Director of Operations

Pacific International Executive Search; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 250,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific International Executive Search is assisting a European-based medical device manufacturer to fill the North American Head of Operations role in Chicago. You will lead operations across multiple sites, ensuring alignment with global standards and strategy.

You will partner with global and regional leadership, oversee Production, Industrialization, Process Improvement, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Maintenance, and develop KPI-driven performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• 20+ years of experience leading industrial or manufacturing operations.
• Experience leading multi-site operations in a matrixed, international environment.
• Strong background in operational excellence, Lean practices, and KPI-driven performance management.
• Willingness to travel approximately 50%.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations across multiple North American manufacturing and logistics sites.
• Partner with global and regional leadership to align operational priorities with business objectives.
• Oversee Production, Industrialization, Process Improvement, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Maintenance functions.
• Define and track KPIs to drive improvements in efficiency, quality, service, inventory, and cost.
• Lead performance improvement initiatives and track measurable results and ROI.
• Develop and execute supply chain and vendor management strategies to optimize quality, cost, and service.
• Own and manage the annual North America operations budget.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Skills

20+ years of experience leading ops

Lean practices

KPI-driven performance

Strong communicator

Travel ~50%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

About the job

Pacific International has been retained by a mid-sized medical device manufacturer to support the search for their North American Head of Operations. A European based organization growing in North America via acquisition, they are looking to bring in strong operations leader to drive cohesive process and culture across multiple manufacturing sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead operations across multiple North American manufacturing and logistics sites, ensuring alignment with global standards and strategy
• Partner with global and regional leadership to align operational priorities with business objectives
• Oversee Production, Industrialization, Process Improvement, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Maintenance functions
• Define and track KPIs to drive improvements in efficiency, quality, service, inventory, and cost
• Lead performance improvement initiatives and track measurable results and ROI
• Develop and execute supply chain and vendor management strategies to optimize quality, cost, and service
• Evaluate and oversee investments in capacity, productivity, technology, automation, and new product introductions
• Ensure effective integration of new products into manufacturing operations
• Own and manage the annual North America operations budget
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, R&D, Commercial, Finance, HR, and international teams
• Support leadership development and succession planning within operations

Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• 20+ years of experience leading industrial or manufacturing operations, ideally in medical devices or regulated manufacturing
• Proven experience leading multi-site operations in a matrixed, international environment
• Strong background in operational excellence, Lean practices, and KPI-driven performance management
• Experience managing budgets and evaluating operational investments
• Comfortable working closely with plant teams while maintaining enterprise-level oversight
• Strong communicator with a collaborative and transparent leadership style
• Willingness to travel approximately 50%

About Pacific International Executive Search

Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion. Our adaptability, agility, and forward-thinking ethos distinguish us in the ever-evolving business landscape. Since 1997, we have been dedicated to building lasting client partnerships based on trust and reliability, and a proven track record of successful C-suite and mid-to-senior-level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally.

Diversity Statement

At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.

Questions? Reach out to Haley Gibson at [e-mail]