Director, Global Supply Chain – Operational Excellence (LEAN)

Cytokinetics, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 223,200 - 260,400; Full time

Job summary

Cytokinetics, Inc. is seeking a Director of Operational Excellence to enhance operational efficiency within the pharmaceutical manufacturing network. This leadership role requires a strong background in supply chain management, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance.

The candidate will drive process improvement initiatives, collaborate with internal and external partners, and develop training on continuous improvement methodologies. A Bachelor's degree and 8–10 years of industry experience are required, along with a strong understanding of manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in a regulated healthcare industry.
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent preferred.
• Proven track record in operational performance and cost reduction.

Responsibilities

• Lead Operational Excellence strategy and execution.
• Drive transformational initiatives in supply chain.
• Standardize and digitize key supply chain processes.

Skills

Operational Excellence

Lean Six Sigma

Supply Chain Management

Strategic Thinking

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or Life Sciences

Master’s degree or MBA

Job description

Cytokinetics is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company with over 25 years of scientific innovation in muscle biology. The Director of Operational Excellence (OpEx) is a key leadership role responsible for driving end‑to‑end process improvement, operational efficiency, and organizational capability building across Supply Chain, External Manufacturing, and Technical Operations within the pharmaceutical manufacturing network.

Responsibilities

• Lead Operational Excellence strategy and execution; develop and execute the OpEx roadmap for Supply Chain, External Manufacturing, and Technical Operations aligned with business goals.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Design, implement, and sustain a tiered management system (Tier1–3) across Supply Chain, External Manufacturing, and Technical Operations; deploy visual management tools and performance dashboards at each tier level.
• Train and coach teams and partners in daily management practices, visual controls, and structured problem‑solving; ensure escalation processes and feedback loops are effective and standardized across the network.
• 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.
• 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 a 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.
• Strategic thinking, results‑oriented and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; ability to lead without authority and drive collaboration.
• Passion for excellence and continuous improvement.

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 be determined by internal equity and may vary depending on location, knowledge, skills, and experience.

Cytokinetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer.