Role Overview for Chief Supply Chain Officer – San Francisco, CA
JRG Partners is proud to lead the exclusive search for a transformative Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) on behalf of our client, a pioneering medical device company headquartered in the vibrant innovation hub of San Francisco, CA. This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic executive team and shape the future of a company dedicated to improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge technology. The CSCO will be a strategic architect, responsible for designing, implementing, and leading a world-class global supply chain that is not only efficient and scalable but also exceptionally resilient and compliant with the highest industry standards.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CSCO will hold ultimate accountability for the entire end-to-end supply chain, encompassing strategic sourcing, procurement, demand and supply planning, inventory management, global logistics, warehousing, and distribution. In a rapidly evolving industry, this role is critical to the company’s success, directly impacting product availability, cost of goods sold, quality, and customer satisfaction.
The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a proven track record of building and scaling supply chain operations within the highly regulated medical device or pharmaceutical sectors. You will be tasked with driving innovation, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to create a significant competitive advantage. This position requires a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, capable of navigating complexity and leading a global team to achieve operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Supply Chain Officer – San Francisco, CA
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop and execute a comprehensive global supply chain strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term growth objectives, product pipeline, and market expansion plans. Champion digital transformation initiatives, including the implementation of advanced analytics, AI, and automation to enhance visibility, predictability, and efficiency across the supply chain.
End-to-End Supply Chain Management
Provide executive oversight for all supply chain functions, including demand forecasting, Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), master scheduling, procurement, and materials management. Ensure seamless coordination from raw material suppliers to final product delivery to global customers.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
Guarantee that all supply chain activities adhere to stringent global regulatory requirements, including deep expertise in navigating complex FDA regulations, ISO 13485 standards, and other international health authority guidelines. Partner closely with the Quality and Regulatory Affairs teams to maintain the highest levels of product quality and safety.
Global Sourcing & Procurement
Develop and lead a sophisticated global sourcing strategy to build a resilient and cost-effective supplier network. Oversee supplier selection, negotiation, and relationship management to ensure quality, continuity of supply, and favorable commercial terms. Establish robust supplier performance metrics and conduct regular business reviews.
Inventory Optimization & Management
Implement best-in-class inventory management strategies to optimize working capital, minimize excess and obsolete inventory, and ensure high service levels. Utilize advanced planning systems and lean principles to balance supply and demand effectively.
Logistics, Warehousing & Distribution
Oversee the global logistics network, including transportation, warehousing, and trade compliance. Optimize the distribution footprint to improve delivery times, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience. Ensure compliance with all import/export regulations and manage third-party logistics (3PL) partnerships.
Financial Acumen & Cost Management
Develop and manage the annual supply chain budget, capital expenditure plans, and cost-saving initiatives. Drive a culture of cost-consciousness and efficiency, continuously identifying opportunities to improve the cost of goods sold (COGS) and operational expenses without compromising quality or service.
Risk Management & Business Continuity
Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks across the global supply chain, including geopolitical instability, supplier dependencies, and logistical disruptions. Develop and maintain robust business continuity plans to ensure an uninterrupted supply of life-saving products to patients.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global supply chain organization. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning. Attract and retain top talent to build a world-class team capable of supporting the company’s ambitious growth trajectory.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, collaborating closely with R&D, Commercial, Finance, and Operations to ensure alignment on new product introductions, commercial launches, and overall business strategy.
Requirements for the Chief Supply Chain Officer – San Francisco, CA
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, with at least 10 years in a significant senior leadership role (e.g., VP, SVP, or CSCO).
Industry Expertise
Demonstrable and extensive experience within the medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or a similarly regulated life sciences industry is mandatory. Experience with Class II or Class III medical devices is highly desirable.
Global Operations Acumen
Proven success in managing complex, multi-site, global supply chains, including experience with international suppliers, contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), and global distribution networks.
Strategic & Analytical Skills
Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. A data-driven mindset with a proven ability to use analytics to drive insights and informed decision-making. Experience with financial modeling and business case development is essential.
Regulatory Knowledge
In-depth understanding of cGMP, FDA QSR (21 CFR 820), ISO 13485, and other international medical device regulations.
Leadership & Influence
A proven track record of building, leading, and inspiring high-performance teams. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills with the ability to influence and build consensus among a wide range of stakeholders, including the Board of Directors.
Technical Proficiency
Hands-on experience with modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and advanced supply chain planning tools (e.g., Kinaxis, Blue Yonder).
Certifications
Professional certifications such as APICS (CSCP, CPIM) or a Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt are highly valued.
Location
The candidate must be based in or willing to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
- A competitive base salary and an attractive annual executive bonus plan tied to company and individual performance.
- A significant long-term incentive package, including stock options and/or restricted stock units (RSUs), providing a meaningful stake in the company’s success.
- Comprehensive, premium health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and sick leave policies.
- Relocation assistance for qualified candidates moving to the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Executive-level benefits such as financial planning services and life insurance.
- A commitment to professional growth with support for executive coaching, conferences, and continued education.
- A dynamic, innovative, and mission-driven company culture focused on collaboration and patient impact.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential Chief Supply Chain Officer search. We invite qualified and interested candidates to submit their applications for this exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on a leading medical device company.
If you are a transformative supply chain leader with the requisite experience in a regulated environment and a passion for driving operational excellence, we strongly encourage you to apply. To learn more about our deep expertise in this domain, please visit the page for our specialized supply chain and logistics recruitment practice. To be considered, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role through the application portal.
