JRG Partners is proud to announce an exclusive executive search for a transformative Chief Global Operations Officer (CGOO) on behalf of our client, a pioneering leader in the medical device industry. This is a career-defining opportunity to join the C-suite of a rapidly growing, mission-driven organization at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Based in the vibrant life sciences hub of Cambridge, MA, the CGOO will be instrumental in scaling the company’s global operational capabilities, ensuring that life-changing medical technologies reach patients worldwide with unparalleled quality and efficiency. Our client is renowned for its commitment to research, development, and patient outcomes, and they are seeking an executive leader who shares this passion and possesses the strategic vision to guide their global operations through the next phase of significant growth and market expansion.
Role Overview for Chief Global Operations Officer – Cambridge, MA
The Chief Global Operations Officer is a critical executive leadership role, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key member of the executive team. This individual will hold ultimate responsibility for the strategic direction and execution of the company’s entire global operations, encompassing manufacturing, supply chain management, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and logistics. The CGOO will be the architect of a scalable, efficient, and resilient operational infrastructure capable of supporting aggressive growth targets and new product introductions.
This role demands a visionary leader who can balance strategic planning with hands-on execution, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence across a global network of facilities and teams. The ideal candidate will not only optimize current processes but also anticipate future challenges and opportunities, leveraging technology and innovation to build a world-class operation that stands as a competitive advantage. Success in this role will be measured by the ability to enhance product quality, improve gross margins, ensure supply chain continuity, and lead a high-performing global team dedicated to the company’s mission.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Global Operations Officer – Cambridge, MA
Strategic Leadership & Global Execution
Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive global operations strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives. Drive the execution of this strategy across all international sites, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and scalability to support global expansion.
End-to-End Supply Chain Management
Assume full ownership of the global supply chain, including strategic sourcing, procurement, vendor management, demand and supply planning, and inventory optimization. Develop robust risk mitigation strategies to ensure supply continuity for critical components and finished goods.
World-Class Manufacturing Operations
Lead all aspects of global manufacturing, including production planning, process engineering, and facility management. Champion lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and maintain the highest standards of product quality.
Quality & Regulatory Compliance Oversight
Foster an unwavering culture of quality throughout the organization. Ensure that all operational processes, from manufacturing to distribution, strictly adhere to global regulatory standards, including FDA regulations (e.g., QSR 21 CFR Part 820), ISO 13485, and the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR). Act as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies for all operational audits and inspections.
Global Logistics & Distribution Network
Design and manage a sophisticated global logistics and distribution network. Optimize freight, warehousing, and trade compliance to ensure the timely, secure, and cost-effective delivery of products to a diverse international customer base.
Financial & Performance Management
Develop and manage the multi-million dollar global operations budget, including capital expenditures (CapEx) and operational expenditures (OpEx). Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting dashboards to monitor operational performance, drive accountability, and inform strategic decision-making.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Build, lead, and mentor a high-caliber global operations team. Cultivate a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented culture. Implement robust talent development and succession planning programs to ensure leadership continuity and organizational strength.
Cross-Functional Partnership
Serve as a key strategic partner to other executive leaders, including the heads of R&D, Commercial, and Finance. Collaborate closely to support new product introductions (NPI), manage product lifecycle transitions, and ensure seamless alignment between operational capabilities and commercial goals.
Technology & Systems Innovation
Drive the evaluation and implementation of new technologies, systems, and automation solutions (e.g., ERP, MES, QMS) to enhance operational efficiency, improve data analytics, and future-proof the company’s manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure.
Requirements for the Chief Global Operations Officer – Cambridge, MA
Educational Foundation
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related technical field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree (e.g., MS in Operations Management) is strongly preferred.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in operations within the medical device industry, with at least 7 years in a senior executive leadership capacity (e.g., Vice President of Operations, SVP of Operations) with global responsibility.
Industry-Specific Expertise
Deep and extensive experience in the medical device sector is mandatory. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing complex manufacturing processes for Class II or Class III medical devices.
Global Operations Mastery
Demonstrated success in managing multi-site, international manufacturing and supply chain networks. Experience with global market expansion, including establishing new facilities or integrating acquisitions, is highly desirable.
Regulatory & Quality Acumen
Expert-level knowledge of global medical device quality systems and regulatory requirements, including FDA QSR, ISO 13485, and EU MDR. Proven experience successfully hosting audits from regulatory agencies.
Strategic & Analytical Mindset
Superior strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. The ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and develop cogent, data-driven operational strategies.
Inspirational Leadership
Exceptional leadership presence and communication skills. A proven ability to inspire, influence, and motivate large, diverse teams across different cultures and geographies. A track record of building and developing A-player talent.
Financial Acumen
Strong command of financial principles, with extensive experience in budget management, P&L responsibility, cost accounting, and CapEx planning within a manufacturing environment.
Location & Travel
The ability to be based at the corporate headquarters in Cambridge, MA, is required. This role will involve significant global travel (approximately 25-30%) to oversee international sites and meet with key partners.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A lucrative package featuring a competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term equity incentive plan (stock options/RSUs).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with low employee contributions. A robust wellness program, including mental health resources, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness subsidies.
Retirement & Financial Planning
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company match. Access to executive financial planning and advisory services.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, supplemented by numerous company-paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life integration.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, continuing education, and participation in premier industry conferences and leadership forums.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the selected candidate and their family.
Prime Location
The opportunity to work in the heart of Cambridge, MA, the world’s epicenter for biotechnology and life sciences innovation, offering unparalleled networking and growth opportunities.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm retained for this critical Chief Global Operations Officer recruitment. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. If you are a visionary operations executive with a passion for improving patient lives and a track record of building world-class global operations in the medical device industry, we encourage you to apply. To express your interest, please connect with our dedicated team in the Life Sciences practice area for a confidential discussion. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at all levels of our organization.
