Operations Manager

This role is for one of Weekday’s clients
Salary range: Rs 700000 - Rs 1000000 (ie INR 7 - 10 LPA)

Min Experience: 8+ years
Location: Chandigarh
JobType: full-time

We are looking for an experienced and results-driven Operations Manager to oversee end-to-end distribution operations within the pharmaceutical sector. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience in pharma distribution, distribution operations, and pharmaceutical supply chain management, with a proven track record of managing warehouses, inventory, logistics, distributors, and operational teams.

The role requires someone who can ensure the timely, compliant, and cost-effective movement of pharmaceutical products while maintaining product quality, regulatory standards, inventory accuracy, and service levels.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee end-to-end pharma distribution operations, including order processing, inventory movement, dispatch, transportation, and delivery.
• Develop and execute operational strategies to improve distribution efficiency, service levels, and overall supply chain performance.
• Manage relationships with distributors, stockists, logistics partners, transporters, and other supply chain stakeholders.
• Ensure pharmaceutical products are stored, handled, dispatched, and transported in accordance with applicable quality and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor warehouse and distribution center operations, ensuring optimum utilization of space, manpower, and resources.
• Oversee inventory planning, stock availability, replenishment, cycle counts, reconciliation, and inventory accuracy.
• Track and improve key operational metrics including OTIF, order fulfillment, inventory accuracy, delivery timelines, stock aging, returns, and distribution costs.
• Coordinate closely with procurement, sales, finance, quality, warehouse, and logistics teams to ensure uninterrupted product availability.
• Identify supply chain bottlenecks and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve operational efficiency.
• Manage pharmaceutical returns, damaged/expired stock, product recalls, and reverse logistics processes.
• Develop SOPs, operational controls, and reporting mechanisms to standardize distribution processes.
• Lead, train, and manage warehouse, logistics, and distribution teams to achieve operational targets.
• Prepare regular MIS reports and provide management with insights on distribution performance, inventory, costs, and operational risks.
• Support audits and ensure compliance with internal policies, quality standards, and applicable pharmaceutical distribution regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost optimization, process efficiency, scalability, and customer service.

Must-Have Skills

• Pharma Distribution
• Distribution Operations
• Pharma Supply Chain
• Pharmaceutical warehouse and inventory management
• Distributor and stockist management
• Logistics and transportation management
• Order fulfillment and distribution planning
• Inventory control and demand/supply coordination
• Reverse logistics, returns, and expiry management
• SOP development and process improvement
• Operational MIS and KPI management
• Team leadership and stakeholder management
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical handling and distribution compliance

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations, Pharmacy, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 8–12 years of relevant experience, preferably within pharmaceutical distribution, healthcare, FMCG, or a regulated supply chain environment.
• Strong experience managing large-scale distribution or pharma supply chain operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams and multiple operational stakeholders.
• Experience with ERP/WMS systems and strong proficiency in operational reporting and analytics.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, communication, and leadership skills.