Chief Operating Officer (COO)

 

Job Description: Chief Operating Officer (COO) Industry: Pharmaceutical Distribution Reporting To: Managing Director Location: Ahmedabad, GJ Department: Executive Leadership Team Position Summary The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for leading and optimizing the end-to-end operations of the pharmaceutical distribution business, ensuring efficient supply chain management, regulatory compliance, customer service excellence, and profitable growth. The COO will oversee warehousing, logistics, procurement, inventory management, quality assurance, technology-enabled operations, and operational strategy across multiple distribution centres and business units. The role requires a strategic leader with strong execution capabilities, deep understanding of pharmaceutical distribution regulations, and proven experience in managing large-scale operations while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and service.

Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Leadership

Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with the company's growth objectives.

Drive operational excellence initiatives to improve productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Collaborate with the MD and executive leadership team in long-term business planning.

Lead expansion initiatives, including new distribution centres, geographic growth, and integration of acquisitions.

Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and ensure achievement of organizational goals. 2. Supply Chain & Distribution Management

Oversee the complete pharmaceutical supply chain, including procurement, warehousing, inventory management, transportation, and last-mile distribution.

Ensure uninterrupted availability and timely delivery of pharmaceutical products across all channels.

Optimize inventory levels to balance product availability, working capital, and expiry management.

Improve supply chain resilience and mitigate risks related to disruptions.

Drive continuous improvement in order fulfilment accuracy and turnaround times. 3. Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

Ensure full compliance with applicable pharmaceutical regulations, including Good Distribution Practices (GDP), drug licensing requirements, and other national and regional regulations.

Oversee implementation and maintenance of quality management systems.

Lead internal audits and support external inspections by regulatory authorities.

Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all operational functions.

Establish robust systems for product recalls, cold chain monitoring, and traceability. 4. Warehouse & Logistics Operations

Direct operations across multiple warehouses and distribution centres.

Optimize warehouse layouts, storage practices, and material handling processes.

Ensure efficient transportation planning and route optimization.

Monitor logistics service providers and negotiate service-level agreements.

Improve operational efficiency through automation and process redesign. 5. Financial & Commercial Accountability

Develop and manage operational budgets.

Monitor and control operational costs while maintaining service standards.

Identify opportunities for cost optimization and productivity improvement.

Support commercial teams in achieving revenue and customer satisfaction targets.

Evaluate capital investment proposals related to operational infrastructure and technology. 6. Technology & Digital Transformation

Champion the adoption of ERP, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and analytics platforms.

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8. Customer Service Excellence

Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through reliable and responsive service.

Collaborate with sales and customer service teams to address key customer requirements.

Monitor service-level performance and implement corrective actions where required.

Strengthen relationships with hospitals, pharmacies, healthcare institutions, and other key customers. 9. Risk Management & Business Continuity

Identify and mitigate operational risks affecting supply continuity and compliance.

Develop and maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

Ensure robust health, safety, and security standards across all facilities.

Lead crisis response activities related to supply disruptions or regulatory events.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Order fill rate and service levels.

On-time and in-full (OTIF) delivery performance.

Inventory turnover ratio.

Expiry and obsolescence percentages.

Warehouse productivity metrics.

Cost per order processed and distributed.

Regulatory audit outcomes and compliance scores.

Customer satisfaction and complaint resolution metrics.

Employee engagement and retention rates.

Achievement of operational budget targets.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.

MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Professional certifications in supply chain, operations, or quality management are advantageous.

Experience Requirements

Minimum 15–20 years of progressive leadership experience in pharmaceutical distribution, healthcare supply chain, FMCG distribution, or related sectors.

At least 8–10 years in senior operational leadership roles managing large, multi-site operations.

Proven experience leading large teams and complex distribution networks.

Demonstrated success in driving operational transformation and process improvement.

Strong understanding of pharmaceutical regulatory requirements and quality standards.

Competencies & Skills

Strategic thinking and business acumen.

Strong leadership and people management capabilities.

Expertise in supply chain and distribution operations.

Financial planning and cost management skills.

Data-driven decision-making and analytical ability.

Change management and transformation leadership.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Problem-solving and crisis management capabilities.

High ethical standards and commitment to regulatory compliance.

Authority & Decision-Making Scope The COO has executive authority over operational functions and is responsible for decisions related to supply chain performance, resource allocation, operational investments, compliance execution, and achievement of agreed business objectives, within the framework established by the Board and CEO.

Ideal Candidate Profile A commercially aware operations leader who combines regulatory rigor with execution excellence, capable of managing large-scale pharmaceutical distribution networks while driving efficiency, customer satisfaction, digital transformation, and sustainable business growth.

 

Job Requirements: Strategic thinking, Business acumen, Leadership, People management, Supply chain management, Distribution operations, Financial planning, Cost management, Data-driven decision-making, Analytical ability, Change management, Transformation leadership, Communication, Negotiation, Stakeholder management, Problem-solving, Crisis management, Regulatory compliance, Good Distribution Practices (GDP), Quality management systems, Internal audits, Standard operating procedures (SOPs), Cold chain monitoring, Traceability, Order fulfilment, Inventory management, Procurement, Logistics, Transportation planning, Route optimization, Cost optimization, Productivity improvement, Budget management, KPI analysis, ERP, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Analytics platforms, Automation, Digital transformation, Employee engagement, Succession planning, Leadership development, Safety, Accountability, Collaboration, Continuous improvement, Ethical standards, Business continuity planning, Contract negotiation, Service-level agreements, Warehouse layout optimization, Material handling, Process redesign