Supply Chain Team Lead

Duke University Health System; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University Health System at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, seeks a Supply Chain Leader to direct day-to-day activities of Supply Chain Associates and manage inventory and PAR processes across receiving, warehousing, and clinical areas.

This role focuses on process improvements, performance management, and building strong relationships with nursing floors, OR staff, and Procurement to ensure efficient patient care.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED; postsecondary education preferred.
• 3+ years in distribution or logistics; supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong communication and customer-service orientation.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical duties.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day activities of Supply Chain Associates (Levels 1 & 2).
• Plan and optimize staff scheduling and assignments for stockroom, warehouse, and receiving.
• Mentor staff and oversee performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with nursing floors, OR staff, SCMIS, and Procurement to ensure inventory accuracy.
• Identify process improvements and ensure safety protocols.

Skills

Materials management

Change leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma/G.E.D.

Postsecondary education in logistics or related field

Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Working Hours

Monday-Friday

8:30am-5:00pm

Occupational Summary

Directly responsible for leading all day-to-day activities of the Supply Chain Associates (Levels 1 & 2). This role focuses on process improvements, relationship building, establishing and monitoring performance expectations, and maintaining team morale while working cooperatively to achieve Duke University Health System's organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Daily Leadership: Direct and lead all day-to-day activities of Supply Chain Associates (Levels 1 & 2), working alongside the team and leading by example with little to no supervision.
• Staff Scheduling & Optimization: Plan, distribute, and manage daily work assignments for stockroom, warehouse, or receiving/dock personnel to maximize shift efficiency. Manage staff attendance (including document tardiness and PTO in API).
• Mentorship & Training: Serve as a preceptor to coach, teach, and mentor new and existing employees.
• Performance Management: Monitor performance standards, provide input for performance evaluations and hiring, assist with EJRs (Employee Job Requisitions/Reviews), and administer corrective action when necessary.

Supply Chain & Inventory Operations

• Advanced Operations: Perform all Level 1 and 2 Supply Chain Associate job functions at an advanced level across assigned areas (receiving/dock, JIT/LUM inventory for Pyxis stations, PAR areas, warehouse, STAT room, and procedural areas).
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement departmental enhancements, including safety protocols, process flows, shelf-spacing optimization, FIFO rotations, cleaning schedules, and metric tracking/analysis.
• Inventory & Receiving: Review MRP orders to ensure appropriate inventory levels. Lead the handling of incoming/outgoing shipments, ensure proper Goods Receipts entry, verify merchandise, and resolve shortages, overstocks, or damaged goods.
• Quality Control: Review storage locations routinely to ensure proper placement and rotation of time-sensitive items.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Customer Service

• Subject Matter Expert (SME): Act as the primary SME and single point of contact for customer supply chain needs.
• Clinical Partnership: Work closely with nursing floors and OR staff to perform PAR maintenance and adjustments alongside the Supply Chain Management Information Systems (SCMIS) team.
• Procurement Coordination: Partner with Procurement to manage backorders, track product conversions, and proactively communicate statuses to clinical staff and customers.
• Issue Resolution: Meet regularly with department personnel, supply chain leadership, and customers to resolve operational issues and promote efficient patient care.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Professional Attributes

• Comprehensive knowledge of automated materials management functions.
• Strong ability to introduce change, implement new programs, and lead by example.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills with a proactive, customer-based philosophy.
• Strong interpersonal skills to foster relationships and resolve customer needs effectively.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to exert 20 to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, 10 to 25 lbs. frequently, and up to 10 lbs. constantly to move objects.
• Ability to push/pull unloaded and loaded supply carts requiring up to 100 lbs. of exertional force daily.
• Frequent reaching, lifting, stooping, and bending.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma/G.E.D. is required.
• Preferred: Postsecondary education in logistics, supply chain, business, accounting, finance, or a related field. (Note: One year of relevant education may offset one year of the required experience).

Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in distribution, warehousing, shipping, receiving, logistics, material handling, customer service, inventory control, or a comparable service line is required.
• Preferred: Experience leading, supervising, and/or mentoring staff is highly preferred.

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

• Valid Driver's License may be required.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.