Director, Supply Chain & Instrumentation Operations in St. Paul, Minnesota at Scanlan Int'l

Scanlan International, Inc., is a medical device company specializing in the highest-quality surgical instruments. Now in our fourth generation, the Scanlan family continues its dedication to providing the best surgical instrumentation available anywhere in the world. We are seeking a Director, Supply Chain & Instrumentation Operations to join our organization and continue this commitment.

The Director, Supply Chain & Instrumentation Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for the company’s global supply chain and instrumentation support functions, including demand planning, purchasing, outsourced international manufacturing, supplier management, and instrument repair operations. The role is responsible for ensuring the reliable, cost-effective, and timely delivery of products and services that support business objectives and customer needs.

Serving as the primary liaison between the company and its external manufacturing and supply partners, the Director develops and manages key supplier relationships to ensure product availability, quality, and performance, as well as continuous improvement. This role drives operational excellence through effective supplier management, material planning, risk mitigation, process optimization, and workflow integration across the global supply chain.

The Director leads cross-functional collaboration among demand planning, purchasing, operations, quality, service, and supplier partners to align priorities, improve efficiency, and support sustainable business growth. Through strong leadership and strategic oversight, the role advances supplier performance, operational reliability, innovation, and scalability across the organization.

This position is based out of our headquarters office, south of downtown St. Paul. We welcome an on-site work environment Monday through Friday. This role reports directly to the COO and has 5+ direct reports. Occasional domestic and international travel is required.

What You’ll Do As A Director of Supply Chain & Instrumentation Operations

Supply Chain Strategy & Leadership

• Lead global supply chain operations, including demand planning, purchasing, outsourced international manufacturing, supplier management, and inventory planning.
• Develop and execute supply chain strategies that improve efficiency, optimize inventory levels, reduce costs, mitigate risk, and ensure reliable product availability.
• Collaborate with operations, finance, sales, marketing, quality, and other cross-functional teams to align supply chain activities with organizational objectives and business growth initiatives.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, and operational reporting to drive accountability, measure performance, and support data-driven decision-making.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Direct procurement activities, including supplier selection, contract negotiation, strategic sourcing, and supplier performance management.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, artisan partners, and outsourced manufacturing providers to drive quality, innovation, reliability, and long-term value creation.
• Partner with suppliers to strengthen capabilities, ensure compliance with evolving regulatory and quality standards, and support the modernization and long-term viability of small, generational artisan businesses

Inventory Planning, Logistics, Order Fulfillment & Risk Management

• Lead demand forecasting and inventory planning processes to balance supply with business requirements and minimize stockouts, excess inventory, and operational disruptions.
• Oversee transportation, distribution, and logistics activities to ensure timely, cost-effective, and reliable product delivery.
• Oversee the coordination and fulfillment of daily instrumentation orders in partnership with Traffic and Customer Service managers to ensure accurate and efficient order processing.
• Manage demo case and wet lab inventories, ensuring inventory accuracy, availability, and operational readiness.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks through proactive planning, supplier diversification, and the development of contingency strategies to maintain business continuity.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement across supply chain processes, systems, supplier networks, manufacturing operations, and repair workflows to enhance operational performance, scalability, and sustainability.
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving, root cause analysis, and corrective action initiatives to improve quality, efficiency, and overall operational effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements through effective processes, controls, and documentation.

Manufacturing Engineering Oversight

• Provide leadership and direction to manufacturing engineering resources, including oversight of time studies, workflow analysis, process improvement initiatives, and facility layout optimization to improve productivity and operational efficiency.

Instrument Repair Operations

• Lead instrument repair operations, overseeing repair workflows, internal processing, scheduling, and service delivery to ensure timely and efficient customer support.
• Establish and manage performance metrics, service targets, and quality standards for the instrumentation repair department.
• Ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and communication of repair status and operational performance.
• Maintain and continuously improve repair procedures, documentation, quality systems, and operational controls to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance.

The Experience, Skills and Abilities Required:

Education:

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

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in supply chain, procurement, manufacturing operations, logistics, or related operational functions.
• 5+ years of management experience leading teams and cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience managing complex supplier relationships, contract negotiations, and outsourced manufacturing partners.
• Experience in demand planning, inventory management, logistics, and supply chain optimization.
• Demonstrated success leading operational improvement initiatives and managing organizational change.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of supply chain management, procurement, inventory planning, logistics, and manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives while effectively managing day-to-day operations.
• Excellent supplier relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical, financial, and business acumen with the ability to utilize data, KPIs, dashboards, and performance metrics to drive decisions.
• Knowledge of quality systems, process controls, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong project management and continuous improvement skills, including root cause analysis and process optimization methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence and lead across multiple departments and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency with ERP, MRP, inventory management, and business intelligence systems.

The Experience, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

Education:

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, or related discipline.

Experience:

• Experience within medical device, scientific instrumentation, manufacturing, regulated products, or similar industries.
• Experience working with international suppliers and contract manufacturing organizations.
• Experience supporting repair, service, or aftermarket operations.
• Experience working with artisan, specialized, or highly skilled manufacturing partners.

Certifications:

• APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
• APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
• Lean Manufacturing or Lean Six Sigma Certification
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

Compensation

We are committed to equitable and transparent pay practices. The salary range for this position is $143,400 - $229,400, representing the minimum and maximum of our total compensation structure. Starting pay will typically fall between these values and is determined based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, and internal equity. Offers near the higher end of the range are reserved for candidates with exceptional qualifications.

Comprehensive Benefits Offerings

- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

- Group Life Insurance

- Short-Term Disability Insurance

- Long-Term Disability Insurance

- 401(k) Plan with Company Match

- Workers' Compensation

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

- Regular Part-Time Benefit Eligibility

- Training and Development Program

- Tuition Assistance Program

- Paid Time Off, including holidays, floating holidays, vacation, earned sick and safe time (ESST)

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel objects, tools, controls, manufacturing equipment and office equipment. The employee is frequently required to talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.

• Ability to work in office, warehouse, manufacturing, and repair environments.

• Ability to observe manufacturing and repair processes and conduct supplier site visits.

How to Apply?

Scanlan International, Inc. accepts online applications at https://www.scanlaninternational.com/contact-us/careers/

Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation to complete the Scanlan International, Inc. application process should contact Human Resources at 1.800.328.9458 or email hrteam@scanlangroup.com.

Scanlan International is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as protected veteran.

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please click the following link to view Federal and E-Verify posters: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees