A high-growth, globally operating medical device company is seeking an Executive Director of Global Lean Operations to lead enterprise-wide transformation across a complex, multi-site manufacturing network.
This role is designed for a senior operations leader who combines deep Lean expertise with digital fluency and a proven ability to scale operations globally. You will play a pivotal role in driving standardization, accelerating decision-making, and embedding a high-performance culture across international sites.
The Role
Reporting into the senior executive team, you will lead the development and execution of a global operational excellence strategy across manufacturing and supply chain. You will unify regional operations into a cohesive, data-driven system that delivers consistent performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Key Responsibilities
- Lean Transformation – Lead global Lean transformation across a multi-site manufacturing footprint (Americas, Europe, Asia).
- Standardization – Drive operational standardization and harmonization across regions, enabling scalability and consistency.
- Continuous Improvement – Champion continuous improvement through Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Digital Tools – Leverage digital tools and data systems to enhance visibility, accelerate decision-making, and improve performance.
- Cross-Functional Partnerships – Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and R&D to ensure compliant and efficient operations.
- KPIs – Own and drive global KPIs across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
- Team Leadership – Lead and develop high-performing regional operations teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
- New Product Introduction – Support new product introduction and portfolio expansion with scalable manufacturing strategies.
Candidate Profile
- Senior operations leader with extensive experience in medical devices or similarly regulated industries.
- Proven track record managing global, multi-site manufacturing operations across regions such as the US, Mexico, Europe, and Asia.
- Demonstrated success leading large-scale Lean transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong background in digital or IT-enabled manufacturing, with the ability to implement data-driven operational systems.
- Experience scaling operations and supporting portfolio growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Certifications such as Six Sigma Black Belt, APICS CPIM/CSCP, or equivalent preferred.
- Strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability.
- Collaborative, high-integrity leader with a track record of building aligned, high-performing global teams.
What Success Looks Like
- A globally aligned, standardized operating model across all sites.
- Measurable improvements in efficiency, cost, and throughput.
- Increased visibility and faster decision-making through digital enablement.
- A deeply embedded culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Why Join
- Opportunity to lead transformation at global scale within a growing medical device business.
- High-impact role with visibility at executive and board level.
- Ability to shape the future of operations across an international footprint.
Competitive compensation, long-term incentives, and executive benefits