About Us:
How many companies can say they have been in business for over 178 years?!
Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the ever-changing environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team!
This position is located in the Dublin, CA office
What’s the role?
We are seeking a Planning Manager who is also qualified to serve as a Pharmaceutical Designated Representative (DR) to oversee regulatory licensing and ensure full compliance with federal and state requirements, including California Board of Pharmacy and FDA regulations. This is an Individual Contributor role in which the manager functions as the organization’s subject matter expert for compliance matters related to the purchasing, storage, handling, and distribution of prescription medical devices within licensed facilities for Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc. (CZMI). As a California State Board of Pharmacy–licensed DR, this individual will work closely with Regulatory Affairs to apply for, maintain, and support CZMI’s wholesaler licensing activities; strengthen compliance programs; conduct audits; manage pharmaceutical regulatory risks; and ensure all supply chain operations adhere to legal, ethical, and quality standards. On the planning side, the manager is responsible for assigned products throughout the entire lifecycle—from new product introduction (NPI) to end‑of‑life (EOL). Key responsibilities include ensuring optimal product availability through effective demand, supply, inventory, and purchasing management. The role also contributes to cross‑functional planning initiatives, driving process improvements, implementing scalable solutions to complex operational challenges, and supporting long‑term regional and global transformation projects as needed.
Sound Interesting?
Here’s what you’ll do:
Pharmacy Designated Representative (DR)
Responsible for ensuring full compliance with state and federal regulations for wholesale distribution of prescription drugs and medical devices. Serves as the primary regulatory liaison and oversees licensing, audits, documentation, and operational compliance activities.
Prepare the Logistics/Distribution Manager through the certification process to become the 2nd DR
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure facility compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, including the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA).
Manage timely submission of initial, renewal, and modification license applications for the State of California and additional states/territories as required.
Serve as the Designated Representative-in-Charge (DRIC), maintaining ongoing compliance with all state licensing requirements.
Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies during audits, inspections, and compliance reviews.
Lead compliance preparation for pharmaceutical expansion initiatives (e.g., transition from device to drug distribution).
Monitor regulatory changes and update internal policies, procedures, and training materials accordingly.
Oversee compliant handling, storage, and distribution of pharmaceuticals.
Policy Development & Implementation
Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive compliance policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Ensure facility operations and personnel adhere to all regulatory and procedural requirements.
Audits & Inspections
Serve as the company liaison during regulatory audits and state board of pharmacy inspections.
Prepare the organization for inspections and oversee corrective actions in response to findings or observations.
Risk Management
Identify compliance risks and implement strategies to mitigate them.
Build scalable compliance frameworks, workflows, and SOPs aligned with company growth and regulatory complexity.
Reporting & Documentation
Maintain accurate documentation and records for all drug transactions.
Prepare and deliver compliance reports to senior leaders and regulatory authorities.
Identify and recommend system enhancements to improve tracking of licenses, agreements, and inventory compliance.
Demand Planning
Ensure finished product availability at the distribution center to achieve targeted customer service levels in alignment with established rules and processes.
Develop accurate demand plans by leveraging historical data, statistical forecasting models, market trends, business strategies, and sales field insights.
Lead and manage the end‑to‑end demand forecasting process.
Monitor demand KPIs, conduct root cause analysis, and adjust forecasts to improve accuracy and service levels.
Prepare and facilitate regional demand consensus meetings with Sales and Marketing stakeholders.
Supply & Inventory Planning
Manage supply and inventory planning to optimize stock levels by balancing customer backorder risk, working capital constraints, and scrap exposure.
Maintain and manage inventory within the ERP system.
Monitor inventory health, including stock levels, shortages, excess, and obsolescence; execute corrective actions to reduce E&O.
Ensure supply–demand alignment to support product availability while minimizing waste.
Supply Purchasing
Manage replenishment supply plans and communicate requirements to suppliers and manufacturing sites.
Create and manage purchase orders to ensure timely and cost‑effective fulfillment.
Generate manual ASNs for inbound deliveries when required.
Lead resolution of delivery issues by coordinating with internal and external partners.
Track supplier and manufacturing site performance related to on time delivery, quality, service levels, and pricing commitments.
Prepare and lead supply requirements meetings to establish realistic delivery commitments.
Supply Chain Planning & Continuous Improvement
Set up planning master data in ERP systems for new products according to established checklists.
Measure and report key performance metrics such as forecast accuracy, inventory turns, and scrap risk.
Support product phase‑in/phase‑out projects to ensure smooth transitions.
Develop process documentation, including procedures and work instructions for new workflows.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain planning scope.
Do you qualify?
Minimum three (3) years of Pharmacy Technician experience.
Candidates in an equivalent role may qualify if able to meet all requirements to obtain a California Designated Representative License would be considered.
Minimum of 3 years of paid work experience, with at least one year of paid work experience in the past three years, related to the distribution or dispensing of dangerous drugs or dangerous devices in a licensed pharmacy, drug wholesaler, drug distributor, or drug manufacturer.
Minimum of 3 years of paid work experience in regulatory compliance, quality assurance, or a related role within the medical industry.
Pharmacy Technicians must successfully complete a training program compliant with California Business and Professions Code within 60 days of onboarding.
Meet all DR requirements and apply Pharma Wholesaler CA Licensing within 90 days onboarding.
Live Scan fingerprinting is required as part of the application and background check process.
Minimum three (3) years of Demand supply planning, or facility operations experience.
The annual pay for this position is $75,000 - $93,800.
The pay offered for this role may be influenced by factors such as job location, scope of role, qualifications, education, experience, & complexity/specialization/scarcity of talent.
This position is eligible for a Performance Bonus.
We have amazing benefits to support you as an employee at ZEISS!
Medical
Vision
Dental
401k Matching
Employee Assistance Programs
Vacation and sick pay
The list goes on!
Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:
Tina EilermanZeiss provides Equal Employment Opportunity without unlawful regard to an Applicants race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizen status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (includes childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic predisposition, carrier status, gender expression or identity, including transgender identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law of the employee (or the people with whom the employee associates, including relatives and friends).