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Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Coordinator job description

A Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Coordinator manages clinical trial logistics, drug distribution, and GMP compliance to ensure patient safety and product integrity.

Published May 10, 2025Updated May 17, 20264520 likes
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Job brief

We are seeking a proactive Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Coordinator to join our operations team and optimize the lifecycle management of our critical drug portfolio. You will take ownership of supply chain workflows, ensuring that our therapeutic products reach patients and research sites efficiently while strictly adhering to quality management systems. This role offers the unique opportunity to influence life-saving delivery processes and collaborate with global stakeholders across procurement, QA, and logistics. If you are passionate about applying your technical supply chain expertise to the pharmaceutical sector, we invite you to help us improve global health outcomes.

Key highlights

  • Manage the end-to-end distribution of clinical trial supplies, ensuring compliance with GDP (Good Distribution Practice) and internal cold-chain requirements.
  • Utilize SAP or similar ERP platforms to track lot-specific inventory levels, monitor expiration dates, and trigger replenishment orders for manufacturing facilities.
  • Execute import/export logistics by preparing commercial invoices, Certificates of Analysis, and customs declarations for cross-border pharmaceutical shipments.
  • Monitor global supply chain risk factors, including geopolitical events or material shortages, and develop contingency logistics plans to prevent product stock-outs.

What is a Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Coordinator?

A Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Coordinator is a specialized logistics professional responsible for orchestrating the end-to-end movement of drug products, clinical trial materials, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). By leveraging ERP systems like SAP or Oracle NetSuite, a Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Coordinator ensures that cold-chain integrity and regulatory standards are maintained across complex global distribution networks. Their work serves as a critical bridge between manufacturing sites, research laboratories, and regional healthcare distributors to ensure seamless product availability.

What does a Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Coordinator do?

On a daily basis, a Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Coordinator executes inventory replenishment cycles, monitors shipment temperature logs, and manages the import/export documentation required by regulatory bodies like the FDA or EMA. They coordinate with 3PL providers to track real-time transit status, resolve customs delays, and facilitate the timely release of batches under strict cGMP protocols. Additionally, they reconcile physical inventory with digital records and participate in cross-functional S&OP meetings to align supply capability with clinical study or market demand forecasts.

Key responsibilities

  • Manage the end-to-end distribution of clinical trial supplies, ensuring compliance with GDP (Good Distribution Practice) and internal cold-chain requirements.
  • Utilize SAP or similar ERP platforms to track lot-specific inventory levels, monitor expiration dates, and trigger replenishment orders for manufacturing facilities.
  • Execute import/export logistics by preparing commercial invoices, Certificates of Analysis, and customs declarations for cross-border pharmaceutical shipments.
  • Coordinate with 3PL providers and freight forwarders to audit carrier performance, resolve temperature excursions, and implement corrective actions for shipping deviations.
  • Participate in Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings to align production schedules with current clinical study enrollment rates and demand forecasts.
  • Maintain audit-ready documentation for all supply chain transactions, supporting regulatory inspections and internal quality system reviews as needed.
  • Monitor global supply chain risk factors, including geopolitical events or material shortages, and develop contingency logistics plans to prevent product stock-outs.
  • Collaborate with Quality Assurance teams to investigate supply chain quality incidents and implement CAPAs to optimize future distribution workflows.

Requirements and skills

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Pharmacy, or a related scientific field with 3+ years of pharmaceutical operations experience.
  • In-depth knowledge of cGMP, GDP, and FDA/EMA regulations governing the storage and transport of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in enterprise-grade ERP systems such as SAP, NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics 365 for inventory and master data management.
  • Strong technical understanding of cold-chain logistics, including validation of packaging materials and operation of temperature-controlled storage environments.
  • Professional certification such as CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) or APICS CPIM is highly preferred for this technical role.
  • Experience managing international shipping documentation, including Incoterms, HTS codes, and hazardous materials classification for pharmaceutical goods.
  • Proven ability to translate complex supply chain metrics into actionable reports for executive stakeholders and clinical program managers.
  • Strong problem-solving mindset with the capability to manage conflicting priorities in a high-compliance, high-stakes regulatory environment.

FAQs

What does a Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Coordinator do?

A Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Coordinator manages the complex logistics involved in moving drugs and clinical supplies from manufacturing plants to healthcare providers or research sites. This includes maintaining strict temperature controls, ensuring compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) regulations, and coordinating with international freight carriers. They serve as the critical point of contact for supply chain visibility, inventory accuracy, and regulatory transparency.

What skills are required to become a Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Coordinator?

Key skills include proficiency in ERP software like SAP, a strong understanding of FDA/EMA compliance, and expertise in cold-chain logistics management. Candidates need analytical capabilities to forecast demand, attention to detail for audit-ready documentation, and the ability to navigate complex import/export laws. Professional certifications like CSCP or CPIM further validate the technical expertise required for this specialized role.

Who does a Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Coordinator work with?

They work in a highly collaborative environment, interacting with Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, and Procurement teams. They also serve as the primary link between the company and external partners, including third-party logistics (3PL) providers, customs brokers, and healthcare clinical site coordinators. This cross-functional interaction ensures that supply chain operations remain aligned with the broader clinical and commercial goals of the organization.

Why is the role of a Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Coordinator important?

The role is vital because a single disruption in the pharmaceutical supply chain can result in product spoilage, missed clinical trial endpoints, or patient harm. By ensuring that products remain within required temperature ranges and are delivered on time, the coordinator directly impacts patient safety and business continuity. Their work is essential for upholding the rigorous quality standards that the pharmaceutical industry demands for public trust.

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