Role: Sr. Director, Operations Strategy
Reports to: COO
Location: San Jose, CA
Role Overview
The Sr. Director, Operations Strategy translates Operations‑level strategy into disciplined execution. This leader owns cross‑functional program delivery and operational planning across technology transfer, supply chain, logistics, and cost management—ensuring that short‑term execution and long‑term operating plans are tightly connected.
The role partners closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, and external partners to drive outcomes. This position is execution‑oriented, with accountability for program delivery, operational readiness, and cost performance across the operations value chain.
What You’ll Deliver in the First 12 Months:
1. Strong Program & Portfolio Execution
Delivery of 3–5 complex, cross‑functional programs spanning technology transfer, supply chain readiness, cost reduction, and manufacturing/logistics planning
Clear program ownership, milestones, dependencies, risks, and benefit realization
2. Technology Transfer Readiness
Structured, repeatable technology transfer programs from R&D into Operations and manufacturing partners
Clear readiness criteria, timelines, risk management, and interlocks across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and external vendors
3. Short‑ and Long‑Term Cost Management
Near‑term cost reduction initiatives with measurable savings
Long‑range cost models supporting manufacturing strategy, sourcing decisions, and scaling scenarios
Clear visibility into cost drivers, tradeoffs, and investment decisions
4. Operations Planning & Supply Chain Alignment
Integrated operating plans linking demand, capacity, supply chain, logistics, and manufacturing readiness
Scenario planning to support leadership decisions on timing, scale, and external partnerships
5. Decision‑Quality Insights
Operational KPIs, dashboards, and planning artifacts that enable fast, data‑driven decisions
Transparent tradeoffs surfaced to executive leadership
Key Responsibilities
Operations Strategy & Planning
Translate Operations strategy into executable roadmaps, programs, and operating plans
Lead annual and multi‑year planning for Operations, in close partnership with Finance and functional leaders
Maintain an enterprise view of operational priorities, tradeoffs, and capacity constraints
Program & Portfolio Management (Core Focus)
Own execution of complex, cross‑functional programs across Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Engineering
Stand up and run lightweight but rigorous program management (scope, milestones, RACI, risks, dependencies, benefits)
Interlock internal execution with external partners and suppliers where applicable
Technology Transfer
Lead cross‑functional technology transfer programs from development into production and manufacturing ecosystems
Ensure alignment across process readiness, supplier readiness, quality, and cost targets
Identify and mitigate scale‑up and execution risks early
Cost Management & Operational Efficiency
Lead short‑term cost reduction initiatives and structural cost improvements
Develop long‑term cost roadmaps tied to manufacturing strategy, sourcing, and scale
Partner with Finance to model scenarios, ROI, and investment tradeoffs
Supply Chain, Logistics & Operations Planning
Drive integrated supply chain and logistics planning aligned with production and customer needs
Partner with Supply Chain leaders to ensure readiness, resilience, and execution discipline
Support make/buy, sourcing, and partner strategy through data‑driven analysis
Decision Support & Analytics
Define and track operational KPIs across programs and planning horizons
Deliver scenario analyses and executive‑ready insights to inform prioritization and sequencing
Ensure data quality and consistency across Operations reporting
Cross‑Functional Leadership
Influence and align senior leaders across Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance
Lead through ambiguity with clarity, structure, and execution discipline
Qualifications
15+ years of experience in Operations Strategy, Program Management, or Operations Leadership
Strong track record delivering complex, cross‑functional programs end‑to‑end
Experience with technology transfer, manufacturing scale‑up, supply chain, or logistics
Demonstrated cost management and operational planning expertise
Strong financial and analytical acumen; able to translate data into decisions
Credibility and effectiveness working with senior technical and operations leaders
Onsite: This position is required to work onsite 5 days per week to meet the minimum essential duties and requirements of this position. As an on-site R&D and manufacturing operations organization, in-person face to face interaction is essential to building authentic relationships, trust, teamwork, and collaboration.