Head of Operations, Medical

IPG Photonics Medical is a global leader in innovative laser-based medical devices that transform patient care. Our mission is to deliver advanced, reliable solutions that improve lives and set new standards in clinical precision, performance, and sustainability. We attract leaders who thrive in a fast-paced culture of excellence, collaboration, and purpose-driven innovation.

Role Overview

The Head of Operations for IPG Medical is a critical member of the Medical Business Unit leadership team. This newly created position is responsible for building and leading a world‑class global operations and supply chain organization that delivers exceptional performance supporting the efficient scaling of the business unit to meet double-digit top line growth.

This executive owns end‑to‑end operational strategy and execution across manufacturing, assembly, system integration, testing, supply chain, and global service. With a focus on operational excellence, the Head of Operations ensures that IPG Medical delivers high‑quality medical systems and consumables reliably, safely, and efficiently while meeting all compliance requirements.

This role collaborates deeply with cross functional partners, such as engineering, to translate business strategy and product roadmaps into robust, repeatable operational outcomes that support global growth.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Own end‑to‑end operations for IPG Medical, including manufacturing, system assembly, integration, and global delivery of medical devices.
• Lead operations across multiple sites ensuring consistent performance, strong communication, and compliance with medical device regulations.

Operational Excellence

• Deliver to customer expectations including quality and on-time delivery - meeting revenue and operational efficiency targets for IPG Medical.
• Drive reduction variability across manufacturing, planning, and supply chain processes.
• Ensure full compliance with FDA QSR, ISO 13485 and global regulatory requirements, embedding quality and compliance into every stage of operations.
• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem‑solving methodologies to deliver continuous improvement and operational efficiency – improving yields and reducing costs.

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Translate business strategy, product roadmaps, and regulatory needs into scalable operational strategies, capacity plans, and execution roadmaps.
• Lead S&OP, capacity planning, and resource prioritization to enable predictable delivery and future growth.
• Develop and execute capability and capacity plans aligned with global demand forecasts.

Supply Chain & Supplier Management

• Provide leadership for the integrated global supply chain, including sourcing, supplier qualification/approved supplier list, logistics, inventory optimization, and supplier performance management.
• Reduce supply chain risk while improving efficiency.
• Strengthen supplier relationships and ensure robust, compliant supply continuity.

New Product Introduction (NPI) & Lifecycle Support

• Partner with R&D, Quality, Marketing and Sales to support NPI, technology transfer, and lifecycle management.
• Ensure manufacturability, validation, scalability, and efficient transfer of new technologies into operations.
• Partner with R&D, Quality and Regulatory to prioritize and implement sustaining engineering activities including cost reduction projects

Leadership & Talent Development

• Build, lead, and develop high‑performing operations teams, fostering a culture of safety, quality, accountability, continuous improvement, and talent growth.
• Strengthen cross‑functional collaboration and communication across all teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related technical discipline; Master’s of Science or MBA strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience within medical devices, life sciences, or similarly regulated high‑tech manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record in reducing variability, improving on‑time delivery, and scaling operations in regulated Medical Device industries.
• Experience with new product introductions and high growth environments
• Experience leading operations for capital, high volume disposables, and service centers globally.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, GMP, FDA QSR, ISO 13485, and global medical device quality system requirements.
• Demonstrated success leading operations in global, matrixed organizations
• Experience leading S&OP, capacity planning, and driving operational transformations
• Experience with medical lasers and manufacture of laser fiber a plus.
• International experience and/or language skills a plus.

Job Requirements

• On-site 5 days/week. Based in Marlborough, MA at IPG Medical HQ
• Ability to travel to critical suppliers – internal and external – including globally.