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Cytokinetics · 9 hours ago

Director, Global Supply Chain – Operational Excellence (LEAN)

San Francisco Bay Area

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$223K/yr - $260K/yr

8+ years exp

Cytokinetics is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company, building on its over 25 years of pioneering scientific innovations in muscle biology. The Director of Operational Excellence (OpEx) is responsible for driving process improvement and operational efficiency across Supply Chain, External Manufacturing, and Technical Operations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality medicines to patients.

BiopharmaBiotechnologyHealth Care

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the Operational Excellence roadmap for Supply Chain, External Manufacturing, and Technical Operations, aligned with business goals and priorities

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

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 (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

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 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

Qualification

Lean Six SigmaCGMPOperational ExcellenceChange ManagementSupply Chain ManagementProject ManagementAnalytical SkillsCommunication SkillsProblem-SolvingCollaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Life Sciences, or related field required

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

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