Nicolas Wark

Global Supply Chain Executive | External Manufacturing · Network Strategy · E2E Transformation | Pharma · FMCG

Saint-Prex, Vaud, Switzerland

About

I lead Ferring Pharmaceuticals' global external manufacturing network, 30+ CDMOs across Europe, North America, and Asia, with full accountability for a multi-billion euro supply footprint delivering to 130+ markets. Over 15+ years in pharma and FMCG, I have built a track record of turning complex, underperforming supply networks into resilient, high-performing operations. At Ferring, I redesigned the entire external manufacturing function in under a year — restructuring the team, overhauling governance, and delivering significant, measurable improvements in service performance. My work sits at the intersection of strategy and execution: manufacturing network design, CDMO partnerships, S&OP, and enterprise transformation. I support Board and ExCo decisions on supply strategy, capex investment, and risk — with hands-on experience leading large-scale transformation programs across global manufacturing networks. Earlier in my career I held senior roles at GSK (leading major opex & efficiency savings pipeline across 67 sites) and P&G (global supply chain / TechOps). Multilingual — English, Dutch, French, German. Based in Switzerland. Open to connecting on supply chain transformation, (external) manufacturing, and operations strategy.

Experience

  • Ferring Pharmaceuticals (Full-time · 6 yrs 3 mos)
    • Sr. Director / Head of Global External Manufacturing Network, CDMO & Strategic Partnerships
      Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

      Lead Ferring's global external manufacturing function across 30+ CDMOs in Europe, North America, and Asia; with full P&L accountability for a multi-billion euro supply footprint delivering to 130+ markets. - Redesigned the entire function in under a year, restructuring the team, overhauling engagement models, and establishing clear governance, delivering significant, measurable improvements in service performance. - Drive end-to-end supply performance across cost-to-serve, inventory, and working capital in alignment with corporate S&OP priorities. - Strengthened strategic CDMO partnerships through structured onboarding, co-innovation planning, and compliance reviews aligned to product pipeline priorities. - Enhanced global compliance and operational resilience through GMP audit strategy and business continuity frameworks. - Serve as key advisor to ExCo on external manufacturing strategy, supply risk, and network investment decisions.

    • Director, Global Manufacturing Strategy, Transformation & Realization
      Nov 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 8 mos

      Concurrent with external manufacturing leadership role — drive enterprise-level manufacturing strategy and network transformation across Ferring's global internal and external footprint. - Partner with TechOps Leadership, ExCo, and Board to shape long-term supply models aligned with commercial growth, pipeline readiness, and operational resilience. - Design and implement global manufacturing strategies across lyophilized, liquid, and solid dosage forms; covering make-vs-buy analysis, capacity planning, and network modeling. - Lead global network transformation initiatives, balancing growth, risk, and investment priorities across regional and global sites. - Redesigned CapEx governance to embed strategic prioritization, resource visibility, and long-term investment alignment. - Established unified governance and PMO frameworks to improve decision speed and cross-functional execution. - Align network evolution with franchise roadmaps and lifecycle needs across R&D, Quality, Commercial, and Supply Chain.

    • Director, Global Supply planning Head (end-to-end Value Stream)
      Apr 2020 - Apr 2023 · 3 yrs 1 mo

      Led global end-to-end supply planning and execution across 14 internal sites and 30+ CDMOs, delivering to 130+ markets with accountability for service, inventory, and cross-functional performance. - Designed and implemented a new global Value Stream operating model; transitioning from siloed functions to integrated cross-functional teams across supply chain and manufacturing. - Directed global S&OP, aligning demand and capacity across internal plants and CDMOs to improve service levels and reduce planning inefficiencies. - Delivered significant double-digit improvements in OTIF and inventory performance by embedding best practices, KPI governance, and cross-functional accountability. - Established performance governance and decision-making routines, enabling agile issue resolution and alignment with commercial and operational priorities.

  • Global Supply Chain Value Engineering and Optimization Lead at GSK
    Feb 2016 - Mar 2020 · 4 yrs 2 mos

    Led global value engineering and supply chain optimization across GSK's Consumer Health, Pharmaceuticals, and Vaccines divisions — accountable for a double-digit million euro annual gross margin and COGS improvement pipeline across 67 manufacturing sites delivering to 125+ markets. - Developed and executed end-to-end category optimization strategies covering network design, supply chain, launch planning, and operational budgeting to increase margin and reduce complexity. - Led complex transformation programs across manufacturing, digital supply chain (SC 4.0), procurement, and sustainability — delivering efficiency gains and greater operational resilience. - Drove global API and finished goods network redesign for Consumer Health, reducing cost, risk, and environmental impact. - Led cross-functional decision-making with Commercial, R&D, and Supply Chain to optimize portfolio trade-offs and reduce cost-to-serve. - Contributed to early-stage evaluation of consumer health technologies and medical devices to align supply capabilities with future portfolio needs.

  • Procter & Gamble (4 yrs 5 mos)
    • Fine Fragrances Global Supply Chain Leader and Business Planning Leader
      Aug 2014 - Jan 2016 · 1 yr 6 mos

      Led global supply planning and S&OP for P&G's prestige fragrance portfolio (Gucci, Hugo Boss, D&G) across key global markets. - Delivered measurable improvements in service, inventory, and obsolescence through integrated planning and KPI governance. - Served as supply chain lead for commercial and innovation forums, supporting new product introductions.

    • Luxury Fragrance & Cosmetics Global Program Manager Supply Chain
      Apr 2013 - Aug 2014 · 1 yr 5 mos

      Led a key global transformation program focused on product simplification, supplier consolidation, and digital procurement enablement. - Streamlined portfolio complexity, exited multiple third-party contractors, and improved sourcing efficiency. - Rolled out a global eProcurement platform, enhancing transparency and speed.

    • Global Category Master-Data Coordinator
      Feb 2013 - Aug 2014 · 1 yr 7 mos

      Optimized decision-making by managing global master-data management strategy across five manufacturing locations, 13 distribution centers, and several contract manufacturing organizations. - Negotiated and secured favorable contracts and global service level agreements, including RFQs, KPIs, and negotiations with key service providers. - Redesigned the company costing process across marketing, sales, distribution, and manufacturing entities.

  • Assistent Logistics & Sales Coordination at Robert Bosch S.A.
    May 2011 - Sep 2011 · 5 mos

    Managed inbound material supply for the Benelux (3PL) in the automotive sector and assisted in the design and tender of a new distribution network and warehouse supermarket.

  • International Sales & Supply Manager at JoJo trading
    Jan 2002 - May 2011 · 9 yrs 5 mos

    Worked across commercial operations in the family-run import/export business from a young age, gaining early exposure to international sales, logistics and entrepreneurship. - Supported global order fulfillment, supplier engagement and sales administration across multiple markets - Represented the family business at international trade exhibitions building customer relationships - Developed lasting values of teamwork, persistence, accountability and integrity – foundational principles that continue to shape my leadership and decision-making to-date.