VP, Global Head of Distribution

The VP, Global Head of Distribution defines and leads the global distribution strategy and execution across all regions. The role has end-to-end accountability for distribution centers, transportation, logistics partners, inventory deployment, customer fulfillment, network performance, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, resilience, and scalability.

Key responsibilities include setting the global distribution vision, strategy, standards, governance processes, operating models, and multi-year roadmap. The role leads the development and transformation of the distribution network, including automation, digitalization, AI-enabled planning, end-to-end visibility, risk mitigation, business continuity, and supply chain resilience initiatives.

The position oversees regional distribution centers and logistics hubs, warehousing, transportation, inventory deployment, and fulfillment processes. It establishes KPI and performance management mechanisms, improves service, quality, productivity, and cost performance, and leads network optimization and continuous improvement. The role also works with regional and commercial organizations to improve customer fulfillment, delivery performance, responsiveness, customer experience, and scalable support for business growth.

Distribution operations must comply with applicable medical device regulations, Good Distribution Practices, and relevant quality standards. The role partners with Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs to maintain audit readiness, implement corrective and preventive actions, and manage distribution-related governance requirements.

Responsibilities also include managing third-party logistics and transportation providers, conducting supplier performance reviews, overseeing logistics service agreements, optimizing transportation networks, owning distribution budgets and logistics spending, planning network investments, developing business cases, and supporting inventory, working capital, cash flow, productivity, and cost improvement initiatives.

The role builds and leads a global distribution organization, develops leadership capability and succession plans, and leads regional distribution leaders across the Americas, EMEA, Japan, and APAC. It collaborates with Global Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Procurement, Planning, Commercial, Finance, Quality, Regulatory, and IT leaders and supports mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and integration activities.

A bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline is required. Significant experience leading global distribution operations in MedTech, Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, or another regulated industry is essential, as is experience developing global distribution strategies, managing large multi-region networks, managing significant operational budgets, and leading complex international teams and organizational change. Outstanding English communication skills are required. A master’s degree or MBA, experience with FDA, MDR, ISO 13485, Good Distribution Practices, warehouse automation, digital supply chain solutions, analytics platforms, or supply chain and Lean certifications are preferred.

This is a regular full-time position with a three-month probationary period. Working hours are 8:45–17:30 with a 45-minute break, and a flextime system without core hours is available unless hired as a manager. Reduced-hours work, telework, and overtime work are available. The position is based at the Global Headquarters in Hachioji, Tokyo; work may also include telework, the Shinjuku Satellite Office, the Utsugi business site, and shared offices. Annual holidays are 129 days, with 20 days of annual paid leave. Commuting and work-from-home allowances, social insurance, and defined benefit and defined contribution corporate pensions are provided.