Director, Distribution

Summary

Join Acadia Pharmaceuticals as the Director, Distribution Europe and oversee all aspects of product distribution within the EU. You will be the primary liaison between Acadia and its distribution and pharmacy partners, managing and implementing service and data contracts, and evaluating 3PL and distribution partner performance. This cross-functional role requires collaboration with internal stakeholders and the development and execution of a distribution strategy across European markets. Ensure compliance with European GDP and FMD regulations is critical. Regular reporting to senior management on distribution performance and strategic initiatives is expected. This position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical distribution, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, and a strong understanding of European GDP regulations and FMD requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or work experience related field
• Minimum 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical distribution, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Proven experience in European healthcare distribution, preferably in specialty pharmaceuticals
• Strong understanding of European GDP regulations, FMD requirements, and pharmaceutical supply chain requirements
• Experience in pan-European transportation networks
• Experience in all contracting aspects with external distribution partners and customers
• Fluent in English

Responsibilities

• Implement the European distribution strategy aligned with the company's commercial objectives and regulatory requirements
• Lead the implementation and on-going management of 3PL partnerships across key European markets
• Establish distribution networks and partnerships with wholesalers, hospitals, and pharmacies across target European markets
• Build and maintain relationships with key distribution partners and healthcare providers
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Supply Chain to implement inventory management strategies across multiple SKU's and regions
• Monitor and optimize distribution costs while maintaining service levels
• Partner with key stakeholders to ensure quality and pharmacovigilance compliance
• Regular reporting to senior management on distribution performance and strategic initiatives
• Ensure compliance with European GDP guidelines and country-specific regulations for pharmaceutical distribution as well as FMD compliance
• Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all distribution activities
• Support communication with National Medicines Verification Organizations (NMVOs) across relevant markets
• Support internal audits and prepare for regulatory inspections related to GDP and FMD compliance
• Monitor and respond to any potential falsified medicine alerts within the supply chain
• Manage temperature-controlled supply chain requirements for product integrity
• Responsible for product distribution related documentation, deviations and investigations
• Ensure onboarding of new customers including developing customers agreements, payments terms, licensing verification, VAT verification etc
• Oversee order-to-cash processes and establish KPIs for distribution performance
• Work closely with Finance to optimize order to cash processes and manage distribution costs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cold chain products
• Additional European languages