HEAD OF SUPPLY CHAIN

Job Description The Head of Supply Chain is a senior executive position responsible for establishing, leading, and optimizing the entire supply chain ecosystem for our monoclonal antibody manufacturing operations. This role requires a strategic leader who can build supply chain capabilities from the ground up while ensuring compliance with international pharmaceutical standards, including US-FDA, EMA, and WHO guidelines. The successful candidate will play a critical role in our startup journey, developing robust supply chain processes that support our mission to serve the African healthcare market. Location Kigali, Rwanda Employment Type Full-time, Permanent Department Operations Job Responsibilities Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Develop and implement comprehensive supply chain strategy aligned with company objectives and African market requirementsLead the establishment of supply chain operations for greenfield biomanufacturing facilityBuild and mentor a high-performing supply chain team from inceptionCollaborate with executive leadership to define supply chain KPIs and operational excellence metricsDrive digital transformation initiatives and Industry 4.0 implementation across supply chain functions Sourcing & Procurement Establish global sourcing strategies for critical raw materials, including cell culture media, buffers, chromatography resins, and specialized equipmentDevelop supplier qualification and vendor management programs compliant with pharmaceutical regulationsNegotiate strategic partnerships with key suppliers while ensuring supply security and cost optimizationImplement risk management strategies for critical supply disruptionsEstablish local and regional supplier networks to support African market expansion Manufacturing & Production Planning Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize production planning and schedulingImplement demand forecasting models for monoclonal antibody products across African marketsEstablish inventory management systems for raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goodsEnsure seamless integration between supply chain and manufacturing execution systemsDrive lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives Logistics & Distribution Design and implement distribution networks across African countries with varying regulatory requirementsEstablish cold chain logistics capabilities for temperature-sensitive biological productsDevelop partnerships with third-party logistics providers and freight forwardersEnsure compliance with international shipping regulations for pharmaceutical productsOptimize transportation costs while maintaining product integrity and delivery reliability Regulatory Compliance & Quality Ensure all supply chain activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and relevant pharmaceutical regulationsCollaborate with Quality Assurance teams to implement supplier quality agreementsMaintain comprehensive documentation and traceability systemsSupport regulatory submissions and inspections related to supply chain operationsImplement serialization and track-and-trace capabilities as required by regional regulations Financial Management Develop and manage supply chain budgets, including capital and operational expendituresImplement cost optimization initiatives while maintaining quality and compliance standardsMonitor and report on supply chain financial performance and ROI The Position Will Have The Following Direct Reports To Chief Operating Officer Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related fieldMaster's degree (MBA, MS) preferredProfessional certifications (APICS, CSCMP, or equivalent) highly desirable Experience Minimum 10-15 years of progressive supply chain leadership experienceAt least 5 years in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences industryProven experience in establishing supply chain operations for greenfield or startup environmentsExperience with monoclonal antibody or biologics manufacturing preferredInternational supply chain management experience, preferably including emerging marketsTrack record of building and leading cross-functional teams Technical Skills Deep understanding of pharmaceutical supply chain regulations and compliance requirementsProficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) and supply chain planning softwareExperience with cold chain logistics and temperature-controlled distributionKnowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologiesFamiliarity with serialization, track-and-trace technologiesUnderstanding of biotechnology manufacturing processes and requirements Leadership & Soft Skills Exceptional leadership and team-building capabilitiesStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsExcellent communication and presentation skillsCultural sensitivity and experience working in diverse, international environmentsEntrepreneurial mindset with ability to thrive in startup environmentFluency in English required; knowledge of French or local languages advantageous Preferred Qualifications Experience in African markets or developing economiesBackground in biopharmaceutical manufacturing scale-upKnowledge of WHO prequalification processesExperience with digital supply chain technologies and analyticsPrevious startup or high-growth company experienceAdvanced degree in relevant technical field