Role Overview for Chief Global Operations Officer – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to conduct an exclusive executive search on behalf of a pioneering and rapidly growing medical device company. Our client is a leader in developing life-changing technologies that significantly improve patient outcomes. With a culture rooted in innovation, quality, and integrity, they are poised for unprecedented global expansion. We are seeking a transformative and experienced Chief Global Operations Officer (CGOO) to join their executive leadership team in the vibrant hub of Raleigh, North Carolina.
This is a cornerstone role for the organization, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. The CGOO will be the strategic architect of the company’s entire global operational framework, encompassing manufacturing, supply chain, quality assurance, and logistics. You will be responsible for creating a scalable, efficient, and compliant operational engine that can support aggressive growth targets and international market penetration. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a profound understanding of the medical device industry’s complexities and a proven track record of building and leading world-class operations teams.
You will be instrumental in translating the company’s strategic vision into operational reality, ensuring that every product delivered meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficacy. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on a mission-driven company at a pivotal moment in its history, shaping the operational backbone that will enable it to deliver critical medical technologies to patients around the world.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Global Operations Officer – Raleigh, NC
The Chief Global Operations Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, driving operational excellence across the entire organization. Key duties include:
Strategic Operational Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive global operations strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term growth objectives. Serve as a key member of the executive team, providing operational insights to shape overall corporate strategy.
Global Supply Chain Mastery
Architect and manage a resilient, agile, and cost-effective global supply chain. This includes overseeing strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier relationship management, demand planning, inventory optimization, and global logistics to ensure product availability and continuity.
Manufacturing Excellence and Scalability
Lead all global manufacturing functions, including internal production sites and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs). Drive a culture of continuous improvement by implementing Lean, Six Sigma, and other best-in-class methodologies to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and ensure scalability.
Unyielding Commitment to Quality & Regulatory Compliance
Champion a world-class quality culture throughout the organization. Ensure that all operational processes, from manufacturing to distribution, strictly adhere to cGMP, ISO 13485, and other international standards. You will be the ultimate owner of operational compliance, ensuring readiness for audits and navigating the complex landscape of comprehensive FDA regulations for medical devices and other global health authorities.
Financial & Performance Management
Develop and manage the multi-million dollar global operations budget, including capital expenditure planning. Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive performance, accountability, and data-driven decision-making across all operational functions.
Team Development and Leadership
Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing global operations team. Foster a collaborative, innovative, and accountable culture that attracts and retains top talent. Provide strong leadership and direction to teams located across multiple continents.
Technology and Infrastructure
Drive the evaluation and implementation of cutting-edge operational technologies, including ERP systems, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and supply chain planning tools to enhance efficiency, visibility, and data integrity.
Global Footprint Expansion
Lead the operational due diligence and integration for potential mergers and acquisitions. Oversee the strategic expansion of the company’s operational footprint, including the establishment of new manufacturing facilities or distribution centers in key international markets.
Risk Management and Mitigation
Proactively identify and mitigate operational risks across the supply chain, manufacturing, and quality systems. Develop and implement robust business continuity plans to ensure operational resilience in the face of geopolitical, economic, or environmental challenges.
Requirements for the Chief Global Operations Officer – Raleigh, NC
We are seeking a seasoned executive with deep domain expertise and a history of transformative leadership. The ideal candidate will meet the following qualifications:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related scientific field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, with at least 7 years in a senior executive role (e.g., VP of Operations, SVP, CGOO) with P&L responsibility.
Industry Mandate
Extensive and demonstrable experience within the medical device industry is absolutely essential. Experience with Class II or Class III devices, sterile products, or complex capital equipment is highly advantageous.
Global Operations Expertise
A proven track record of successfully managing complex, multi-site, international operations, including direct oversight of manufacturing plants and a globally dispersed supply chain.
Regulatory Acumen
Deep, hands-on knowledge of the global regulatory environment for medical devices, including FDA 21 CFR 820, ISO 13485, and the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR).
Methodology Proficiency
Certified or highly proficient in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred), and other continuous improvement principles with a history of driving tangible results.
Strategic and Analytical Mindset
Exceptional ability to think strategically and translate corporate goals into actionable operational plans. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are a must.
Inspirational Leadership
A natural leader with outstanding communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills. Proven ability to build consensus, lead through change, and develop future leaders within the organization.
Location and Travel
Must be willing to be based at the corporate headquarters in Raleigh, NC. The role will require significant global travel (approximately 25-30%) to engage with teams, suppliers, and 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 highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
A substantial equity package (stock options or RSUs) that provides a meaningful stake in the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, alongside robust life and disability insurance.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan featuring a generous company matching contribution.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, supplemented by company-paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life integration.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the selected candidate and their family.
Professional Growth
Support for ongoing executive education, coaching, and participation in industry-leading conferences and forums.
Purpose-Driven Work
The unparalleled opportunity to be part of an executive team that is directly contributing to advancements in healthcare and improving the quality of life for patients globally.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is managing this executive search exclusively. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. We are committed to a thorough and discreet recruitment process.
This role is a critical hire for our client, and we are looking for a candidate who can make an immediate and lasting impact. If you are a visionary operations executive with a passion for the medical device industry, we encourage you to apply.
To learn more about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Life Sciences Executive Search practice area page.
