Export Logistics Lead

Job PurposeTo ensure the efficient, compliant, and timely export of pharmaceutical products to global markets by overseeing logistics operations, coordinating with internal departments, and ensuring adherence to international trade, quality, and regulatory requirements—including serialization, aggregation, and reporting obligations for regulated markets. Position OverviewThe Lead of Export Logistics (Pharmaceuticals) manages and coordinates the export of pharmaceutical products in compliance with international trade regulations, Good Distribution Practices (GDP), and company standards. This role ensures shipments are executed efficiently, safely, and accurately while maintaining close collaboration with all internal departments to uphold product quality, regulatory requirements, and market-specific packaging standards. Key ResponsibilitiesExport Operations- Oversee daily export logistics activities, including scheduling, documentation, and shipment tracking. • Ensure compliance with international trade laws, customs regulations, GDP, GMP, and pharmaceutical export requirements. • Coordinate with freight forwarders, carriers, and customs brokers to optimize shipping routes and costs. • Prepare, review, and approve export documentation (commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of analysis, certificates of origin). • Follow up with EDA and fulfill all requirements to obtain the export permits. • Monitor shipment status and proactively resolve delays or discrepancies. • Collect form 13 (export customs) for all shipments and deliver them to GPG’s tax department.- Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen compliance. Internal Responsibilities & Collaboration- Work closely with Supply Chain to align export schedules with demand forecasts and inventory availability. • Coordinate with Production to ensure timely manufacturing and release of export batches. • Collaborate with Packaging to oversee serialization and aggregation processes required for specific markets (e.g., Saudi Arabia, EU, and other regulated regions). • Follow up with the Packaging Department to ensure compliance with market-specific labeling, serialization, and aggregation requirements before shipment. • Partner with RA, Quality Assurance/Quality Control to ensure all shipments comply with regulatory and quality requirements, including batch release and documentation. • Liaise with the Warehouse team to manage inventory, ensure accurate picking/packing, and maintain cold chain integrity where required. • Provide regular updates and reports to management and internal stakeholders on export performance and compliance. • Act as the central point of contact for internal departments to resolve export-related issues and streamline communication. Regulatory Reporting- Ensure serialization and aggregation data is uploaded to national drug regulatory systems (e.g., SFDA in Saudi Arabia, EMA in Europe, and other country-specific platforms). • Verify accuracy and completeness of data submissions to avoid compliance risks. • Maintain records of reporting activities and ensure timely updates to regulatory authorities. • Collaborate with IT and compliance teams to troubleshoot and resolve data reporting issues. • Stay updated on evolving serialization/aggregation regulations across global markets and implement necessary adjustments. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)- On-Time Delivery Rate: Percentage of shipments delivered within agreed timelines. • Compliance Accuracy: Number of shipments meeting regulatory and documentation requirements without errors. • Serialization & Aggregation Accuracy: Percentage of correctly serialized/aggregated batches uploaded to regulatory systems. • Cost Optimization: Reduction in freight and logistics costs through route optimization and vendor negotiation. • Issue Resolution Time: Average time taken to resolve shipment delays, discrepancies, or compliance issues. • Internal Collaboration Effectiveness: Feedback from supply chain, production, packaging, quality, and warehouse teams on communication and coordination. • Cold Chain Integrity: Percentage of temperature-sensitive shipments delivered without deviation. • Regulatory Reporting Timeliness: Percentage of data submissions completed within required deadlines. • Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, International Business, Pharmacy, or related field. - 3-5 years of experience in pharmaceutical logistics or international shipping.- Strong knowledge of GDP, GMP, Incoterms, customs procedures, serialization/aggregation requirements, and pharmaceutical trade compliance. • Experience with the pharma export documentation platforms/ ability to learn. • Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. • Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure while maintaining accuracy and compliance. • Fluency in English; additional languages are an advantage. Competencies- Leadership- Regulatory and compliance awareness • Attention to detail and accuracy • Strong organizational and time management skills • Collaborative mindset with cross-functional teams • Customer-focused approach - Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, International Business, Pharmacy, or related field. - 3-5 years of experience in pharmaceutical logistics or international shipping.- Strong knowledge of GDP, GMP, Incoterms, customs procedures, serialization/aggregation requirements, and pharmaceutical trade compliance. • Experience with the pharma export documentation platforms/ ability to learn. • Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. • Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure while maintaining accuracy and compliance. • Fluency in English; additional languages are an advantage. Competencies- Leadership- Regulatory and compliance awareness • Attention to detail and accuracy • Strong organizational and time management skills • Collaborative mindset with cross-functional teams • Customer-focused approach