Role Overview for Chief Global Operations Officer – Philadelphia, PA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, high-growth medical device company in their search for a visionary Chief Global Operations Officer (CGOO). Based in the vibrant life sciences hub of Philadelphia, PA, this executive leadership role is critical to the company’s ambitious global expansion and commitment to delivering life-changing medical technologies. The CGOO will be a cornerstone of the executive team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, and will hold ultimate responsibility for the company’s entire global operational footprint.
This is not merely a management position; it is a strategic role for a transformative leader. You will be tasked with architecting and executing a world-class operations strategy that encompasses manufacturing, global supply chain, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and logistics. Your leadership will ensure that our client can scale effectively, maintain the highest standards of quality, and navigate the complex international regulatory landscape. The ideal candidate is a seasoned operations executive with a profound understanding of the medical device industry, a track record of driving efficiency and innovation, and the ability to inspire a global team toward a unified vision of excellence. You will be instrumental in shaping the company’s future, ensuring operational readiness to support rapid product innovation and market penetration, ultimately impacting patient lives around the world.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Global Operations Officer – Philadelphia, PA
The Chief Global Operations Officer will direct and oversee a wide array of functions, ensuring seamless integration and peak performance across all operational departments. Your responsibilities are broad and deep, requiring both strategic foresight and tactical execution.
Strategic Leadership & Global Scalability
- Develop and implement a comprehensive global operations strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term growth objectives, financial goals, and mission.
- Partner with the CEO and other C-suite executives to contribute to overall company strategy, providing critical operational insights and risk assessments.
- Design and execute a roadmap for scaling global manufacturing and supply chain capabilities to support new product launches and entry into new international markets.
- Lead strategic initiatives such as facility expansion, technology adoption (e.g., automation, ERP systems), and M&A operational integration.
- Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for all operational functions, driving a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
Manufacturing & Supply Chain Excellence
- Oversee all global manufacturing sites, ensuring they meet targets for safety, quality, production output, and cost-effectiveness.
- Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to optimize processes, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
- Direct the global supply chain function, including strategic sourcing, procurement, inventory management, and logistics, to ensure supply continuity and cost optimization.
- Build and maintain robust relationships with key suppliers and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), negotiating favorable terms and ensuring performance meets stringent quality standards.
- Develop and implement sophisticated demand planning and inventory control strategies to balance service levels with working capital efficiency.
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance
- Hold ultimate accountability for the company’s global Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with all relevant international standards, including ISO 13485 and 21 CFR Part 820.
- Lead the organization in maintaining a state of constant audit-readiness for regulatory bodies such as the FDA, Notified Bodies, and other international health authorities.
- Serve as the executive champion for a culture of quality, ensuring that every employee understands their role in maintaining the highest product standards.
- Oversee all regulatory affairs activities related to operations, ensuring that manufacturing processes and facilities comply with all applicable FDA regulations and international equivalents.
Financial Oversight & Team Development
- Develop and manage the multi-million dollar global operations budget, including capital expenditures, with a focus on maximizing ROI and achieving financial targets.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global operations leadership team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
- Implement talent management and succession planning programs within the operations organization to build a strong pipeline of future leaders.
- Champion a culture of safety and compliance across all global facilities.
Requirements for the Chief Global Operations Officer – Philadelphia, PA
We are seeking an exceptional leader with a proven history of success in complex, regulated environments. The successful candidate will possess a unique blend of strategic acumen, technical expertise, and inspirational leadership.
Educational & Professional Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related scientific field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
- A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, with at least 7-10 years in a senior executive role (VP, SVP, or C-level) overseeing global functions.
Mandatory
Extensive experience within the medical device industry is non-negotiable. A deep understanding of its unique quality, regulatory, and manufacturing challenges is essential.
- Demonstrable experience managing a global P&L and overseeing multi-site manufacturing and supply chain operations across North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Proven track record of successfully scaling operations in a high-growth environment, including experience with new product introductions (NPI) and facility expansions.
Skills & Competencies
- Expert-level knowledge of global medical device regulations, including FDA QSR (21 CFR 820), ISO 13485, and Medical Device Regulation (MDR).
- Mastery of operational excellence principles, with certifications in Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma (e.g., Black Belt) highly desirable.
- Exceptional financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning.
- Outstanding leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels, from the boardroom to the factory floor.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate high-level strategy into actionable, tactical plans.
- Strong negotiation skills and experience managing complex supplier and partner relationships.
- Experience with M&A due diligence and post-merger integration is a significant plus.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a compensation and benefits package commensurate with the importance of this role.
- Highly competitive executive compensation package including a substantial base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term equity/stock option plan.
- Comprehensive benefits package including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
- Generous 401(k) plan with a strong company matching contribution.
- Substantial paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and flexible scheduling policies to support work-life balance.
- Full executive relocation assistance package for qualified candidates to the Philadelphia area.
- Funding for continuous professional development, including executive coaching, conferences, and certifications.
- Access to executive wellness programs and other corporate perks designed to support your health and well-being.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative operations leader with the experience and passion to drive a leading medical device company to new heights, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Medical Device Executive Search practice page. We are committed to a transparent and respectful recruitment process and will be in touch with qualified candidates promptly. JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer.
