(Upon commencement of employment)
【PURPOSE/SUMMARY】
To define and lead Olympus' global distribution strategy and execution across all regions, ensuring world-class customer service, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, resilience, and scalability.
The role is accountable for the end-to-end performance of the global distribution network including distribution centers, transportation, logistics partners, inventory deployment, and customer fulfillment operations. The incumbent will drive the transformation of Olympus' distribution network to support sustainable growth, enhance customer experience, strengthen business continuity, and optimize total supply chain costs.
The position works closely with Global Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Commercial, Quality & Regulatory Affairs, Finance, IT, and regional leadership teams to establish an integrated and future-ready distribution network that supports Olympus' strategic ambitions globally.
The job is conducted in line with our Core Values which are: Patient Focus, Integrity, Innovation, Impact and Empathy
【PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES】
Strategic Leadership
・Define and execute the global distribution vision, strategy, and multi-year roadmap in alignment with Olympus business objectives.
・Lead the development of a globally optimized distribution network supporting customer, market, and growth requirements.
・Establish global standards, governance processes, and operating models for distribution operations.
・Drive network transformation initiatives including automation, digitalization, AI-enabled planning, and end-to-end visibility solutions.
・Ensure distribution strategies support business continuity, risk mitigation, and supply chain resilience objectives.
Global Distribution Operations
・Lead and oversee all global distribution activities across regional distribution centers and logistics hubs.
・Ensure consistent execution of warehousing, transportation, inventory deployment, and customer fulfillment processes.
・Drive operational excellence through standardized processes, KPI management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
・Monitor and improve service, quality, productivity, and cost performance across the distribution network.
・Establish robust performance management and governance mechanisms across all regions.
・Global accountability for all Olympus distribution operations and logistics networks.
・Responsibility for customer fulfillment performance, network optimization, and distribution transformation initiatives.
・Responsibility for customer fulfillment performance, network optimization, and distribution transformation initiatives.
Customer Service & Commercial Support
・Ensure best-in-class customer fulfillment performance through effective service and delivery strategies.
・Partner with Regional and Commercial organizations to understand evolving customer requirements and market expectations.
・Drive improvements in customer experience through enhanced delivery performance, responsiveness, and network capability.
・Support business growth initiatives through scalable distribution solutions.
Quality, Regulatory & Compliance
・Ensure all distribution operations comply with applicable medical device regulations, Good Distribution Practices (GDP), and relevant quality standards.
・Partner closely with Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs to maintain audit readiness and compliance.
・Ensure corrective and preventive actions are effectively implemented where required.
・Establish and maintain robust governance processes for distribution-related compliance requirements.
Logistics & External Partner Management
・Develop and manage strategic relationships with third-party logistics providers, transportation providers, and other external partners.
・Lead supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement activities.
・Negotiate and oversee logistics service agreements to ensure service excellence and value realization.
・Drive optimization of transportation networks and logistics service models globally.
Financial & Business Performance
・Own global distribution budgets, logistics spend, and network investment planning.
・Deliver productivity improvements and sustainable cost optimization initiatives.
・Develop business cases supporting network enhancements, automation investments, and strategic transformation programs.
・Contribute to inventory, working capital, and cash flow improvement initiatives across the supply chain.
・Ownership of global logistics and distribution expenditures.
Leadership & Talent Development
・Build and lead a high-performing global distribution organization.
・Develop leadership capability, succession plans, and organizational effectiveness within the distribution function.
・Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement.
・Lead and inspire regional distribution leaders to achieve enterprise objectives and strategic priorities.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
・Partner with Global Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Procurement, Planning, Commercial, Finance, Quality, Regulatory, and IT leaders to improve end-to-end supply chain performance.
・Represent Distribution within global executive and supply chain governance forums.
・Support mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and business integration activities as required.
・Lead global cross-functional initiatives to strengthen supply chain performance and customer satisfaction.
【SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES】
・Leadership of regional distribution organizations across the Americas, EMEA, Japan, and APAC.
（Scope of change）
Business as defined by the company
【COMPETENCIES】
Thought:
・Strategic mindset: Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.
・Business mindset: Applying knowledge of the business to advance the organization.
・Customer focus: Having a clear customer focus (internal: MS, external: patients)
・Financial acumen: Understanding of key financial and performance indicators to better drive business.
・Global Perspective: Taking a broad view when approaching issues and making decisions
・Making complex decisions: Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward
・Balances stakeholders: Anticipating and balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders
・Cultivates innovation: Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
Results:
・Action-oriented: Taking ownership of topics and getting work done
・Work optimization: Plans and executes work with a focus on continuous improvement
・Drives results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
People:
・Collaborates: Build partnerships, and work collaboratively to meet shared objectives
・Drives engagement: Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.
・Builds effective teams: Build a global team that strive to achieve common business goals
・Develop Talent: Developing people to meet both their career goals and the organization’s goals.
Self:
・Situational adaptability: Adapt approach and behaviour in real-time to match the changing demands of different situations.
・Self-development: actively looking for ways to learn and grow
・Leading Courageously: Takes personal ownership on important issues to do what is right and achieve organizational success and supports others who do so. Challenge decisions where appropriate.
【MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS】
Education:
・Minimum requirements are a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study
・Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, Business Administration, or related discipline.
Essential
・Significant experience leading global distribution operations in MedTech, Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, or similarly regulated industries.
・Proven track record in developing and implementing global distribution strategies and network transformations.
・Experience managing large-scale distribution networks across multiple regions.
・Strong financial and commercial acumen with experience managing significant operational budgets.
・Demonstrated success leading large, complex international teams and organizational change initiatives.
・Outstanding English communication skill
Preferred
・Master's Degree and/or MBA.
・Experience with medical device regulatory environments including FDA, MDR, ISO 13485, and Good Distribution Practices.
・Experience with advanced distribution technologies, warehouse automation, digital supply chain solutions, and analytics platforms.
・Certification in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operational Excellence, or Lean methodologies.
Other Considerations:
・Confident interaction with people from different cultures
・Expected to schedule meetings that work for multiple time zones
・Willingness to travel
【Inclusivity】
We are deeply committed to fostering a respectful, fair, and welcoming workplace for all individuals, perspectives, and lifestyles. We believe in fostering a non-discriminatory, inclusive work environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging, in full compliance with legal standards. Empathy and unity are core to our company culture, empowering employees to contribute fully and flourish. We warmly encourage all who wish to bring their talents to Olympus to apply.
【Employment type】
Regular full-time employee (3-month probationary period; no change to terms and conditions during probation)
【Working hours】
8:45-17:30 (break: 45 minutes)
Standard working hours: 8 hours
Flextime system available / no core time (not applicable if hired as a manager)
Reduced-hours work system, telework, and overtime work available
Working hours may be changed depending on business needs
【Holidays & leave】
Annual holidays: 129 days (according to company calendar)
Paid leave: 20 days of annual paid leave granted
For other systems and details, please see:
https://www.olympus.co.jp/csr/social/inclusion/japan/?page=csr
https://www.olympus.co.jp/csr/social/health-management/?page=csr
【Allowances / programs】
Commuting allowance, work-from-home allowance, etc.
Social insurance provided (employment insurance, health insurance, welfare pension, long-term care insurance, workers’ compensation insurance)
Defined benefit corporate pension, defined contribution pension
【Welfare benefits】
The listed welfare benefits are subject to various rules and conditions.
For details, please see:
https://www.olympus.co.jp/recruit/workstyle/benefit/
https://www.olympus.co.jp/csr/social/health-management/?page=csr
(Upon commencement of employment)
■ Global Headquarters (2951 Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji, Tokyo)
Work locations may include telework (home), the Shinjuku Satellite Office, the Utsugi business site, shared offices (off-site), etc.
The employment contract will be concluded at Global Headquarters.
[Measures against passive smoking] Smoking is prohibited on company premises.
(Scope of change)
Locations designated by the company (including places where telework is performed).
