What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead, Logistics Center Customer Returns position at KARL STORZ?
Location: Logistics Center | Schedule: Full‑Time | Overtime as Needed
Make an Impact Where Quality, Leadership, and Continuous Improvement Meet
At KARL STORZ, precision, quality, and teamwork drive everything we do. We are looking for a Logistics Center Customer Returns Lead—a hands‑on team leader who thrives in fast‑paced operations, leads by example, and is passionate about process excellence and continuous improvement.
This role is ideal for a motivated logistics professional who enjoys working alongside their team, driving daily results, and serving as a subject‑matter expert in customer returns operations.
What You’ll Do
As a Customer Returns Lead, you’ll partner closely with the Customer Returns Supervisor to guide daily workflow, support team performance, and ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and execute daily workflow to meet department throughput and SLA targets
- Perform daily standard work, labor planning participation, and reporting
- Serve as a hands‑on leader, completing all department functions as needed
- Set daily team goals and contribute directly to daily productivity
- Act as backup to the Supervisor for work allocation and team coordination
- Train associates and maintain the department Training Matrix
- Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for KSEA Customer Return processes
- Coordinate expedite requests and resolve receiving discrepancies
- Support receiving and processing through SAP/WMS systems
- Perform and oversee decontamination of medical equipment per company policy
- Ensure compliance with Quality Management System (QMS) and audit programs
- Actively lead and participate in LEAN and Continuous Improvement initiatives, including:
- 5S
- Idea Board / Voice of the Customer (VOC)
- Audits and visual control systems
- Cross‑train with upstream and downstream partners
- Support safety inspections and adherence to KARL STORZ safety standards
- Assist with departmental projects and other duties as assigned
How Success Is Measured
Performance in this role is measured through key operational and quality KPIs, including:
- VOC and Idea Board participation and alignment
- Audit quality levels
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
- Daily work‑in‑process (WIP) carryover
- Safety inspection results
What You Bring
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities in a team‑based environment
- Strong attention to detail with a commitment to quality and safety
- Ability to motivate others and foster a positive, continuous‑improvement culture
- Effective communication skills across multiple organizational levels
- Working knowledge or aptitude with Microsoft Office
- Flexibility to work overtime with minimal notice
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Previous personnel management or team‑lead experience
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
- SAP, WMS, or TS system experience
- Central Service Technician Certification
- Knowledge of decontamination processes, equipment, and agents
- Experience handling HazMat and biohazard materials
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Frequent movement including standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and packing
- Frequent lifting up to 25 lbs; occasional lifting of 30–75 lbs with assistance
- Occasional pushing/pulling of carts up to 320 lbs with assistance
- Use of pallet jacks, warehouse ladders, and standard office equipment
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic logistics environment
Why Join KARL STORZ?
- Be part of a global medical technology leader
- Work in a culture driven by quality, safety, and continuous improvement
- Opportunities to develop leadership skills and process‑improvement expertise
- Make a meaningful impact supporting life‑saving medical devices
MA Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Eligible Employee Benefits
- Medical / Dental / Vision including a state-of-the-art wellness program and pet insurance, too!
- 3 weeks vacation, 11 holidays plus paid sick time
- Up to 8 weeks of 100% paid company parental leave; includes maternal/ paternal leave, adoption, and fostering of a child.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan providing a match of 60% of the employee’s first 6% contribution (up to IRS limits)
- Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life, STD, LTD & LTC Insurance
- We prepay your tuition up to $5,250 per year! - Tuition pre-imbursement
- Fitness reimbursement of up to $200 annually
- And much more!
KARL STORZ reserves the right to change or modify the employee’s job description whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship. Additionally, KARL STORZ, through its supervisors, may require an employee to perform duties outside their normal description within the sole discretion of the supervisor. Employees must comply will all applicable KARL STORZ policies and procedures.
KARL STORZ is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills and unique experiences. To achieve this goal, we are committed to diverse voices, and all applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. KARL STORZ is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations during our recruitment process. Should you need assistance or accommodation please email us at taoperations@karlstorz.com.
Get in Contact
Nearest Major Market: Worcester
Salary : $200 - $5,250