Lead, Logistics Center Customer Returns
Auburn, MA, US, 01501
Location: Logistics Center | Schedule: Full‑Time | Overtime as Needed
Make an Impact Where Quality, Leadership, and Continuous Improvement Meet
At KARL STORZ, precision, quality, and teamwork drive everything we do. We are looking for a Logistics Center Customer Returns Lead—a hands‑on team leader who thrives in fast‑paced operations, leads by example, and is passionate about process excellence and continuous improvement.
This role is ideal for a motivated logistics professional who enjoys working alongside their team, driving daily results, and serving as a subject‑matter expert in customer returns operations.
What You’ll Do
As a Customer Returns Lead, you’ll partner closely with the Customer Returns Supervisor to guide daily workflow, support team performance, and ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and execute daily workflow to meet department throughput and SLA targets
- Perform daily standard work, labor planning participation, and reporting
- Serve as a hands‑on leader, completing all department functions as needed
- Set daily team goals and contribute directly to daily productivity
- Act as backup to the Supervisor for work allocation and team coordination
- Train associates and maintain the department Training Matrix
- Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for KSEA Customer Return processes
- Coordinate expedite requests and resolve receiving discrepancies
- Support receiving and processing through SAP/WMS systems
- Perform and oversee decontamination of medical equipment per company policy
- Ensure compliance with Quality Management System (QMS) and audit programs
- Actively lead and participate in LEAN and Continuous Improvement initiatives, including:
- 5S
- Idea Board / Voice of the Customer (VOC)
- Audits and visual control systems
- Cross‑train with upstream and downstream partners
- Support safety inspections and adherence to KARL STORZ safety standards
- Assist with departmental projects and other duties as assigned
How Success Is Measured
Performance in this role is measured through key operational and quality KPIs, including:
- VOC and Idea Board participation and alignment
- Audit quality levels
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
- Daily work‑in‑process (WIP) carryover
- Safety inspection results
What You Bring
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities in a team‑based environment
- Strong attention to detail with a commitment to quality and safety
- Ability to motivate others and foster a positive, continuous‑improvement culture
- Effective communication skills across multiple organizational levels
- Working knowledge or aptitude with Microsoft Office
- Flexibility to work overtime with minimal notice
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Previous personnel management or team‑lead experience
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
- SAP, WMS, or TS system experience
- Central Service Technician Certification
- Knowledge of decontamination processes, equipment, and agents
- Experience handling HazMat and biohazard materials
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Frequent movement including standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and packing
- Frequent lifting up to 25 lbs; occasional lifting of 30–75 lbs with assistance
- Occasional pushing/pulling of carts up to 320 lbs with assistance
- Use of pallet jacks, warehouse ladders, and standard office equipment
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic logistics environment
Why Join KARL STORZ?
- Be part of a global medical technology leader
- Work in a culture driven by quality, safety, and continuous improvement
- Opportunities to develop leadership skills and process‑improvement expertise
- Make a meaningful impact supporting life‑saving medical devices
KARL STORZ is committed to maintaining a safe work environment for our employees and customers. Most field-based roles at KARL STORZ require hospital credentialing/health screens as a condition of employment. Credentialing can include required vaccinations, health screens & other requirements as outlined by our customers. During the interview process, we encourage you to ask how credentialing/health screens may impact the role you are seeking and if you require any reasonable accommodations regarding these requirements.
The pay range and/or hourly pay rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job posting and may be modified in the future. When determining a specific team member’s base salary and/or hourly pay rate, several factors will be considered including such things as location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, professional credentials, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the role.
KARL STORZ is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills and unique experiences. To achieve this goal, we are committed to diverse voices, and all applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. KARL STORZ is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations during our recruitment process. Should you need assistance or accommodation please email us at taoperations@karlstorz.com.
Nearest Major Market: Worcester