subject matter expert ensuring all designed planning and execution processes adhere to global regulatory standards (EU GDP/GMP, US FDA 21 CFR 820 / Part 11, China NMPA, ISO 13485/9001).
• Cold-Chain & Product Lifecycle Rules: Integrate regulatory constraints (e.g., shelf-life limits, cold-chain stability budgets, country-specific registration controls, and import/export quotas) directly into supply planning models.
• Audit Readiness & Process Integrity: Lead root-cause problem solving (CAPA) for planning or execution failures to prevent recurrence and maintain continuous audit readiness across the global network.

3. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Innovation

• Silo-Breaking Alignment: Drive alignment between R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and Commercial teams to resolve competing priorities (e.g., balancing launch speed vs. regulatory validation vs. inventory exposure).
• Continuous Improvement: Apply Lean design and Advanced Analytics to optimize safety stock parameters, reduce plan-to-produce cycle times, and minimize write-offs/scrap.
• Change Management & Capability Building: Coach regional planning teams on global process standards, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, agility, and proactive risk management.

Candidate Profile (Who You Are)

Education & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field. Advanced degree (Master’s, MBA, or Ph.D.) highly preferred.
• Professional Experience: 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in Supply Chain within the Pharmaceutical, Diagnostics, Medical Device, or Biotech industries.
• Planning Expertise: Demonstrated hands-on track record designing or optimizing global Supply Chain Planning frameworks (S&OP/IBP, Multi-Echelon Inventory Optimization, Supply/Demand Balancing).

Technical Skills & Regulatory Knowledge

• Regulatory Mastery: Deep, working knowledge of international healthcare supply chain regulations, GDP/GMP standards, and country-specific trade compliance rules (EU, US FDA, China NMPA).
• Systems & Digital Literacy: Solid understanding of enterprise planning architectures (e.g., SAP IBP, S/4HANA) and how business planning requirements translate into technical solution design.
• Methodologies: Strong proficiency in Lean/Six Sigma principles, Systems Thinking, and advanced process-mapping standards.

Leadership & Competencies

• Enterprise Mindset: Ability to navigate high-ambiguity matrix environments, resolve cross-functional friction, and represent Global Supply Chain to senior business leaders.
• Transformational Leadership: Passionate about talent development, transparent communication, and driving organizational change while upholding corporate values of Integrity, Courage, and Passion.