Head of Warehouse & Logistics
Synthorx
About the job:
Lead end-to-end warehousing and logistics operations for our new pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. This role requires establishing operational systems from the ground up, implementing regulatory-compliant processes, and building a high-performing logistics organization. You will design and execute logistics strategies that support rapid business growth while maintaining pharmaceutical quality standards. This greenfield opportunity demands both strategic planning capabilities and hands-on operational leadership in a fast-paced startup environment.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
MATERIALS FLOW AND SHIPMENTS MANAGEMENT
Manage the complete flow of materials from supplier receipt through customer delivery. Deploy team members, equipment, and resources to establish efficient operations capable of handling high-volume throughput.
Implement processes that optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure regulatory compliance. Establish control parameters and performance metrics focused on delivery excellence.
Manage customs clearance and regulatory requirements for international shipments. Develop documentation systems that minimize delays and facilitate border crossings.
Apply and hold required customs and storage licenses
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
Ensure on-time, in-full delivery to manufacturing operations and customers through effective inventory control. Implement monitoring systems that provide real-time visibility into stock positions and enable rapid corrective action.
Execute annual physical inventory processes with high accuracy standards. Develop systems to identify and address potential obsolescence issues.
Create dashboards that provide visibility into stock coverage, inventory turns, and key performance metrics to support data-driven decision making.
TEAM LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT
Build, develop, and lead a high-performing logistics team in a startup environment. Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations aligned with organizational objectives.
Create individual development plans for team members that enhance technical capabilities and leadership skills. Implement mentoring programs and cross-training initiatives to build organizational resilience.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and innovation. Provide regular coaching and feedback to accelerate team performance and professional growth.
Lead through ambiguity and change, helping team members navigate the evolving demands of a growing organization while maintaining focus on core deliverables.
QUALITY AND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT
Develop and execute 3PL governance frameworks that include regular performance reviews, continuous improvement initiatives, and relationship-building activities. Create collaborative partnerships that drive mutual value and operational excellence.
Establish asset management programs including preventive maintenance and calibration protocols. Manage relationships with third-party logistics providers, ensuring adherence to service level agreements and pharmaceutical quality standards.
Lead shipping validation processes that ensure product releases meet quality standards and timeline requirements.
Own and implement logistics related change controls
Lead logistics related deviation investigations such as temperature excursions and damages.
Develop risk mitigation strategies that identify and address potential operational disruptions.
WAREHOUSE PLANNING
Develop warehouse strategies and implementation plans that address current operational needs while anticipating future growth. Identify and prioritize initiatives that support critical business requirements.
Provide visibility into future capacity needs and translate forecasts into actionable projects with defined timelines and resource requirements. Execute warehouse optimization initiatives on schedule.
Balance resource allocation across competing priorities to maximize efficiency while maintaining operational flexibility.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Monitor and optimize operational budgets for warehouse operations and transportation. Drive cost efficiency initiatives while maintaining quality standards and service levels.
Identify cost-saving opportunities through process improvement, technology implementation, and operational redesign.
Lead cross-functional initiatives that enhance end-to-end supply chain performance. Develop effective working relationships with key stakeholders across manufacturing, quality, procurement, and commercial functions.
LOGISTICS IT SYSTEMS AND MASTER DATA
Implement and optimize logistics information systems that enable tracking, documentation, and analytics. Drive system enhancements that improve execution speed and performance visibility.
Manage logistics master data ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with governance requirements. Lead digital transformation of logistics operations.
Be one of the SAP key users for logistics and warehousing modules
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Demonstrated achievement of on-time, in-full delivery performance exceeding 95% in pharmaceutical environments
Knowledge of pharmaceutical regulations including GDP, GMP, and international shipping requirements
Proven ability to reduce lead times while maintaining quality control standards
Strong problem-solving skills with expertise in root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions
Strong competency in writing standard operating procedures, working instructions, and deviation investigation reports.
Warehouse capacity planning experience with ability to anticipate needs and implement mitigation strategies
Experience managing 3PL relationships and driving performance through effective governance
LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES
Ability to build high-performance teams focused on accountability and execution
Experience making informed decisions that balance speed with compliance requirements
Track record leading cross-functional teams to deliver process improvements
Commitment to continuous improvement with ability to drive teams toward performance targets
Demonstrated success in developing and mentoring logistics professionals
Change management expertise with ability to lead teams through ambiguity
Strong stakeholder management skills with ability to influence across organizational boundaries
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
DELIVERY METRICS
On-Time, In-Full Delivery: Achieve >95% performance
Order Cycle Time: Reduce processing times through process optimization
Warehouse Turnaround Time: Meet or exceed service level agreement commitments
COMPLIANCE AND QUALITY
Audit Performance: Achieve minimal findings in regulatory inspections
Deviation Response Time: Meet established timelines for investigation and resolution
Documentation Accuracy: Maintain compliance rates exceeding regulatory requirements
OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
Warehouse Capacity Utilization: Optimize space usage without compromising efficiency or safety
Inventory Turnover Rate: Exceed industry benchmarks
Stock Accuracy: Maintain >99% inventory accuracy
External Warehouse Spend: Operate within budget parameters
Obsolescence Rate: Maintain levels below established thresholds
TEAM PERFORMANCE AND DEVELOPMENT
Employee Engagement: Achieve top-quartile engagement scores within the organization
Training Completion: Ensure 100% completion of required technical and compliance training
Talent Development: Implement individual development plans for all team members
3PL Performance: Drive continuous improvement in partner performance metrics
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Achieve positive stakeholder feedback on logistics team effectiveness
This role offers the opportunity to establish logistics operations for a growing pharmaceutical startup. The position requires operational expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to execute effectively in a demanding, fast-paced environment while building and developing a high-performing team that will shape the organization's logistics capabilities.
Pursue progress, discover extraordinary
Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.
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