Head of Supply Chain Operations

Head of Supply Chain Operations

KARL STORZ is one of the world’s leading suppliers of medical equipment for minimally invasive surgery. Since its beginnings in 1945, KARL STORZ has established itself worldwide as an international and highly regarded company in the production and sale of medical instruments and devices.

The family-owned company KARL STORZ applies tradition and experience to think about tomorrow, today. The company caters for future trends with sophisticated products, services and processes that systematically support our global activities. Our commitment to performance and professionalism means we can guarantee both user and patient the ideal solution. In doing so, we secure and create top-quality jobs in all our corporate locations.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Head of Supply Chain Operations to lead our end-to-end supply chain function, ensuring the reliable, compliant, and cost-effective availability of medical devices to customers across the UK.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for planning, procurement, supplier management, inventory control, warehousing, logistics, and distribution. You will play a critical role in ensuring compliance with FDA, ISO 13485 and MDR requirements, while partnering closely with Quality, Regulatory, Finance and Commercial teams to support business growth.

Your responsibilities will include:

Strategic leadership & supply chain management

• Define and deliver the supply chain strategy aligned to business and regulatory requirements
• Drive continuous improvement, resilience and digital transformation (ERP, WMS, APS, analytics)
• Develop and maintain effective business continuity and risk mitigation plans

Demand, supply & planning

• Lead the S&OP / IBP process to align demand, supply and commercial priorities
• Improve forecast accuracy and supply planning to minimise shortages and obsolescence
• Ensure supply chain readiness for new product introductions and market expansion

Inventory, warehousing & distribution

• Optimise inventory, safety stock and working capital
• Oversee warehousing, distribution and transport to ensure strong on-time delivery
• Ensure compliant handling of controlled medical devices and drive logistics efficiency

Quality, compliance & risk

• Ensure compliance with FDA/QSR, ISO 13485, MDR and related regulations
• Maintain end-to-end traceability to support audits and post-market surveillance
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through dual sourcing and partnerships

Financial performance & leadership

• Own supply chain budgets, forecasting and cost management
• Monitor and report KPIs including OTIF, COGS, forecast accuracy and logistics costs
• Build and lead a high-performing supply chain team with clear goals and succession plans
• Partner cross-functionally and represent the function in leadership forums, audits and customer engagements

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, Business or similar
• Master’s degree or APICS/CPIM/CSCP certification preferred
• 10+ years’ experience in supply chain operations, ideally within medical devices, pharmaceuticals or other regulated environments
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role managing planning, procurement and logistics teams
• Strong experience working within FDA, ISO 13485 and MDR frameworks
• Proven success in S&OP/IBP, supplier leadership and supply chain optimisation

Skills:

• Strategic, analytical and commercially minded
• Strong people leader with a track record of building high-performing teams
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and negotiation skills
• Deep knowledge of ERP systems (e.g. SAP S/4HANA), WMS and analytics tools
• Lean / Six Sigma experience desirable
• Calm under pressure, highly organised and solutions-focused

Job Types: Full time/ Permanent

Schedule:

• 35 hour shift
• Monday-Friday

Work Location: Office based in Slough

Your Benefits

• 34 days holiday (inclusive of public holidays) 
• Generous Pension 
• Private Medical 
• Medical cash back scheme 
• Company sick pay 
• Life Assurance 
• Critical illness and income protection (service requirements apply) 
• Perkbox benefits platform