Sr. Director, Operations Strategy

What We Need

The Sr. Director, Operations Strategy translates Operations-level strategy into disciplined execution. This leader owns cross-functional program delivery and operational planning across technology transfer, supply chain, logistics, and cost management—ensuring that short-term execution and long-term operating plans are tightly connected. The role partners closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, and external partners to drive outcomes. This position is execution-oriented, with accountability for program delivery, operational readiness, and cost performance across the operations value chain.

What You’ll Deliver in the First 12 Months

• Strong Program & Portfolio Execution:
• Delivery of 3–5 complex, cross-functional programs spanning technology transfer, supply chain readiness, cost reduction, and manufacturing/logistics planning
• Clear program ownership, milestones, dependencies, risks, and benefit realization
• Technology Transfer Readiness:
• Structured, repeatable technology transfer programs from R&D into Operations and manufacturing partners
• Clear readiness criteria, timelines, risk management, and interlocks across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and external vendors
• Short- and Long-Term Cost Management:
• Near-term cost reduction initiatives with measurable savings
• Long-range cost models supporting manufacturing strategy, sourcing decisions, and scaling scenarios
• Clear visibility into cost drivers, tradeoffs, and investment decisions
• Operations Planning & Supply Chain Alignment:
• Integrated operating plans linking demand, capacity, supply chain, logistics, and manufacturing readiness
• Scenario planning to support leadership decisions on timing, scale, and external partnerships
• Decision-Quality Insights:
• Operational KPIs, dashboards, and planning artifacts that enable fast, data-driven decisions
• Transparent tradeoffs surfaced to executive leadership

What You’ll Do

• Operations Strategy & Planning:
• Translate Operations strategy into executable roadmaps, programs, and operating plans
• Lead annual and multi-year planning for Operations, in close partnership with Finance and functional leaders
• Maintain an enterprise view of operational priorities, tradeoffs, and capacity constraints
• Program & Portfolio Management (Core Focus):
• Own execution of complex, cross-functional programs across Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Engineering
• Stand up and run lightweight but rigorous program management (scope, milestones, RACI, risks, dependencies, benefits)
• Interlock internal execution with external partners and suppliers where applicable
• Technology Transfer:
• Lead cross-functional technology transfer programs from development into production and manufacturing ecosystems
• Ensure alignment across process readiness, supplier readiness, quality, and cost targets
• Identify and mitigate scale-up and execution risks early
• Cost Management & Operational Efficiency:
• Lead short-term cost reduction initiatives and structural cost improvements
• Develop long-term cost roadmaps tied to manufacturing strategy, sourcing, and scale
• Partner with Finance to model scenarios, ROI, and investment tradeoffs
• Supply Chain, Logistics & Operations Planning:
• Drive integrated supply chain and logistics planning aligned with production and customer needs
• Partner with Supply Chain leaders to ensure readiness, resilience, and execution discipline
• Support make/buy, sourcing, and partner strategy through data-driven analysis
• Decision Support & Analytics:
• Define and track operational KPIs across programs and planning horizons
• Deliver scenario analyses and executive-ready insights to inform prioritization and sequencing
• Ensure data quality and consistency across Operations reporting
• Cross-Functional Leadership:
• Influence and align senior leaders across Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance
• Lead through ambiguity with clarity, structure, and execution discipline

Skills You’ll Need

• 10–15 years of experience in Operations Strategy, Program Management, or Operations Leadership
• Strong track record delivering complex, cross-functional programs end-to-end
• Experience with technology transfer, manufacturing scale-up, supply chain, or logistics
• Demonstrated cost management and operational planning expertise
• Strong financial and analytical acumen; able to translate data into decisions
• Credibility and effectiveness working with senior technical and operations leaders