The SVP of Operational Excellence is the executive architect and owner of Trans Ova Genetics’ enterprise operating system, responsible for transforming proven biological excellence into a scalable, repeatable, industrial-grade production capability. This leader drives the design and deployment of the systems, processes, quality discipline, and data infrastructure required to industrialize bovine IVF across all laboratories and field operations.
As a member of the Executive Team, the SVP of Operational Excellence leads the enterprise effort to reduce variability, improve throughput, and ensure consistent performance across the entire Trans Ova network. This role establishes the global operating model for IVF production, embedding statistical process control, automation, artificial intelligence, and Lean/Six Sigma disciplines into the daily operation of the business. By converting expert-dependent practices into standardized systems, the SVP ensures that Trans Ova’s industry leadership is protected and scaled through operational excellence.
This leader partners closely with Operations, Scientific/Technical leaders, Digital Systems, Commercial, Finance, and Human Resources to align production capability with market demand and ensure that Trans Ova’s production machine operates with world-class consistency, reliability, and efficiency.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Operational Excellence Strategy & Governance
Define and lead the enterprise operational excellence strategy aligned with Trans Ova’s long-term growth and industrialization objectives.
Design and implement the global operating model for bovine IVF production across all laboratories and field operations.
Establish governance structures that ensure clear decision rights, accountability, and cross-functional alignment between Operations, Scientific leadership, R&D, and Commercial teams.
Lead enterprise initiatives focused on scalability, throughput improvement, and reduction of operational variability.
Process Architecture & Global Standardization
Establish end-to-end ownership of critical production processes, including ovum pickup, IVF laboratory procedures, embryo development, embryo transfer, cryopreservation, and logistics.
Define and enforce global standard operating procedures with measurable tolerance bands and process capability targets.
Eliminate unnecessary variation across sites by replacing localized practices with standardized, enterprise processes.
Ensure that improvements and best practices are systematically deployed across all Trans Ova locations.
Statistical Process Control & Performance Management
Implement enterprise-wide statistical process control systems to monitor performance, detect process drift, and prevent variability before it impacts production outcomes.
Develop leading indicators and early-warning dashboards that allow leadership to identify and correct deviations in real time.
Define and track key operational performance metrics such as process capability, yield, throughput, cycle time, and first-pass success rates.
Lead structured root-cause analysis and corrective action programs that eliminate recurring process failures.
Automation & Advanced Production Systems
Partner with Operations, R&D, and Digital teams to design, test, and implement automation technologies that improve consistency, reduce labor intensity, and increase production capacity.
Lead the evaluation and integration of robotics, imaging systems, and digital workflows into IVF laboratory operations.
Ensure automation initiatives are tightly integrated with process architecture and operational performance metrics.
Translate biological processes into scalable, technology-enabled production systems.
Artificial Intelligence & Advanced Analytics
Drive the application of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to improve process control, anomaly detection, predictive monitoring, and production optimization.
Partner with digital and data science teams to develop machine learning tools that enhance embryo grading consistency, production forecasting, and operational decision-making.
Establish the data infrastructure required to enable real-time monitoring of production performance across all sites.
Ensure that data and analytics become a core capability supporting Trans Ova’s operational leadership.
Continuous Improvement & Lean Six Sigma Deployment
Embed Lean and Six Sigma methodologies throughout the organization to systematically improve productivity, reduce cost, and eliminate waste.
Lead enterprise continuous improvement programs focused on reducing variability and increasing throughput.
Develop and mentor Green Belt and Black Belt leaders across the organization to support operational improvement initiatives.
Prioritize improvement initiatives based on measurable business impact and strategic importance.
Quality Systems & Operational Discipline
Ensure quality discipline and process compliance are built directly into production workflows rather than treated as separate control functions.
Maintain enterprise standards for deviation management, corrective and preventive actions, and performance monitoring.
Align quality systems with operational performance goals to ensure consistent outcomes for clients and partners.
Protect Trans Ova’s reputation for reliability, performance, and scientific excellence.
Lead Technical and Quality Control Teams
Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Technical and Quality Control teams, ensuring alignment with Trans Ova’s operational excellence strategy and global operating model for IVF production.
Ensure that technical expertise, laboratory standards, and quality control disciplines are translated into scalable systems, processes, and training that support consistent outcomes across all locations.
Establish clear accountability for technical standards, method validation, quality monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives across laboratories and field operations.
Foster strong collaboration between Technical, Operations, R&D, and Digital teams to ensure that scientific knowledge is effectively integrated into industrialized production systems and ongoing process improvement.
Organizational Development & Culture
Build and lead a high-performing operational excellence organization capable of driving enterprise transformation.
Develop internal talent in process engineering, statistical analysis, automation, and continuous improvement disciplines.
Promote a culture where operational discipline, process ownership, and data-driven decision-making are core expectations.
Reinforce the principle that excellence is achieved through systems and processes rather than individual heroics.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree required in Engineering, Life Sciences, Operations Management, or related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
15+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or other highly regulated production environments.
Demonstrated success designing and scaling complex production systems across multiple sites.
Deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, statistical process control, process capability analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
Proven ability to lead large-scale operational transformation initiatives that significantly improve productivity, reliability, and throughput.
Experience implementing automation technologies and digital production systems in laboratory or manufacturing environments.
Experience leveraging artificial intelligence or advanced analytics to improve operational performance and decision-making.
Strong executive leadership capabilities with demonstrated success influencing cross-functional teams and driving organizational change.
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification preferred.
Trans Ova Genetics, a member of the URUS Group, provides industry-leading reproductive technologies and expertise to cattle breeders through a unique professional services team that works closely with clients to understand their breeding goals and ultimately help clients advance and extend superior genetics. Trans Ova Genetics understands the process that will help multiply a herd’s genetic success. Reproductive technologies such as embryo transfer, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), sexed-semen, genetic preservation, and cloning are considered the reproductive “tools” available for breeders looking to achieve specific breeding and reproductive goals. Internationally recognized as a source of superior animal husbandry and reproductive expertise, Trans Ova Genetics offers an integrated system of regional centers, satellite stations, and on-farm application of reproductive technologies.
Trans Ova's headquarters are in Sioux Center, Iowa, but we have many offices and satellite centers across the country. On-going research and applied science allow Trans Ova Genetics to develop and implement new technologies to help move the science of bovine genetic improvement forward. Trans Ova is dedicated to meeting the requirements of their customers and to continual improvement.
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