Product Life Cycle Manager, ROPU ASKAN

THE POSITION

The Product Life Cycle Manager, ROPU ASKAN is responsible for managing and coordinating the end-to-end SKU lifecycle across both Human Pharma and Animal Health businesses, from product launch and post-launch changes through to product withdrawal. The role ensures seamless execution of lifecycle activities through established governance processes and systems, including Product Review Meetings, CSC, SLCI, Product Readiness, and other applicable tools.

As the regional subject matter expert, the Product Life Cycle Manager maintains strong knowledge of both global and local product lifecycle management requirements and ensures alignment with relevant launch, change, and discontinuation processes. Working closely with cross-functional stakeholders, the role drives operational excellence, supports supply continuity, facilitates effective change management, and ensures products are introduced, maintained, and retired in a compliant and efficient manner across the ASKAN region.

Tasks & responsibilities

• Coordinate product launch activities:
  - Manage SKU creation requests, business justification and cross-functional coordination for AH & HP within the respective computerized systems.
  - Maintain oversight through a consolidated database based on inputs from relevant functions, including Regulatory Affairs (RA), Commercial/Marketing, Quality and Supply Chain.
  - Coordinate SCM-related launch activities, including scenario planning, risk identification and stakeholder alignment to support launch timelines and readiness.
  - Participate as a member of the Launch Readiness Team and ensure SCM requirements and dependencies are addressed.
• Coordinate product changes
  - Coordinate end-to-end implementation of product changes, including labelling and packaging changes, site transfers and other supply-related changes.
  - Maintain and manage the master transfer list to provide visibility of implementation status, timelines and key dependencies.
  - Align change management activities with key stakeholders, including Business Controllers, ROPU RA, ROPU Quality, local CSCM and other relevant functions.
  - Evaluate and manage opportunities for bundling of changes to optimize implementation and minimize operational complexity.
  - Coordinate complex changes across multiple countries, considering market-specific requirements, implementation timelines and supply constraints.
• Manage Product Phase-Out, Discontinuation and Withdrawal:
  - Manage and coordinate the end-to-end product discontinuation and withdrawal process across multiple countries and functions.
  - Coordinate product discontinuation activities, including forecast deletion, SKU withdrawal, license/registration withdrawal and other related supply chain activities.
  - Coordinate the annual review of local initiatives for SKU portfolio optimization.
  - Provide visibility of withdrawal/discontinuation status, dependencies, risks and outstanding actions to relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate Multi-Country Redressing & Repacking
  - Coordinate multi-country redressing and repacking activities involving Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Commercial and other relevant stakeholders.
  - Manage cross-country requirements, timelines, quantities and dependencies to support effective execution.
  - Facilitate cross-functional and cross-country alignment to resolve operational issues and ensure timely implementation.
• Drive Process Improvement, Automation & Digitalization
  - Identify and implement opportunities to improve and simplify Product Lifecycle Management processes.
  - Drive process automation and digitalization initiatives to reduce manual activities, improve efficiency and enhance data accuracy.
  - Develop and maintain dashboards and report solutions to improve visibility of lifecycle activities, milestones, risks and performance.
  - Drive continuous improvement based on operational experience, stakeholder feedback and lessons learned.
• System, Process & SOP Ownership
  - Act as System and Process Owner for Product Lifecycle Management, covering the key processes of Product Launch, Product Change and Product Discontinuation/Withdrawal.
  - Own, maintain and continuously improve relevant SOPs, work instructions, process documentation and training materials.
  - Ensure process and system changes are appropriately incorporated into SOPs and supporting documentation.
  - Ensure consistent understanding and application of Product Lifecycle Management processes across users and markets.
  - Provide functional expertise and guidance related to Product Lifecycle Management systems, processes and governance.
• Subject Matter Expert, Training & Capability Building
  - Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Product Launch, Product Change and Product Discontinuation/Withdrawal processes.
  - Provide expert process guidance and support to stakeholders and users across countries and functions.
  - Develop and conduct new-user training and onboarding covering Product Lifecycle Management processes, systems and applicable SOPs.
  - Provide ongoing user support, process clarification and refresher training as required.
  - Support users in resolving process and system-related issues and provide guidance for complex cases

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Economics, Supply Chain Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of Supply Chain Management experience, preferably within pharmaceutical, OTC or FMCG industries, with experience in demand/replenishment planning, commercial SCM, packaging/artwork management and/or Product Lifecycle Management.
• At least 2 years of people leadership experience and proven project management experience are preferred.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end Product Lifecycle Management, covering Product Launch, Product Change, site transfers, phase-out, discontinuation and withdrawal.
• Demonstrated experience in multi-country Product Lifecycle Management, with the ability to coordinate different market requirements, timelines and stakeholders.
• Experience in multi-country redressing and repacking processes, including cross-functional coordination and execution.
• Experience in system, process and SOP ownership, including process governance, documentation, standardization and continuous improvement.
• Extensive SAP knowledge, particularly SAP APO.
• Good understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Strong project management capability and the ability to lead and influence cross-functional stakeholders across multiple countries.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills across functions and organizational levels, with the ability to drive alignment and follow-through.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to interpret information and reports and translate them into actionable insights.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in an ambiguous and changing environment.
• Proficient in English.
• APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification is preferable.
• Preference may be given to candidates who do not require work visa sponsorship.