Director, Global Supply Operations

Apellis Pharmaceuticals•Cambridge, MA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, North America Supply Operations will lead a team responsible for commercial supply continuity and manage all aspects of the North American commercial supply chain. The role manages third-party packaging and logistics relationships and collaborates with internal stakeholders to support reliable supply of commercial products. The Director leads supplier and 3PL performance management, inventory planning, launch preparation, and the commercial S&OP process. The position also oversees US serialization management and supports compliance with DSCSA regulations. In partnership with Commercial, Finance, IT, Quality Assurance, and other teams, the Director develops supply plans, mitigates supply risks, drives SAP and process improvements, and supports quality and regulatory compliance. Occasional travel to supplier locations may be required, estimated at 10%. The work arrangement is hybrid.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or similar education.
12+ years of experience in supply chain roles of increasing complexity, including at least 6 years in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, including the ability to present recommendations and key decision points to senior management.
Proven leadership ability within a direct team structure and cross-functionally in a matrix environment.
Experience with supplier relationship management in a cGMP environment.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and strong organizational skills to balance multiple projects and tasks.
Ability to build a strong network across the company and with external stakeholders.
Experience with serialization implementation and adherence to DSCSA regulations.
Experience working in ERP systems.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree and/or supply chain certification.
Experience with SAP.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage relationships with US finished goods and device contract manufacturers; monitor supplier performance, communicate risks and opportunities, and review performance and KPIs at business review meetings.
Manage relationships with North American third-party logistics providers, maintain inventory at target levels, identify discrepancies and risks, implement corrective actions, and work with Finance, Commercial, and IT to ensure accurate reporting.
Lead mid- to late-stage launch preparation and planning for commercial product lifecycle management initiatives; develop timelines aligned with Commercial goals, identify resource requirements, and develop scenarios for ambiguous and complex situations.
Serve as a key interface with Finance, Commercial, Distribution & Trade, Quality, Senior Management, and other stakeholders in the commercial S&OP process.
Serve as the primary internal contact for US serialization management and ensure compliance with DSCSA regulations.
Partner with Commercial to understand forecast requirements and develop US finished-goods supply and inventory plans that balance market conditions, target inventory levels, and capacity constraints.
Proactively identify and mitigate supply-chain risks to help ensure uninterrupted patient supply.
Partner in the continuous improvement, design, implementation, and testing of SAP; develop supporting business processes and procedures.
Collaborate with Quality Assurance to maintain compliance; initiate change controls, investigate deviations, implement CAPAs, and drive closure.
Lead continuous improvement projects to expand capabilities and improve process efficiency.
Travel occasionally to supplier locations for business reviews or to oversee operations, estimated at 10%.