Avenue 45 · 1 day ago
Head of Supply Chain - Start up exp.
United States
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$180K/yr - $220K/yr
10+ years expAvenue 45 is a well-funded, fast-growing diagnostics startup seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of Supply Chain to build and lead end-to-end supply chain operations. The role requires deep experience in supply chain management, particularly within the medical device, diagnostics, or biotech sectors, and a proven ability to scale processes and drive cross-functional initiatives.
Staffing & Recruiting
Hiring Manager
Rachel Steffens
Responsibilities
Develop and execute strategic supply chain initiatives that support growth, new product introduction (NPI), and operational excellence objectives
Oversee supplier sourcing, contract negotiations, and supplier performance management for NPI and ongoing production, including authoring and managing supplier-related change controls
Establish and manage master data and systems (e.g., MISys) to support new product development, design transfer, and ongoing manufacturing needs
Lead planning and execution of prototype procurement and assembly, collaborating with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery
Drive continuous improvement by defining and implementing enhancements to supply chain processes, leveraging data and best practices to increase efficiency, quality, and compliance
Responsible for achieving target CoGs for consumable and instrument products through a combination of sourcing, procurement and inventory strategies
Develop and maintain inventory strategies, ensuring optimal levels of raw materials, components, and finished goods to support production and minimize carrying costs
Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, conducting performance evaluations, managing lead times, and resolving quality, delivery, or pricing issues
Coordinate demand planning, production scheduling, and capacity planning in collaboration with internal teams to maximize resource utilization and meet business goals
Ensure regulatory compliance and audit readiness by maintaining accurate documentation, managing change controls, and working closely with QA and compliance teams
Implement warehousing and logistics operations, including inbound/outbound freight, warehouse and inventory setup and management
Mentor and develop supply chain team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning
Act as a key partner to R&D, manufacturing, and commercial teams to ensure supply chain strategies align with product and business objectives
Qualification
Required
Must have true startup experience. Experience at an enterprise company launching a new product or division does not qualify
Startup experience is required. This must be experience at an actual startup environment—not within a large enterprise creating a new product or business unit
Must have experience in a Startup company (helping them with 0 / 1 to Production to commercialization)
Experience scaling supply chain operations across both enterprise and startup environments
Demonstrated success managing cross-functional initiatives, suppliers, CDMOs, and global operations
A strategic and hands-on supply chain leader with a passion for establishing and building end-to-end supply chain operations in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
Deep experience in supply chain management within the medical device, diagnostics, or Biotech with a proven ability to scale processes, drive cross-functional initiatives, and deliver results
Bachelor's degree; advanced degree preferred
10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain management, with a focus on medical devices, diagnostics, or Biotechnology
Must have Industry experience: Life Sciences, Medical Device, Biotech, diagnostics
Min 4 years of Management with at least 7 – 10 direct reports
Experience with Rapid Scale Up in a startup environment and/or as Enterprise level
Experience with complex consumables and Instruments
Exceptional organizational and leadership abilities. Strong communication skills for effective debate, persuasion, and collaboration
Experience managing teams, hands on managers, grow, mentor, coach and guide
Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, supplier and inventory management, planning, logistics and distribution and NPI activities in a regulated environment
Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (MISys or similar), inventory management, and production planning
Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and drive process improvements
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization
Experience with regulatory compliance (FDA, ISO 13485, GMP) and audit preparedness
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities
Preferred
Experience launching new products and supporting design transfer in a medical device or diagnostics setting
Background in managing CDMOs and outsourced manufacturing
Previous experience with selecting and implementing scaleable ERP systems
Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
Proficiency with advanced analytics, KPI dashboards, and supply chain digitalization
Experience managing global supply chains and third-party logistics partners
Nice to have Experience with supply chain / manufacturing of IVD Devices (IVD = In Vitro Diagnostics)
Experience with Enterprise level and start up with in Diagnostics, or medical devices
Benefits
Benefits
RSUs
Travel is paid for
Company
Avenue 45
Avenue 45 | Rachel Steffens, President – S-Corp | Senior Technical Recruiter | Freelance & Contract I am an experienced Senior Technical Recruiter specializing in freelance and contract recruitment, partnering with multiple clients and consulting firms to deliver top talent solutions.
0-1 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase