Senior Director, Pharmacy Operations

We are seeking a Senior Director, Pharmacy Operations for full-time employment, reporting to the Vice President, Enterprise and Pharmacy Operations. This national leadership role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization’s pharmacy network across Canada. The Senior Director will drive operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and the successful execution of pharmacy initiatives while delivering high-quality patient-centered services.

In collaboration with executive leadership, this role will develop and implement the pharmacy business strategy, aligning it with broader organizational objectives. The ideal candidate will bring proven experience leading transformational initiatives that deliver measurable growth, operational efficiency, and industry-leading patient experiences. This position requires regular travel across Canada (up to 30%).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational oversight of a national pharmacy network, including collaborator pharmacies, ensuring consistency, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop, implement, and execute pharmacy operations strategies aligned with enterprise goals and long-term business objectives.
• Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate pharmacy services to ensure high standards of patient care, service delivery, and operational performance.
• Lead contract management, stakeholder engagement, training initiatives, and continuous operational improvement across the pharmacy network.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including patient support programs and business units, to integrate pharmacy operations, optimize workflows, and increase market share.
• Drive process optimization, support pharmaceutical product launches, and lead special projects to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Champion the adoption of innovative technologies, including automation, digital tools, and workflow enhancements, to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Utilize data analytics and performance reporting to monitor KPIs, enhance operational insights, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Oversee departmental budgeting, financial performance, and resource allocation to maximize profitability and operational efficiency, including accurate and timely billing processes.
• Ensure full compliance with provincial and federal pharmacy regulations, accreditation standards, and internal policies through audits, training, and quality assurance initiatives.
• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies, including business continuity and resiliency planning.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Pharmacy Management Team, with a focus on engagement, performance management, succession planning, and professional development.
• Build and grow strategic relationships with manufacturer partners to maximize opportunities across specialty and generic drug portfolios.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences, events, and stakeholder meetings, building strong relationships with healthcare providers, manufacturers, insurers, regulators, and government stakeholders.
• Travel up to 30% within Canada to oversee operations, support strategic initiatives, and strengthen key relationships.
• Conduct oneself and represent the organization ethically and professionally at all times.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, health sciences, pharmacy, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Current registration with a Provincial College of Pharmacists.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry, with significant leadership experience in pharmacy operations.
• Proven expertise in pharmacy operations, including regulatory compliance, workflow optimization, and operational management.
• Demonstrated success leading change management initiatives and large-scale transformational projects.
• Experience in project management and operational improvement; Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement experience is an asset.
• Professional certifications and experience in pharmaceuticals or biotechnology are considered assets.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of pharmacy operations, including inventory management, billing, workflow optimization, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills with experience building and developing high-performing teams.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to design and execute enterprise-level plans aligned with organizational objectives.
• Strong financial and business acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation, and ROI analysis.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and track performance metrics.
• Comprehensive understanding of provincial and federal pharmacy regulations and accreditation standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and pharmacy systems (e.g., Kroll), with the ability to leverage digital tools and analytics platforms.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional patient experiences through continuous service and process improvements.
• Bilingualism (French/English) is considered an asset.
• The work environment is generally quiet and office-based, with reasonable accommodations available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Primarily sedentary work involving extended computer use (75% or more of the time).
• Requires visual acuity for close and distance vision, peripheral vision, and focus adjustment.
• Regular standing, walking, and mobility required during travel and on-site visits.
• Ability to manage complex, high-pressure situations and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer

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About Us

Brunel has a reputation for working with some of the best in the business. That’s what we continually strive for. Over 45 years, we’ve created a global network of interesting clients and talented individuals working together through a vast array of services.