Commercial Supply Chain Lead

Arcera is a global life sciences company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Our purpose is to enable longer and healthier lives while creating sustainable growth. We develop, manufacture, and commercialize a broad range of high-quality innovative and proven medicines in key international markets. With an operational footprint spanning over 90 countries across four continents, and manufacturing sites in eight countries, we offer more than 2,000 medicines across various therapeutic areas worldwide.

This position is based in Cairo, Egypt and reports directly to the Head of Supply Chain.

 The Commercial Supply Chain Lead is responsible for managing the end-to-end demand planning and commercial supply chain activities for Egypt market. The role ensures the development of accurate demand forecasts, alignment of supply plans with commercial objectives, and optimization of inventory levels to support business growth and customer service targets.

The incumbent will lead the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, coordinate cross-functional planning activities, and act as the key interface between commercial teams, local operations, manufacturing partners, and global supply chain functions. The role is responsible for ensuring uninterrupted product availability, inventory optimization, efficient logistics operations, and high customer service standards, while driving continuous improvement across supply chain processes.

Key Responsibilities 

Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Lead and manage the demand planning process for the Egypt market, ensuring accurate and timely forecasting.
• Develop and maintain rolling demand forecasts (up to 36 months) through collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Regulatory Affairs, and other key stakeholders.
• Analyze market trends, sales performance, inventory levels, and business assumptions to improve forecast accuracy.
• Conduct forecast reviews and challenge assumptions to ensure realistic and achievable plans.
• Ensure Upload and maintain approved forecasts in SAP APO and other planning systems.

Supply Planning & Inventory Management

• Ensure alignment between demand forecasts and supply plans to maintain optimal inventory levels and product availability.
• Monitor inventory performance, stock coverage, shelf life, and slow-moving inventory, driving corrective actions when required.
• Coordinate supply planning activities with global supply chain teams, manufacturing sites,
• Manage replenishment planning for imported and locally manufactured finished goods.
• Identify and mitigate supply risks to minimize stock-outs and excess inventory.

S&OP and Cross-Functional Coordination

• Lead the monthly S&OP cycle End to end and facilitate alignment between commercial, finance, and supply chain stakeholders.
• Prepare planning input, performance reports, and recommendations for management review.
• Drive consensus on demand, supply, and inventory plans to support business objectives.
• Ensure effective communication of supply chain risks, opportunities, and mitigation actions across the organization.

       Logistics & Customer Service Management

• Oversee logistics operations to ensure efficient product flow and cost optimization
• Ensure on-time and in-full (OTIF) deliveries to customers in line with agreed service levels
• Collaborate with 3PL providers and internal teams to ensure operational excellence and compliance
•  Monitor and improve customer service KPIs, including order fulfillment, lead times, and delivery performance
• Act as the escalation point for customer supply issues, ensuring timely resolution and stakeholder alignment

Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

• Track and report key supply chain performance indicators including forecast accuracy, inventory levels, service levels /OTIF, product availability, etc.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices across demand and supply planning activities.
• Support digitalization and automation initiatives within supply chain planning processes.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and quality standards. 

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop direct reports to build team capabilities and drive high performance.
• Foster a collaborative and customer-focused culture within the supply chain team.
• Set clear objectives and monitor team performance against agreed targets.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Pharmacy, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Supply Chain, Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Logistics, and Customer Service operations within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven experience leading mature S&OP. driving cross-functional alignment and executive decision-making
• Deep understanding of pharmaceutical supply chain dynamics, including regulatory constraints, product lifecycle, and expiry management.
• Strong track record in improving forecast accuracy, inventory optimization, and service levels
• experience managing supply risks, allocation decisions, and complex product portfolios
• Strong hands-on experience in logistics operations, warehousing, distribution, and 3PL management, ensuring efficiency and compliance
• Demonstrated experience in managing customer service operations, including order fulfillment, OTIF performance, and issue resolution
• Proven leadership in driving process improvements and building high-performance planning capabilities

• Ability to operate effectively in a transformational environment, driving change and elevating current ways of working

• Hands-on experience with SAP APO/IBP and advanced analytics tools, with a focus on improving planning accuracy and automation.

This is the opportunity to join a very dynamic organization, where decisions are taken fast and where you can actively participate in shaping our future. If this sounds exciting, we would love to hear more about you!