EVP and Chief Quality Officer
Medline Industries - Transportation & Operations
Northfield, IL
Job Summary
The Chief Quality Officer (CQO) is the senior executive responsible for developing and leading the organization’s quality strategy and execution to ensure the highest standards of product integrity, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction. This role oversees all aspects of quality management systems (QMS), continuous improvement initiatives, and risk mitigation across the product lifecycle. The CQO will champion a culture of quality and safety, ensuring compliance with global standards and regulations while driving operational excellence. Scope of the role includes more than 2,500 team members and an overall cost structure in excess of $200 million. The role reports to Medline’s Chief Operating Officer and has two SVP direct reports plus others. This highly visible leadership role requires a leader that can develop and ensure execution of detailed strategic plans to support organizational growth plans and has the experience required to develop a high performing team that can support the current and future needs of the business. This role ensures that all products meet stringent quality standards and comply with international regulations, including FDA, ISO 13485, and EU MDR. In addition to strong quality and regulatory experience at senior levels of a large company within a highly regulated industry, the ideal candidate will have consistently demonstrated strength and experience with technology, innovation, strategy development and execution, communication and people development.Job Description
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive quality strategy aligned with business objectives.
- Foster a culture of quality, compliance, business enablement and continuous improvement
Quality Management System (QMS):
- Oversee the design, implementation and maintenance of an effective QMS compliant with ISO 13485, FDA, EU MDR and other applicable standards.
- Ensure robust documentation, audits and corrective actions to maintain certification and regulatory compliance and minimizing business disruption.
Regulatory Compliance:
- Monitor and ensure adherence to global regulatory requirements.
- Serve as the primary company representative and liaison with regulatory agencies during key interactions, communications, inspections and audits.
Continuous Improvement:
- Oversee initiatives to reduce defects and enhance product reliability.
- Implement data-driven methodologies to improve quality outcomes.
Risk Management:
- Identify potential quality risks and implement preventative measures.
- Oversee internal audits and risk assessments to ensure proactive compliance.
Cross Functional Collaboration:
- Partner with product divisions, operations, sales and legal to integrate quality into all stages of product development and distribution.
- Provide guidance and training to teams on quality standards and best practices.
Reporting & Metrics:
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for quality and compliance.
- Report quality performance, including deviations and corrective actions, to executive leadership and the Board Risk Committee.
Our benefit package includes health insurance, life and disability, 401(k) contributions, paid time off, etc., for employees working 30 or more hours per week on average. For a more comprehensive list of our benefits please click here. For roles where employees work less than 30 hours per week, benefits include 401(k) contributions as well as access to the Employee Assistance Program, Employee Resource Groups and the Employee Service Corp.
We’re dedicated to creating a Medline where everyone feels they belong and can grow their career. We strive to do this by seeking diversity in all forms, acting inclusively, and ensuring that people have tools and resources to perform at their best. Explore our Belonging page
.Medline Industries, LP is an equal opportunity employer. Medline evaluates qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, neurodivergence, protected veteran status, marital or family status, caregiver responsibilities, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.