[Philippines] Center Of Excellence Lead, Regional Supply Chain Ops

Company Description

Santen is a specialized company with a proud 130-year heritage focused exclusively on eye health. As a Japan-originated, global company with our footprint in over 60 countries and regions, our mission is to provide essential and significant value to patients and society through our products and services created from our expertise in ophthalmology and from the patient’s perspective.

Due to significant expansion, Santen is seeking a Center Of Excellence Lead (CoE), Regional Supply Chain Ops, based in the Philippines,

The CoE Lead will support the Company’s international supply chain operations by managing a team of data entry staff and overseeing logistics-related documentation and transactions. This role requires strong operational discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to ensure accuracy and compliance across all shipment and system activities. The CoE Lead will be a key point of contact for resolving documentation issues and improving workflow efficiency in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, the CoE Lead will oversee all operational activities of the Supply Chain Planner. The CoE Lead ensures the delivery of exceptional service experiences to customers by leading, supporting and developing the team. This role exists to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction, resolve escalated issues promptly, and implement service standards that align with company objectives. The position is responsible for driving operational excellence in service processes, fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with operational policies.

Job Description

What you will do

• Team Leadership: Lead and coach a data entry team to ensure accurate, timely processing of logistics, shipping, and Goods Receipt (GR) information.
• Documentation Management: Oversee all shipment documentation (Invoices, AWBs, Bills of Lading) while ensuring strict compliance with GDP standards and pharmaceutical regulations.
• End-to-End PO Lifecycle: Manage the full Purchase Order process, from creation and inquiry handling to timely PO and GR closing.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Act as the primary operational link between internal departments (Finance, Quality, SCM) and the Center of Excellence (CoE).
• Provider Oversight: Liaise with third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and freight forwarders to track performance, resolve delivery issues, and monitor KPIs.
• Advanced Problem Solving: Serve as the first point of escalation for complex logistics or customer service issues, ensuring prompt resolution and minimal disruption.
• Process Optimization: Drive continuous improvement through automation, digitalization initiatives, and the elimination of workflow bottlenecks.
• Compliance & Audit Readiness: Maintain impeccable document traceability and EHS/Quality standards to ensure the team is always prepared for internal and external audits.
  
  

Qualifications

What you will bring to the role

• Academic Background: Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional Experience: 3–5 years in Supply Chain Operations, specifically within order management, logistics, or documentation control.
• Industry Knowledge: Prior experience in the pharmaceutical supply chain and familiarity with GDP/regulatory standards is a significant advantage.
• Leadership Track Record: Proven ability to supervise a small team and manage third-party logistics providers (LSPs).
• Technical Expertise: Strong proficiency in ERP systems (preferably SAP) and the end-to-end Order-to-Cash cycle.
• Logistics Proficiency: Comprehensive understanding of import/export documentation, shipping terms, and permit requirements.
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical Tools: Advanced proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel) and experience with KPI tracking and performance reporting.
  
  

Additional Information

Grow your career at Santen

A career at Santen is an opportunity to make a difference. We aspire to contribute to the realization of “Happiness with Vision” by providing eye health products and services to patients, consumers, and medical professionals around the world. Guided by our CORE PRINCIPLE, “Tenki ni sanyo suru”, Santen is engaged in the global research & development, manufacturing, and sales and marketing of pharmaceutical products in opthlamology. We have team members around the world using their diverse talents to unlock new modalities and drive innovations for patient outcomes, education and treatment. At Santen, we believe in empowering all our team members with flexible ways of working and a highly inclusive work environment.

The Santen Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building diverse teams and ensuring a safe and inclusive physical and virtual workplace for every one of our team members. All employment decisions are based on business needs, role requirements and individual qualifications regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/ expression, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you require any kind of accommodation during our recruitment process, please let the recruiter from our team know.