Overview In this role you will manage end-to-end purchasing and material planning for OR1 production and service across North America, ensuring supply continuity and cost efficiency. You will work cross-functionally to optimize inventory, lead times, and supplier performance while mitigating risks. Your efforts will support engineering changes, EOL/EOS activities, and service parts availability, helping KARL STORZ enable connected, software-enabled operating rooms. You will mentor peers and drive continuous improvement in planning accuracy and supplier collaboration. This is a hands-on, impact-focused role within a global MedTech supply chain.
Responsibilities- End-to-end PO cycle management for assigned suppliers and materials in SAP
- Lead short- and long-term material planning including forecasting and safety stock
- Analyze shortages, backorders, inventory turns, and obsolescence to mitigate risks
- Expedite/de-expedite based on demand and supplier capacity
- Support EOL/EOS, engineering changes, and last-time-buy decisions
- Collaborate with Field Service to ensure availability of service parts and equipment
- Serve as senior contact for suppliers addressing delivery, quality, and commercial issues
- Evaluate supplier performance and drive improvement plans
- Lead or support RFQs/RFIs, price analysis, and cost-reduction efforts
- Improve total landed cost while preserving supply continuity and quality
- Lead supplier onboarding and ongoing supplier management
- Coordinate handoffs with Project and Strategic Buyers for new/changed materials
- Generate reports on backorders, supply risks, and supplier performance
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives in planning, data quality, and processes
- Mentor Buyers and Associates as a knowledge resource
Key requirements- Bachelor's degree in a related discipline or equivalent experience
- 5+ years in operational purchasing, planning, or a similar manufacturing/service environment
- Strong SAP or ERP/MRP experience including PO management and inventory analysis
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Problem-solving and proactive risk management
- Mentorship and guidance to junior staff
- SAP or comparable ERP/MRP proficiency
- Inventory analytics and forecasting
- Demand and supply planning
