Head of External Manufacturing and Sourcing

A renowned pharmaceutical company is looking for a Head of External Manufacturing and Sourcing. The selected candidate will lead regional external manufacturing strategy, oversee CMO performance, strengthen supplier partnerships, and drive supply continuity, cost efficiency, and long-term business growth.

Responsibilities:

• Lead regional external manufacturing and sourcing strategy across pharmaceutical and biologics operations
• Manage CMO performance to ensure supply continuity, cost control, capacity planning, and business resilience
• Align external manufacturing priorities with senior stakeholders to support short- and long-term business goals
• Oversee strategic supplier relationships and lead cross-functional teams to ensure seamless product delivery
• Run sourcing initiatives, negotiate RFPs, and execute technical transfer activities for existing and new products
• Build performance frameworks, monitor KPIs, and drive continuous improvement across external manufacturing operations
• Embed quality standards into supplier selection, tech transfer, and commercial product management processes
• Control the regional budget, including capital investments, transfer costs, and lifecycle management expenses
• Lead change initiatives and end-to-end supply chain value creation projects to improve competitiveness
• Assess new business opportunities, support supplier onboarding, and represent the company in external governance committees
• Negotiate manufacturing and technical agreements with legal and business teams to protect long-term supply security
• Perform additional management-assigned duties as needed

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or above in life sciences, biological sciences or product supply related areas
• More than 10 years of experience in product supply and manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry and/or the biologics industry
• Experience and solid track record in leading and managing external manufacturing suppliers in Asia
• Prior experience in a matrix organisation, operating and communicating with senior level management, both internally and externally, and managing interdepartmental processes
• Proven experience in leading and managing in an international environment
• Knowledge of the drug development process, of GMP requirements and the
  manufacturing of sterile products
• Familiarity with end-to-end supply chain management requirements

Preferred requirements:

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems
• Post-graduate training (eMBA, finance training, engineering, lean 6 sigma etc.)
• Knowledge in Cell and gene therapy awareness
• Proficient in MS Office Suite
• Fluent level written and spoken English; proficient in Chinese or Japanese

About the Company:

A global leader in ophthalmology, this pharmaceutical company specialises in the research, development, and marketing of treatments for eye diseases. With a strong presence across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, it is dedicated to advancing eye care and improving quality of life worldwide.

Keywords:

製薬, メディカル, サイエンス, 求人, 外資系, 大阪 求人

Job Ref: T83V12