Warehouse Operations Manager

As an Operations Manager in Pharmaceutical Contract Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel, you will lead teams and optimize end-to-end warehouse processes that ensure regulated products are stored, handled, and distributed with absolute accuracy and compliance. Your leadership supports safe product flow, GDP/GxP standards, and reliable service for our pharmaceutical customers. What you do in pharma warehousing directly impacts patient safety, strengthens supply chain integrity, and contributes to the global movement of critical healthcare products.

You will oversee all weekend pharmaceutical warehouse operations, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient execution of activities across your assigned areas. As the operations leader, you will guide a dedicated team, coordinate daily workflows, and maintain operational continuity that supports our 3PL service commitments.

How you create impact

• Oversee end-to-end pharmaceutical warehouse and distribution operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across all workflows, from inbound receipt through final shipment
• Ensure strict adherence to GDP, GxP, and all applicable regulatory requirements. Lead audits, maintain documentation integrity, and drive continuous readiness for internal and external inspections
• Partner closely with Quality, Inventory, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Regulatory teams to resolve operational challenges, support production schedules, and maintain seamless product flow
• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and frontline associates. Build a culture of accountability, safety, and belonging where employees feel valued and empowered
• Establish and monitor KPIs for productivity, accuracy, safety, and service levels. Use data-driven insights to optimize workflows and improve operational outcomes
• Identify operational gaps and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and efficiency initiatives aligned with business goals
• Ensure safe operations, proper handling of pharmaceutical products, and compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards
• Oversee inventory accuracy, reconciliation processes, and root-cause analysis for discrepancies. Safeguard product security and maintain full traceability
• Provide clear, timely updates to leadership on operational performance, risks, and improvement plans
• Support capacity planning, resource allocation, and operational readiness for new product launches, volume changes, or facility expansions
• Adapt to evolving business needs, support special projects, and ensure operational continuity during peak periods or unexpected disruptions

What we would like you to bring

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Life Sciences, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered
• 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated warehouse operations, including at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role is strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of GDP, GxP, FDA/EMA requirements, and documentation standards within regulated environments
• Strong working knowledge of Excel, Outlook, Teams, and other Microsoft Office applications for reporting, communication, and operational coordination
• Experience with Blue Yonder or any other Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive decisions, improve processes, and resolve operational issues
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional partners and present operational insights to leadership and customers
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies is a plus

What's in it for you

Kuehne+Nagel we strive daily to inspire, empower, and deliver not only to our customers, but also to our colleagues. We offer a dynamic global work environment with opportunities for excellent training programs and career mobility. Base wage is part of a competitive total rewards package that includes health and welfare benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan, tuition reimbursement, and incentive compensation for eligible roles. Individual pay may vary from the target range and is determined by a number of factors including experience, skills, job location, internal pay equity, and other relevant business considerations. Kuehne+Nagel reviews pay ranges regularly to ensure competitive and fair pay based on industry market data. #LI-Hybrid

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support portions of the recruitment process, such as reviewing application materials or assisting with scheduling. These tools analyze information to help inform decision making; however, all hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.

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