Role Overview for Chief Global Operations Officer – San Francisco, CA
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead a confidential search for a Chief Global Operations Officer (CGOO) on behalf of our client, a pioneering and rapidly scaling medical device company headquartered in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area. This is a career-defining opportunity for a visionary and results-driven executive to join a dynamic leadership team and steer the company’s global operational strategy through its next phase of significant growth and innovation. Our client is at the forefront of developing life-changing medical technologies that address critical unmet needs, and the CGOO will be instrumental in ensuring these innovations reach patients worldwide efficiently, safely, and with the highest standards of quality.
The Chief Global Operations Officer will be a cornerstone of the executive team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This role demands a strategic leader with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the medical device industry, from complex global supply chains to stringent regulatory landscapes. You will be responsible for the entire spectrum of operations, including global manufacturing, supply chain management, logistics, procurement, and quality systems integration.
The ideal candidate is not just a manager of processes but a builder of world-class teams and a driver of a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. You will be tasked with scaling the company’s operational footprint, optimizing for efficiency and cost, and ensuring robust compliance with all global regulatory bodies. This position requires a leader who can balance long-term strategic planning with hands-on execution, fostering collaboration across functions including R&D, Commercial, and Finance to achieve ambitious corporate objectives.
Based in San Francisco, CA, you will be at the epicenter of technological and biomedical innovation. This role offers the unique chance to make a tangible impact on global health outcomes by building the operational backbone that supports the delivery of groundbreaking medical devices. If you are a transformative leader with a proven track record of scaling operations in a highly regulated environment, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Global Operations Officer – San Francisco, CA
The Chief Global Operations Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate. Your leadership will directly influence the company’s ability to scale, innovate, and maintain its competitive edge. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Operational Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive global operations strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term growth plans. This includes capacity planning, network optimization, and technology adoption to support a rapidly expanding product portfolio and market presence. You will be a key contributor to the overall corporate strategy, providing critical operational insights to the executive team and Board of Directors.
End-to-End Supply Chain Management
Assume full ownership of the global supply chain, ensuring its resilience, agility, and cost-effectiveness. This encompasses strategic sourcing and procurement of critical components, supplier relationship management, demand and supply planning (S&OP), inventory optimization across a global network, and worldwide logistics and distribution. You will be responsible for building a supply chain that can withstand geopolitical and market volatility while meeting the exacting demands of the medical device sector.
Manufacturing Excellence and Scalability
Oversee all internal and external manufacturing operations across multiple international sites. Drive a culture of excellence by implementing and refining lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other continuous improvement initiatives. Ensure that all manufacturing processes are scalable, validated, and capable of consistently producing high-quality products that meet all specifications and regulatory requirements.
Quality and Regulatory Compliance Oversight
Champion a world-class quality culture throughout the organization. While working in close partnership with the head of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs (QARA), you will ensure that the entire operational framework is built upon a foundation of robust compliance. This includes guaranteeing adherence to all applicable standards, such as FDA’s Quality System Regulation (QSR), ISO 13485, and other international medical device regulations. You will play a critical role in preparing for and successfully navigating regulatory inspections and audits from bodies like the FDA and Notified Bodies.
Financial and Budgetary Management
Develop and manage the annual operations budget, including capital expenditures (CapEx) and operational expenditures (OpEx). Drive initiatives to improve gross margins through cost reduction, efficiency gains, and process optimization. Provide rigorous financial analysis and reporting on operational performance, ensuring accountability and sound fiscal stewardship.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and New Product Introduction (NPI)
Foster a highly collaborative environment, working closely with R&D, Engineering, Commercial, and Finance teams. Play a pivotal role in the NPI process, ensuring that design for manufacturability (DFM), supply chain readiness, and production scalability are integrated early in the development lifecycle to facilitate seamless and successful product launches.
Team Development and Leadership
Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing, globally distributed operations team. Cultivate a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning. Establish clear goals and performance metrics, and provide the leadership and resources necessary for the team to succeed. Champion diversity and inclusion within your organization.
Technology and Systems Modernization
Lead the evaluation and implementation of advanced operational technologies and systems, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and advanced analytics platforms. Leverage technology to enhance data visibility, improve decision-making, and drive efficiency across all operational functions.
Requirements for the Chief Global Operations Officer – San Francisco, CA
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished executive with a deep and specific background in medical device operations. The successful candidate will possess a unique blend of strategic vision, technical expertise, and inspirational leadership.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 7 years in a senior executive leadership role (e.g., VP of Operations, SVP of Global Operations, COO) with P&L responsibility. Experience reporting to a CEO and interacting with a Board of Directors is essential.
Industry-Specific Expertise
Demonstrable and extensive experience within the medical device industry is a non-negotiable requirement. A strong preference will be given to candidates with experience in complex, electronically-driven Class II or Class III medical devices. You must have a thorough understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of this regulated sector.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Biomedical), Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related technical field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree (e.g., MS in Engineering or Operations Management) is highly preferred.
Regulatory and Quality Acumen
Deep, hands-on knowledge of global medical device regulatory frameworks. You must be an expert in quality management systems and standards, including a proven track record of ensuring compliance with FDA regulations (21 CFR Part 820), ISO 13485, and the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) in Europe.
Proven Scaling Success
A demonstrated history of successfully scaling operations for a high-growth company, including expanding manufacturing capacity, globalizing a supply chain, and implementing the systems and processes necessary to support that growth.
Leadership and Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership capabilities with a proven ability to build, develop, and motivate large, diverse, and geographically dispersed teams. Must be an outstanding communicator, capable of articulating a clear vision and strategy to a wide range of audiences, from the factory floor to the boardroom.
Financial and Analytical Skills
Strong financial acumen with experience managing multi-million dollar budgets, analyzing operational performance, and making data-driven decisions to improve profitability and efficiency.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and holistically, anticipating future trends and challenges while simultaneously managing day-to-day operational details. Experience with strategic planning, M&A due diligence, and post-merger integration is a significant asset.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent. In addition to a mission-driven and collaborative culture, they offer a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term incentive package (equity/stock options) designed to reward contributions to the company’s success.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents, along with wellness programs and resources.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Generous Time Off
An executive-level paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to company-paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation assistance package is available for the ideal candidate and their family to move to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Professional Growth
Support for ongoing professional development, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and continuing education.
Impactful Work
The opportunity to be a key leader in a company that is making a profound difference in the lives of patients around the world.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary operations leader with a passion for the medical device industry and a track record of global success, we encourage you to apply. This is a confidential search managed exclusively by JRG Partners. We specialize in connecting top-tier talent with transformative opportunities in the life sciences sector. To express your interest in this role, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and accomplishments. For more information on our deep expertise and successful placements in this sector, please visit our Medical Device & Diagnostics Executive Search practice page. We look forward to learning more about you.
