Director, Global Supply Chain – Operational Excellence (LEAN)

Responsibilities

Lead Operational Excellence Strategy & Execution
Demonstrate leadership in developing and executing the Operational Excellence roadmap for Supply Chain, External Manufacturing, and Technical Operations.
Drive transformational initiatives that enhance reliability, agility, and cost-effectiveness of the end-to-end supply network.
Embed a culture of continuous improvement across internal teams and external partners.
Monitor industry trends and benchmark performance to sustain competitive advantage in operational practices.

Process Improvement & Performance Optimization
Identify, prioritize, and implement process improvement opportunities to enhance service, reduce costs, and ensure compliance across planning, sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution.
Facilitate cross-functional projects using Lean, Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping, and other proven methodologies.
Support Technical Operations in problem-solving initiatives by coaching team leads to effectively utilize fit-for-purpose frameworks for identifying root cause(s).

Standardize and digitize key supply chain and manufacturing processes to improve visibility, control, and decision-making.

External Manufacturing & Supplier Excellence
Collaborate with CMOs/CDMOs and internal stakeholders to assess and improve external manufacturing performance through systematic KPI reviews and improvement plans.
Lead joint improvement initiatives with external partners while ensuring cGMP and regulatory compliance.
Build strong relationships and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement with suppliers and contract manufacturers.

Tier Management & Visual Performance Management
Design, implement, and sustain a Tiered Management System (Tier 1–3) across Supply Chain, External Manufacturing, and Technical Operations to enable effective daily, weekly, and monthly performance management.
Deploy visual management tools and performance dashboards at each tier level to drive accountability, transparency, and fast problem resolution.
Train and coach teams and partners in daily management practices, visual controls, and structured problem-solving.

Capability Building & Change Leadership
Build organizational capabilities by developing and delivering training on Operational Excellence tools and methodologies to internal teams and external partners.
Coach functional and site leaders in OpEx mindset and practices to enable self-sufficiency and sustained improvements.
Lead change management efforts to overcome resistance and embed new ways of working.
Act as a role model for continuous improvement, demonstrating a data-driven, collaborative, and solution-oriented approach.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Life Sciences, or related field required; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in a regulated healthcare industry segment (e.g., pharmaceutical development, supply chain, manufacturing, medical device, or technical operations), with at least 5–10 years in operational excellence, continuous improvement, or similar leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing and supply chain processes, cGMP, regulatory requirements, and the complexities of external manufacturing.
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in operational performance, cost reduction, and process efficiency.
• Experience managing and improving external manufacturing or supplier relationships in a regulated industry.
• Exceptional project management, change management, and facilitation skills.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management abilities across all organizational levels and with external partners.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed, and global environment.

Pay Range

In the U.S., the hiring pay range for fully qualified candidates is $223,200 - $260,400 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.