Executive Director of Global Lean Operations

Role overview

A fast-growing medical device organization with operations across multiple countries is hiring an Executive Director of Global Lean Operations to drive company-wide transformation across a complex manufacturing and supply chain network. This is a senior leadership position for someone who brings strong Lean expertise, comfort with digital systems, and a history of scaling operations across international sites.

You will help build a unified, high-performing operating model that strengthens standardization, speeds up decisions, and reinforces a culture of accountability and continuous improvement across the business.

Core mission

Reporting to the senior executive team, you will shape and implement a global operational excellence strategy spanning manufacturing and supply chain. The goal is to bring regional operations together into one data-led system that consistently delivers on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Key responsibilities

• Direct Lean transformation initiatives across a global manufacturing network covering the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
• Create common processes and operating standards across regions so the business can scale with consistency.
• Promote continuous improvement using Lean principles, Six Sigma methods, and disciplined problem-solving.
• Use digital tools and data platforms to improve visibility, support faster decisions, and lift performance.
• Work closely with Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and R&D teams to keep operations compliant and efficient.
• Own global performance metrics tied to safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Lead, coach, and develop regional operations teams while encouraging accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Help launch new products and support portfolio growth through scalable manufacturing approaches.

Candidate profile

The ideal leader will have deep experience in medical devices or another highly regulated industry, along with a strong record of managing multi-site global manufacturing operations. You should have successfully led large-scale Lean and continuous improvement programs and be comfortable using digital or IT-enabled systems to run operations in a more data-driven way.

This role also calls for someone who can support business expansion, adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment, and balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. Certifications such as Six Sigma Black Belt or APICS CPIM/CSCP are preferred.

What success looks like

• A single, globally aligned operating model implemented across all sites.
• Clear gains in efficiency, cost performance, and throughput.
• Better visibility and quicker decisions enabled by digital tools.
• A strong culture of continuous improvement and ownership throughout the organization.

Why this role stands out

• The chance to lead large-scale transformation in a growing medical device company.
• Executive-level exposure and visibility, including interaction with board-level stakeholders.
• The opportunity to influence the future of operations across an international footprint.

Compensation and benefits

The position offers competitive pay, long-term incentives, and executive-level benefits.