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- Tasks: Lead the supply chain operations for medical devices, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Company: KARL STORZ, a global leader in medical equipment since 1945.
- Benefits: 34 days holiday, generous pension, private medical, and life assurance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by optimising supply chains for vital medical devices.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in supply chain, ideally in regulated environments; strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Office-based role in Slough with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
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 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.
We are seeking an experienced Head of Supply Chain Operations to lead our end-to-end supply chain function in the United Kingdom, ensuring the reliable, compliant, and cost-effective availability of medical devices to customers. This is a senior managerial 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:
- 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
UK Head of Supply Chain Operations in Slough employer: KARL STORZ
Contact Detail:
KARL STORZ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Head of Supply Chain Operations in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the medical devices industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching KARL STORZ and their supply chain operations. Understand their products, services, and compliance requirements. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've built high-performing teams and driven continuous improvement in your previous roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact on supply chain operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at KARL STORZ and ready to contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace UK Head of Supply Chain Operations in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of UK Head of Supply Chain Operations. Highlight your experience in supply chain management, especially in regulated environments like medical devices. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in supply chain operations and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior managerial role, we’re looking for strong leadership qualities. In your application, emphasise your experience in building high-performing teams and your ability to drive continuous improvement. Let us know how you’ve led teams to success!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at KARL STORZ
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of supply chain operations, especially within the medical devices sector. Brush up on FDA, ISO 13485, and MDR regulations, as these will be crucial in your discussions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and driving performance. Think about times when you’ve successfully managed cross-functional projects or improved processes, as this will resonate with their need for a strong leader.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategy
They’ll want to hear your thoughts on supply chain strategy and continuous improvement. Come prepared with ideas on how you would align supply chain operations with business goals and regulatory requirements.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in their operations and future plans. Inquire about their current challenges in supply chain management or how they envision digital transformation impacting their processes.