Job Description

ABOUT US

Imperial Distributors Canada Inc. (IDCI), a leader in healthcare delivery for pharmacies across Western Canada, is seeking a Director of Supply Chain and Pharmacy Solutions to join our team. The Director of Supply Chain & Pharmacy Solutions is a senior leadership position responsible for both end-to-end supply chain management and strategic project development. Reporting to the General Manager and part of the executive team, this role oversees efficient procurement operations across Western Canada (with depots in Alberta and British Columbia) while leading new business initiatives to promote growth. The role emphasizes supporting pharmacies through reliable product supply, value-added programs, and clinical and practice support services that collectively enhance patient care. Ideal candidates have a strong background in health care (such as pharmacy), supply chain, or business, enabling them to combine operational excellence with healthcare expertise to develop innovative solutions. The Director of Supply Chain and Pharmacy Solutions will manage team members across multiple provinces.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Supply Chain Management:

Provide leadership over the entire supply chain from procurement to inventory management, ensuring medicines and pharmacy products are delivered to the right place at the right time under agreed conditions. This includes coordinating logistics strategies and working with operations that maximize resources and meet service level targets.

Team Leadership:

Oversee and mentor the purchasing team. Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture, ensuring clear communication and alignment of goals across procurement, warehouse, and clinical support staff.

Procurement & Supplier Relations:

Direct procurement strategy and supplier management to obtain the best pricing and terms for pharmaceuticals and medical products. Build strong vendor relationships and leverage group buying power to reduce the cost of goods. Ensure robust contracts, manage formulary/product selection, and mitigate risks by maintaining alternate sources and contingency plans.

Inventory Optimization

: Implement best practices in inventory control to accurately forecast demand, avoid stockouts, and minimize excess stock. Leverage AI-driven analytics and data-powered tools to enhance forecasting accuracy, maintain optimal inventory levels, and balance availability with cost efficiency. Continuously monitor inventory performance using advanced systems and adjust strategies to improve turnover, reduce waste, and support proactive decision-making.

New Business Development & Projects:

Lead cross-functional projects aimed at business growth and service expansion. Design and implement supply chain solutions that support evolving business strategies and new market opportunities, adapting to changing market conditions and pursuing cost-reduction innovations.

Pharmacy & Clinical Support Programs:

Design, implement, and oversee value-added programs that support independent retail pharmacies, chains, banners, and hospitals by integrating clinical expertise, product solutions, clinical and practice support, and operational initiatives. This includes creating services and initiatives that improve pharmacy profitability and patient care. Leverage the company's logistics, technology, and buying power to enhance pharmacy profitability, strengthen patient care, and provide a competitive market advantage.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Work closely with other departments to align supply chain initiatives with overall business goals. Coordinate with teams to understand pharmacy needs and tailor solutions accordingly. Provide visibility of supply chain activities across the organization and contribute to sales and operational planning processes.

Financial Oversight:

Manage the supply chain budget and financial performance, including forecasting expenses, setting and monitoring KPIs, and ensuring cost-effective operations. Maintain robust financial oversight of pharmaceutical procurement and inventory holding costs. Identify opportunities for cost savings and margin improvement, and drive continuous cost-reduction initiatives without compromising service quality.

Executive Reporting & Strategy:

Serve as a key member of the leadership team, reporting on supply chain performance, project progress, and pharmacy support outcomes to the General Manager and other executives. Provide strategic input into company-wide decisions, using supply chain insights and pharmacy market trends to influence business direction. Stay up-to-date with industry developments and proactively recommend adjustments to strategy to maintain a competitive advantage.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

A Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy (B.Sc. Pharm or PharmD), Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related health-care field is required. A master's degree (MBA, MSc in Supply Chain, or similar) or a professional pharmacy degree is a strong asset.

Experience:

Extensive experience (around 8+ years) in supply chain, operations, or pharmacy management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Experience in pharmaceutical distribution or the healthcare supply chain is highly preferred. Familiarity with the independent pharmacy sector or retail pharmacy operations is a plus, given the focus on supporting pharmacy business needs.

Industry Knowledge:

In-depth understanding of pharmaceutical supply chain dynamics, including procurement, inventory management, and logistics best practices. Knowledge of the pharmacy industry and experience developing strategies to address issues. Up-to-date awareness of relevant regulations and emerging trends in healthcare distribution.

Leadership & Communication:

Proven ability to lead and develop teams, including managers and multidisciplinary staff. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required for engaging with executive leadership, negotiating with suppliers, and building trust-based relationships with pharmacy owners. Able to effectively collaborate across departments and with external partners to drive initiatives forward.

Strategic & Analytical Skills

: Demonstrated strategic thinking with the ability to design innovative solutions and adapt to changing market conditions. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities; comfortable using data and metrics to inform decisions, forecast demand, and measure program success. Able to identify opportunities for improvement and drive process transformations, including the adoption of new technologies for supply chain optimization.

Project Management:

Solid project management skills, with a track record of leading complex projects or new business initiatives from concept to implementation. Capable of managing multiple priorities and timelines in a fast-paced environment. Experience in coordinating cross-functional project teams and external vendors/partners to successfully roll out new programs or systems.

Business Development Acumen:

Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and evaluate new business opportunities, partnerships, or services that align with the IDCI's mission of supporting pharmacies. Skilled in building business cases and executing plans that add value and growth for both the company and its pharmacy clients.

Other Requirements:

Willingness to travel between distribution centers and client locations within Western Canada as needed. Proficiency with supply chain management software, ERP systems, and data analysis tools.

(A valid pharmacist license or clinical credentials is not required but would be considered an asset, given the role's interaction with pharmacy operations and clinical programs.)

Desired Attributes

:

Strong people skills with the ability to work independently, motivate, and lead teams.

Outstanding negotiation skills, paired with analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Skilled in nurturing and sustaining vendor relationships.

Agile and effective in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.

Detail-focused with superior organizational skills.

Expert in managing multiple priorities with excellent time management.

Proficient in Microsoft Office, with strong knowledge of Excel.

Experience working with Microsoft Dynamics is an advantage.

Join Imperial Distributors Canada Inc. and be part of a vibrant team that's reshaping healthcare distribution with passion, commitment to excellence, and personalized customer service. Together, we're not just shaping the future of healthcare distribution; we're making a difference, day by day, in the lives of patients. Let's build a healthier future for our communities, together.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00-$140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Dental care Disability insurance Extended health care Life insurance On-site parking Store discount Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:

Richmond, BC V6V 2G9: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person