HEAD OF SUPPLY CHAIN

About the role

This is a senior executive position responsible for establishing, leading, and optimizing the entire supply chain ecosystem for monoclonal antibody manufacturing operations. The 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 the startup journey, developing robust supply chain processes to serve the African healthcare market.

Location: Kigali, Rwanda | Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and implement comprehensive supply chain strategy aligned with company objectives and African market requirements
  • Lead the establishment of supply chain operations for greenfield biomanufacturing facility
  • Build and mentor a high-performing supply chain team from inception
  • Collaborate with executive leadership to define supply chain KPIs and operational excellence metrics
  • Drive 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 equipment
  • Develop supplier qualification and vendor management programs compliant with pharmaceutical regulations
  • Negotiate strategic partnerships with key suppliers while ensuring supply security and cost optimization
  • Implement risk management strategies for critical supply disruptions
  • Establish local and regional supplier networks to support African market expansion
• Manufacturing & Production Planning
  • Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize production planning and scheduling
  • Implement demand forecasting models for monoclonal antibody products across African markets
  • Establish inventory management systems for raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods
  • Ensure seamless integration between supply chain and manufacturing execution systems
  • Drive lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives
• Logistics & Distribution
  • Design and implement distribution networks across African countries with varying regulatory requirements
  • Establish cold chain logistics capabilities for temperature-sensitive biological products
  • Develop partnerships with third-party logistics providers and freight forwarders
  • Ensure compliance with international shipping regulations for pharmaceutical products
  • Optimize 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 regulations
  • Collaborate with Quality Assurance teams to implement supplier quality agreements
  • Maintain comprehensive documentation and traceability systems
  • Support regulatory submissions and inspections related to supply chain operations
  • Implement serialization and track-and-trace capabilities as required by regional regulations
• Financial Management
  • Develop and manage supply chain budgets, including capital and operational expenditures
  • Implement cost optimization initiatives while maintaining quality and compliance standards
  • Monitor and report on supply chain financial performance and ROI

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Requirements

• Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field
  • Master's degree (MBA, MS) preferred
  • Professional certifications (APICS, CSCMP, or equivalent) highly desirable
• Experience
  • Minimum 10-15 years of progressive supply chain leadership experience
  • At least 5 years in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences industry
  • Proven experience in establishing supply chain operations for greenfield or startup environments
  • Experience with monoclonal antibody or biologics manufacturing preferred
  • International supply chain management experience, preferably including emerging markets
  • Track record of building and leading cross-functional teams

Skills

• Technical Skills
  • Deep understanding of pharmaceutical supply chain regulations and compliance requirements
  • Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) and supply chain planning software
  • Experience with cold chain logistics and temperature-controlled distribution
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
  • Familiarity with serialization, track-and-trace technologies
  • Understanding of biotechnology manufacturing processes and requirements
• Leadership & Soft Skills
  • Exceptional leadership and team-building capabilities
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Cultural sensitivity and experience working in diverse, international environments
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to thrive in startup environment
  • Fluency in English required; knowledge of French or local languages advantageous

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in African markets or developing economies
• Background in biopharmaceutical manufacturing scale-up
• Knowledge of WHO prequalification processes
• Experience with digital supply chain technologies and analytics
• Previous startup or high-growth company experience
• Advanced degree in relevant technical field