Role Overview for Chief Global Operations Officer – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, high-growth medical device company in the search for a transformative Chief Global Operations Officer (CGOO). Based in the vibrant city of Chicago, IL, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of a company dedicated to improving patient outcomes through innovative medical technology. The CGOO will be a cornerstone of the executive team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, and will hold ultimate responsibility for the strategic direction and execution of all global operations.
This is not merely a management position; it is a call for a strategic visionary with a proven track record of scaling complex, regulated manufacturing and supply chain networks across the globe. The ideal candidate will be an architect of operational excellence, capable of building robust, efficient, and compliant systems that can support rapid international expansion and a diverse product pipeline. You will be tasked with leading a multi-disciplinary team encompassing manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, procurement, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs.
Your leadership will directly impact the company’s ability to deliver life-changing products to clinicians and patients worldwide, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficacy are met and exceeded. We are seeking a leader who thrives in a dynamic environment, is passionate about continuous improvement, and possesses the business acumen to translate operational prowess into tangible financial results and sustainable competitive advantage. You will be the driving force behind our operational strategy, ensuring that our infrastructure is not only prepared for today’s challenges but is also agile and scalable for tomorrow’s innovations.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Global Operations Officer – Chicago, IL
The Chief Global Operations Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate. Key responsibilities are strategically categorized as follows:
Strategic Leadership & Execution
- Develop and implement a comprehensive global operations strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term growth objectives, market expansion plans, and financial targets.
- Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing critical operational insights and contributing to overall corporate strategy, M&A activities, and long-range planning.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence throughout the organization, utilizing methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management.
- Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) across all operational functions, driving data-informed decision-making to optimize performance, cost, and quality.
Global Supply Chain & Logistics Management
- Design, implement, and manage a resilient and scalable global supply chain network, including strategic sourcing, procurement, inventory management, and logistics.
- Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with key suppliers, contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), and third-party logistics (3PL) providers to ensure supply continuity, cost-effectiveness, and quality.
- Lead Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes to ensure alignment between demand forecasting, production capacity, and inventory levels, minimizing backorders and excess stock.
- Mitigate supply chain risks by developing robust contingency plans, diversifying the supplier base, and staying ahead of geopolitical, economic, and regulatory shifts.
Manufacturing & Production Excellence
- Oversee all manufacturing operations, both in-house and outsourced, ensuring production schedules are met while adhering to the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency.
- Drive initiatives to scale manufacturing capacity, implement advanced manufacturing technologies (Industry 4.0), and optimize production workflows to support new product introductions (NPI) and volume growth.
- Ensure all manufacturing facilities and processes are maintained in a state of compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other relevant international standards.
Quality & Regulatory Compliance
- Provide executive oversight for the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring unwavering compliance with all applicable global regulations for medical devices.
- Ensure all operations adhere to standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), particularly the FDA’s Quality System Regulation (QSR), as well as international standards like ISO 13485 and the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR).
- Lead the organization through regulatory inspections and audits, fostering a culture of audit-readiness and proactive compliance.
- Collaborate closely with the R&D and Clinical teams to ensure operational readiness for new product launches and to provide feedback for design for manufacturability (DFM).
Requirements for the Chief Global Operations Officer – Chicago, IL
We are seeking an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the medical device industry. The ideal candidate will meet the following qualifications:
Experience & Education
- A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role (VP, SVP, or C-level) within the medical device, life sciences, or a similarly regulated industry.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrable experience managing global, multi-site manufacturing and supply chain operations, including experience with both in-house and outsourced production models.
- Proven track record of successfully scaling operations in a high-growth environment, including managing complex NPI processes from pilot to full-scale production.
- Extensive experience managing P&L for a significant operational division and a strong command of financial metrics and budget management.
Skills & Competencies
- In-depth knowledge of global medical device regulatory frameworks, including FDA QSR (21 CFR 820), ISO 13485, and EU MDR.
- Expertise in modern operational excellence methodologies, with certifications in Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma (e.g., Black Belt) being highly advantageous.
- Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to analyze complex situations and develop effective, data-driven solutions.
- Superior leadership and communication skills, with a proven ability to inspire, mentor, and lead high-performing, cross-functional teams across different cultures and geographies.
- Strong negotiation skills and experience managing complex contracts with suppliers, CMOs, and other strategic partners.
- High level of integrity, ethical standards, and a profound commitment to quality and patient safety.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent. The compensation and benefits package for the Chief Global Operations Officer is designed to be highly competitive and includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Equity Participation
A substantial long-term incentive plan (LTIP) with stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs), providing a meaningful stake in the company’s success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs and a health savings account (HSA).
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A generous and flexible paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to move to the Chicago area.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, continuing education, and participation in industry conferences to foster your continued growth.
Additional Perks
Executive-level perks such as a car allowance, life and disability insurance, and other benefits befitting a senior leadership role.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this critical leadership position. If you are a visionary operations executive with a passion for innovation in the medical device industry and a track record of transformative leadership, we invite you to apply.
To express your interest, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and strategic vision for this role. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Life Sciences Executive Search Practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this exceptional opportunity with you.
