By Jenna Hughes
For Kirsten Zeman, Senior Manager of Inventory Management and Profit at Henry Schein, no two days are exactly alike. “My typical day includes collaboration with our internal teams, suppliers, distribution centers and sales teams to address supply challenges and identify opportunities to better serve our customers.”
Zeman leads a team responsible for demand forecasting, supply planning, supplier relationships, inventory strategies, improving processes and product availability across tens of thousands of stock-keeping units (SKUs).
“In my role, I make sure that the right products are available at the right distribution center at the right time,” said Zeman. “Knowing that healthcare providers rely on us to have the products they need is incredibly motivating.”
Zeman’s drive within the workplace is also drawn from life experience – as a caregiver for her husband at home, she said she has learned a lot about the importance of advocacy and resilience.
“My experiences keep me grounded and reinforce the importance of empathy and making a positive impact – both within Henry Schein and in the communities we serve,” said Zeman. “Whether it’s securing critical products during a shortage, launching new items or improving supply chain efficiency, our work makes a difference every day.”
Zeman also draws on her background in the retail and manufacturing industries, which gave her a strong foundation in her current role for navigating complex supply chain challenges. “These experiences taught me how to adapt, solve problems and lead through change, all of which have been invaluable to help us support our customers and deliver reliable service in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.”
The COVID-19 pandemic was a defining moment for Zeman and her team, highlighting that the ability to remain calm under pressure is critical in a constantly changing healthcare environment.
“You learn very quickly in this career to expect the unexpected,” said Zeman. “Seeing the importance of every mask, glove, syringe, and piece of protective equipment reinforced how directly supply chain impacts patient care. It was a powerful reminder that behind every product is a patient, provider or caregiver depending on us to do our jobs well.”
She says that ongoing success in the fast-paced healthcare supply chain industry requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, communication and collaboration; and she’s been consistently motivated by these qualities within her team.
“I am motivated each day by my team. Seeing their dedication, resilience and willingness to work together inspires me to keep pushing forward and find solutions, even when the path isn’t immediately clear,” said Zeman. “Staying informed and prepared helps us respond quickly and continue supporting our customers.”