About us:
Esco Lifesciences Group is a world-leading manufacturer of laboratory, pharmaceutical equipment, bioprocess tools and IVF medical devices, delivering sustainable workflow solutions to advance global health. Since 1978, the Singapore-based company is committed to excellence, ensuring forward-thinking technology, responsive support, and reliability, making Esco a trusted partner for the life science and medical markets in more than 150 countries.
Job Overview:
The Vice President of Operations will be a key leadership role responsible for overseeing and optimizing all operational functions, including production (plant operations), supply chain, quality assurance, and procurement. This role will ensure the efficient and compliant manufacturing of medical devices, timely delivery of products, and adherence to the highest quality standards and fostering a high-performing operations team. The VP of Operations will drive operational excellence, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Location: Shanghai, China
Report to: CEO
Key Responsibilities:
Production (Plant Management):
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the production plant to ensure alignment with company goals and production schedules.
- Develop and implement strategies to enhance productivity, efficiency, and cost control while ensuring the highest quality standards to meet customer demand and business objectives.
- Ensure that production activities comply with industry regulations, including ISO 13485& ISO9001, and other relevant medical device standards.
- Manage plant operations to maintain safety, quality, and environmental standards.
Supply Chain Management:
- Develop and execute supply chain strategies to optimize procurement, logistics, and inventory management for product portfolio.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, distributors, and third-party logistics providers.
- Monitor and mitigate supply chain risks, including disruptions, lead time variability, and geopolitical factors.
- Implement advanced planning and forecasting tools to improve supply chain efficiency.
Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance:
- Oversee the implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive quality management system (QMS) to ensure products meet or exceed regulatory and customer requirements.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant medical device regulatory standards (ISO 13485&9001, etc.), conducting regular reviews to identify potential risks and compliance gaps.
- Collaborate with R&D and regulatory teams to ensure new products are designed and manufactured in compliance with applicable standards.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement in quality performance, ensuring customer satisfaction and product safety.
Procurement and Vendor Management:
- Develop and implement procurement strategies to ensure cost-effective sourcing of raw materials, components, and services.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers, ensuring consistency in supply, cost-effectiveness, and quality standards.
- Oversee supplier audits and performance evaluations to ensure that external partners meet agreed-upon standards for quality, delivery, and cost.
- Implement strategic sourcing initiatives, negotiating contracts, and evaluating supplier performance to drive improvements in cost and supply chain efficiency.
Leadership and Team Development:
- Provide strategic direction and leadership to the operations team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
- Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with the company’s overall business objectives.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration with R&D, Sales, Marketing, and Finance to ensure alignment and support for operational goals.
- Mentor and develop talent within the operations team, ensuring a strong pipeline of future leaders.
Key Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- 15+ years of experience in operations management. At least 8 years of experience in a leadership role managing global multi-county sites, overseas experience is preferred. Preferably in the life science, healthcare and medical device area.
- Proven track record of driving continuous improvement initiatives, cost reduction, and operational excellence.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, P&L, and cost optimization initiatives.
- Exceptional problem-solving abilities with a focus on operational efficiency.
- In-depth knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
- Strong analytical mindset with ability to make data-driven decisions.
- Detail-oriented and results-driven, with a passion for operational excellence.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Collaborative and able to foster strong cross-functional relationships.
