Alexander Van

Global Manufacturing | Senior Supply Chain Leader | S&OP | Pharma Operations | Demand & Supply Planning | Remote Europe

Serbia

About

Senior supply chain leader with ~20 years of experience across pharmaceutical and retail industries, specializing in external manufacturing, S&OP / IBP, and end-to-end supply chain operations. Currently leading global supply chain operations for external manufacturing business at Takeda, managing a multi-node network of internal production sites and CMOs. Accountable for aligning customer demand, manufacturing capacity, and supply execution to ensure reliable service delivery. Core expertise: • S&OP / IBP design and leadership in complex, multi-stakeholder environments • External manufacturing (CMO) and in-house operations • Demand & supply planning across mid- and long-term horizons • Inventory optimization, service level, and working capital management • Cross-functional leadership (Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, Finance, Commercial) Track record of improving planning transparency, stabilizing supply in constraint-driven environments, and enabling structured decision-making. Background includes leadership roles in large-scale retail supply chains, managing high SKU volumes and distribution networks, providing strong operational and analytical foundation. Open to Senior Manager / Head of Supply Chain roles (remote, Europe-based). Based in Serbia (permanent residence) | Open to remote roles and relocation with sponsorship

Experience

  • Takeda (8 yrs 4 mos)
    • Associate Director, Global Contract Manufacturing Business Lead
      May 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 3 mos

      Lead global supply chain operations and S&OP governance for external manufacturing business, managing a complex network of internal sites and CMOs. • Own end-to-end supply chain operations across internal manufacturing and CMO network (planning, capacity, inventory, execution) • Designed and implemented S&OP / IBP framework, improving governance, scenario planning, and decision-making • Act as the primary interface between external customers, CMOs, and internal stakeholders • Lead cross-functional alignment across Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, Finance, and Commercial • Manage CMO performance (capacity, service level, escalations) • Drive resolution of supply risks (API constraints, production delays, logistics disruptions) • Define and implement supply strategies to ensure service reliability and operational efficiency Key achievements: • Established S&OP governance for external manufacturing • Ensured high service levels in multi-node global network • Mitigated major supply risks without customer impact

    • Demand & Supply Planning Manager
      Apr 2018 - May 2021 · 3 yrs 2 mos

      Led end-to-end demand and supply planning for local pharmaceutical business, with full ownership of S&OP, inventory strategy, and cross-functional alignment. • Established S&OP (Demand Review) process, driving structured decision-making across Commercial, Production, and Finance • Managed supply planning across internal sites and CMOs, ensuring alignment between demand and manufacturing capacity • Owned inventory strategy, balancing service level, working capital, and obsolescence risk • Led cross-functional resolution of supply constraints across global and local stakeholders • Acted as deputy to Head of Logistics, supporting operational leadership and project execution • Led SAP planning ecosystem initiatives (ECC, APO, IBP, MDG) as Business Lead / Key User Key achievements: • Improved forecast accuracy and service level through S&OP implementation • Reduced inventory while maintaining availability • Strengthened planning governance and KPI-driven performance management

  • OBI Group Holding ()
    • Demand & Supply planning manager
      Jul 2013 - Mar 2018 · 4 yrs 9 mos

      Led supply chain operations for ~6000 SKUs across 27 stores, managing planning, replenishment, and distribution. • Managed team of planners and customer service specialists • Implemented S&OP process • Owned demand forecasting and supply planning • Optimized distribution network and warehouse capacity • Implemented KPIs (service level, forecast accuracy, inventory) Key achievements: • Improved product availability and reduced excess inventory • Increased operational efficiency through process improvements

    • Demand & Supply Planner
      Jan 2012 - Jul 2013 · 1 yr 7 mos

      • Managed demand & supply planning across 18-month horizon • Coordinated goods flow and capacity planning across distribution network • Contributed to ERP development and implementation initiatives • Led key supply chain projects, including central stock model and home delivery setup • Coordinated warehouse platform tender process

    • Supply Chain Analyst
      Mar 2010 - Jan 2012 · 1 yr 11 mos

      • Analyzed and optimized supply chain processes, including documentation and process mapping • Played key role in ERP (Axapta) implementation, including functional design and user support • Consolidated and analyzed operational data to support decision-making • Monitored supplier and carrier performance, including claims and service compliance • Coordinated returns process and logistics performance tracking