Head of Supply Chain and Logistics

About Us:

How many companies can say they’ve been in business for over 179 years?!

Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the everchanging environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge of technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team!

What’s the role?

The Head of Supply Chain is a senior leadership role accountable for end-to-end supply chain performance, with full ownership of cost, supplier effectiveness, and product delivery.

This role ensures the efficient flow of materials and finished goods from suppliers through manufacturing to customer shipment. The position drives continuous improvement in COGS, supply chain efficiency, supplier performance, and on-time delivery, while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements

Sound Interesting?

Here’s what you’ll do:

Drive Cost Leadership

• Own the end-to-end supply chain cost structure, including materials, logistics, inventory, and overhead.

• Lead strategic cost reduction initiatives across sourcing, supplier management, and internal operations.

• Balance cost, service, and working capital to maximize operational efficiency.

• Partner with Finance to achieve budget goals, productivity targets, and cost savings initiatives.

Optimize Supply Chain Operations

• Improve end-to-end supply chain processes across planning, procurement, logistics, and inventory management.

• Increase inventory turns while reducing excess and obsolete inventory.

• Enhance demand planning and production scheduling to improve operational performance.

• Leverage ERP/MRP systems and data analytics to drive informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

Lead Supplier Performance & Strategic Sourcing

• Develop and manage a high-performing supplier network focused on quality, cost, delivery, and reliability.

• Lead supplier selection, contract negotiations, and ongoing performance management.

• Drive supplier development initiatives that improve capability, scalability, and competitiveness.

• Minimize supply risk through supplier diversification, qualification, and proactive risk management.

Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

• Ensure consistent, reliable product availability and on-time delivery to customers.

• Collaborate across planning, manufacturing, and logistics to maintain predictable production and shipment performance.

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions to continuously improve delivery metrics.

Oversee Planning, Inventory & Logistics

• Direct production planning and scheduling to optimize capacity, inventory, and customer service levels.

• Ensure material availability while maintaining healthy inventory levels.

• Oversee inbound logistics, warehousing, transportation, and outbound distribution operations.

• Improve shipping accuracy, transportation efficiency, and distribution performance.

Build High-Performing Teams

• Lead, mentor, and develop a collaborative supply chain organization focused on accountability and continuous improvement.

• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, Finance, and Commercial teams to align business priorities and drive operational success.

• Foster a culture centered on execution, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.

Compliance & Business Continuity

• Maintain compliance with FDA regulations, quality standards, and all applicable industry requirements.

• Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure continuity of supply and operational resilience.

Do you qualify?

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 10+ years of progressive supply chain experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.

• Strong background leading supply chain operations within a manufacturing environment; experience in regulated industries (medical device, life sciences, pharmaceutical, or similar) is preferred.

• Demonstrated success driving cost reduction initiatives, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing on-time delivery performance.

• Expertise with ERP/MRP systems and supply chain planning tools, with the ability to leverage data for informed decision-making.

• Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities, with experience collaborating across Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, Engineering, and Commercial teams.

Work Authorization Requirement:

This position requires unrestricted authorization to work in the United States. This role is not eligible for current or future employment visa sponsorship or visa transfers.

We have amazing benefits to support you as an employee at ZEISS!

• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• 401k Matching
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Vacation and sick pay 
• The list goes on! 

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of requirements, duties, or responsibilities. The Company reserves the right to interpret, amend, or otherwise modify, in whole or in part, any job description at any time, at its sole discretion.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Zeiss provides Equal Employment Opportunity without unlawful regard to an Applicants race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizen status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (includes childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic predisposition, carrier status, gender expression or identity, including transgender identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law of the employee (or the people with whom the employee associates, including relatives and friends).