EU Distribution Transformation Lead (Project Manager)

Position: EU Distribution Transformation Lead (Project Manager)

• Contract: 12 months

• Client: Global Pharmaceutical Organisation

• Working Arrangements: Hybrid-Working (London + WFH), with travel across Europe as and when required

• Pay: £460 to £480 per day (via Umbrella / Inside IR35)

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an experienced EU Distribution Transformation Lead to manage the implementation of a major European distribution transformation programme throughout 2027.

Working with senior stakeholders across European markets, global supply chain, quality, regulatory, finance, procurement, IT and external logistics providers, you will translate the agreed distribution strategy into executable country deployment plans.

The programme aims to improve service, strengthen supply chain resilience, reduce logistics costs and transportation miles, and establish a more consistent European operating model.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Own and manage the integrated European implementation plan, including market sequencing, milestones, dependencies, resources and critical path.

• Lead country and functional impact assessments, identifying operational, regulatory, quality, systems and business-continuity requirements.

• Coordinate multi-country distribution transitions and external logistics provider/supplier implementations.

• Develop and manage market cutover, transition and operational readiness plans, including rehearsals, go/no-go decisions and contingency arrangements.

• Establish programme governance, manage risks and dependencies, and provide clear progress updates and recommendations to senior leadership.

• Lead stakeholder engagement, communications, training and change adoption across European markets.

• Oversee post-implementation hypercare, performance tracking and transition into business-as-usual operations.

Skills and Experience:

• 10+ years' programme or project management experience, ideally within pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical or life sciences supply chain and distribution.

• Proven delivery of complex, multi-country transformation or operational deployment programmes across Europe.

• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical distribution, logistics, quality, regulatory requirements and supply continuity.

• Experience managing supplier transitions, operating-model implementation, cutover and operational readiness.

• Strong programme governance, risk management, stakeholder engagement and senior-level reporting skills.

• Ability to coordinate multiple functions, markets and external partners, balancing strategic objectives with detailed delivery.

• Experience of SAP-enabled order-to-cash, warehouse, logistics or master-data processes is advantageous.

• A formal project or change management qualification is desirable.

Applications:

This is an excellent opportunity to lead a high-profile European transformation programme, working closely with senior market stakeholders and influencing the future distribution operating model for a global pharmaceutical company based in the London area; to learn more about the client and the role, please call Edward Laing here at ISR Recruitment or please share a copy of your very latest CV and/or online business profile for a call back in the strictest of confidence