Role Overview for Chief Global Operations Officer – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners is proud to conduct an exclusive executive search for a visionary and results-driven Chief Global Operations Officer (CGOO) on behalf of our client, a pioneering leader in the medical device industry. Based in the vibrant life sciences hub of San Diego, CA, this is a career-defining opportunity to join a company at the forefront of medical innovation, dedicated to improving patient outcomes worldwide. The CGOO will serve as a critical member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This individual will be entrusted with the monumental task of steering the company’s entire global operations, encompassing manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, quality assurance, and facilities management.
The ideal candidate is a strategic mastermind with a deep-seated understanding of the complexities of the medical device sector and a proven track record of scaling operations for sustainable, profitable growth. You will be the architect of our client’s operational future, responsible for building a world-class, efficient, and compliant global infrastructure that supports rapid product development, commercialization, and international expansion. This role demands a leader who can balance strategic foresight with hands-on execution, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and excellence across a diverse, international team.
Your leadership will directly impact the company’s ability to deliver life-changing products to patients and healthcare providers around the globe, ensuring the highest standards of quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. This is more than a job; it is a mission to shape the operational backbone of a company that is making a tangible difference in the world.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Global Operations Officer – San Diego, CA
The Chief Global Operations Officer will assume comprehensive responsibility for the strategic direction and tactical execution of all operational functions. Your mandate will be broad and your impact profound. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership & Execution
Develop and implement a cohesive global operations strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term goals. Translate strategic plans into actionable, tactical initiatives, driving execution across all operational departments to achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) related to quality, cost, and delivery.
Global Manufacturing Oversight
Direct all aspects of global manufacturing across multiple sites, including production planning, process engineering, and capacity management. Ensure that manufacturing processes are optimized for efficiency, scalability, and compliance with all regulatory standards. Champion the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and methodologies.
Supply Chain & Logistics Mastery
Architect and manage a resilient, agile, and cost-effective global supply chain. Oversee procurement, strategic sourcing, inventory management, warehousing, and global logistics to ensure an uninterrupted flow of materials and finished goods. Develop robust relationships with key suppliers and partners worldwide.
Quality & Regulatory Compliance
Uphold an uncompromising commitment to quality. Lead the global Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) functions, ensuring strict adherence to company policies and international regulatory requirements, including FDA regulations, ISO 13485, and other relevant standards. Drive a culture where quality is a shared responsibility.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Spearhead initiatives aimed at achieving operational excellence. Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to eliminate waste, enhance productivity, and reduce costs throughout the value chain. Foster a data-driven culture of problem-solving and innovation.
Financial & P&L Management
Develop and manage the global operations budget, with full P&L responsibility for your departments. Drive cost-saving initiatives and optimize resource allocation to maximize profitability without compromising quality or safety. Provide accurate forecasting and reporting to the executive team and board.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, geographically dispersed team of operations professionals. Cultivate a high-performance, collaborative culture. Focus on talent development, succession planning, and building organizational capability to support future growth.
Global Facilities & Expansion
Oversee the management of all global facilities, including manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and offices. Lead site selection, facility design, and expansion projects to support the company’s strategic growth initiatives.
Risk Management
Identify potential operational risks and develop comprehensive mitigation and business continuity plans to ensure operational resilience and protect the company’s assets and reputation.
Requirements for the Chief Global Operations Officer – San Diego, CA
We are seeking a seasoned executive with a distinguished career in medical device operations. The successful candidate will possess a unique blend of strategic acumen, technical expertise, and inspirational leadership. Specific qualifications include:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP of Operations, SVP of Operations, COO) within the medical device, life sciences, or a similarly regulated industry.
Industry-Specific Knowledge
Deep and demonstrable expertise in the medical device industry is essential. This includes a thorough understanding of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), QMS (Quality Management Systems), ISO 13485, and FDA 21 CFR Part 820.
Global Leadership
Proven experience managing complex, multi-site, and multi-national operations. A track record of successfully leading teams across different cultures and time zones is required.
Financial Acumen
Strong command of financial principles, including budgeting, P&L management, and cost accounting. Experience developing and executing multi-million dollar operational budgets.
Strategic Thinker
Demonstrated ability to think strategically, anticipate future trends, and translate vision into tangible operational results. Experience in strategic planning and execution is critical.
Technical Proficiency
In-depth knowledge of modern manufacturing processes, supply chain management systems, ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma). Black Belt certification is a plus.
Exceptional Communication Skills
Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. The ability to articulate a clear vision and influence stakeholders at all levels, from the factory floor to the boardroom.
Leadership Qualities
A decisive, ethical, and motivational leader with a history of building and developing high-performing teams. Must be a collaborative team player who can work effectively across functions.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent. They offer a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, designed to reward success and support the well-being of their leaders and their families. The package includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a substantial long-term equity incentive package (stock options/RSUs).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. Robust wellness programs, including health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), and employee assistance programs (EAP).
Retirement Planning
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company matching contribution to help you secure your financial future.
Paid Time Off
A generous and flexible paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and numerous paid company holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to facilitate a smooth transition to the San Diego area.
Professional Development
A commitment to your continued growth, including access to executive coaching, industry conferences, and further educational opportunities.
Additional Perks
Other benefits include life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and potential for a company car allowance.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. To express your interest in this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and vision for this role. We are committed to a confidential and thorough review of all applications. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly by one of our senior executive recruiters for an initial discussion. We encourage you to learn more about our specialized recruitment expertise by visiting the JRG Partners’ Medical Device executive search practice page. We look forward to exploring your candidacy for this transformative leadership position.
