Global Director of Continuous Improvement, Medical Device

Global Continuous Improvement Director

Location: China (Relocation support available)

About the Opportunity

Atomic Recruitment is representing a leading global medical device manufacturing company in the search for a Global Continuous Improvement Director.

This is a newly created executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, responsible for driving enterprise-wide Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement across multiple international manufacturing sites.

The successful candidate will lead the global CI strategy, build a high-performing team, and partner with senior leaders to transform manufacturing performance through Lean, Six Sigma, automation, digitalization, and data-driven decision making.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's global Continuous Improvement strategy aligned with long-term business objectives.
• Lead enterprise-wide Lean transformation across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, planning, and supporting business functions.
• Build, coach and develop a global Continuous Improvement team across multiple regions.
• Standardize Operational Excellence methodologies including Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen and visual management.
• Drive measurable improvements in productivity, quality, cost, delivery, customer satisfaction and operational capability.
• Establish global performance metrics, CI governance and maturity assessments across manufacturing sites.
• Champion digital manufacturing initiatives including MES implementation, automation and AI-enabled manufacturing improvements.
• Partner with executive leadership to identify strategic improvement opportunities and deliver measurable financial impact.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, problem solving and operational excellence throughout the organization.
• Ensure all improvement initiatives support compliance within highly regulated medical device manufacturing environments.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration or a related discipline. Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence or Lean Transformation experience.
• At least 5 years leading global or regional CI teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience within the medical device industry is essential. CDMO experience is highly advantageous.
• Certified Six Sigma Black Belt is required. Master Black Belt is a strong advantage.
• Strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, DMAIC, Kaizen, SMED, Value Stream Mapping and other Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Experience leading digital manufacturing initiatives such as MES implementation and manufacturing automation.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders across Operations, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance and Commercial functions.
• Strong commercial mindset with demonstrated success delivering measurable productivity improvements and cost savings.
• Fluent English is required. Mandarin language capability is beneficial but not mandatory.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Lead global transformation across multiple international manufacturing sites
• Build and shape the organization's Continuous Improvement strategy
• High visibility with executive leadership and significant business impact
• Opportunity to establish a world-class Operational Excellence culture within a growing global medical device manufacturer

If you're interested in learning more or having a confidential discussion, please apply directly.