Director, Operations North America and Site Leader Arvada

Join us today and make a difference in people's lives!
 

Being a world leader in Cardiovascular and a leading player in Neuromodulation, LivaNova (approx. 4000 employees worldwide) is committed to applying its wealth of knowledge and technological expertise, acquired through decades of research and development to create therapies - products and services - that deliver the highest level of quality.  Working with our organization is not just a career; it's the chance to make a difference in the lives of more than one million patients every year, in over 80 countries.

The Cardiopulmonary Business unit has a unique portfolio of leading cardiopulmonary products that are used to treat millions of patients worldwide. Through a complete range of cardiopulmonary equipment and disposables led by the worlds #1 heart lung machine, LivaNova has been offering customer centric integrated perfusion solutions for decades. We are taking the next step in our commitment to innovation and development of perfusion practice with the launch of the completely redesigned Essenz Perfusion system. The Essenz Perfusion System is built on a 50-year legacy of trusted partnerships with perfusionists. It is designed to meet evolving standards of safety and reliability to deliver lifesaving care to patients.

Job Summary:

As Director Operations North America, you will lead the change at our Arvada facility, driving operational excellence across manufacturing, engineering, planning, logistics and procurement. You’ll be at the forefront of transforming our plant into a model of efficiency, quality, and innovation - delivering life-saving medical devices with precision and speed. This role demands a bold leader who thrives on accountability, embraces digitalization, and relentlessly pursues cost optimization and performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead with Impact
• Own all site operations—manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and facilities—with full accountability for performance, compliance, and results.
• Deliver on production targets with a laser focus on quality, cost, and service levels.
• Champion a culture of safety, integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Drive Efficiency & Cost Leadership
• Lead aggressive cost-reduction initiatives through Lean and smart automation.
• Identify and eliminate inefficiencies across the value stream.
• Leverage digital tools and data to drive smarter, faster decision-making.
• Ensure Quality & Compliance
• Guarantee full compliance with FDA, ISO 13485, GMP, and internal quality systems.
• Oversee validation, calibration, and documentation to ensure audit readiness at all times.
• Partner with QA/RA to uphold the highest product and process standards.
• Inspire & Develop Talent
• Build and lead a high-performing, cross-functional team.
• Develop future leaders through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Execute Strategic Initiatives
• Lead site-level transformation projects, including automation, digitalization, and capacity expansion.
• Collaborate with global Centers of Excellence to implement best-in-class technologies and practices.
• Align site operations with global business strategy and growth objectives.

Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related technical field.

  • Master’s degree in Business or Engineering preferred.

• Experience:

  • 10–15 years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations, ideally in MedTech or other regulated industries.

  • Proven success in cost reduction, Lean/6 Sigma deployment, and automation.

  • Strong background in supply chain, engineering, and quality systems.

  • Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and digital manufacturing tools.

• Core Competencies:

  • Strategic thinker with a hands-on, results-driven mindset.

  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and change management skills.

  • Data-driven decision-maker with a passion for operational excellence.

  • Resilient, agile, and energized by challenge.

Success Metrics:

• (Over-)Achievement of production output, cost, and service KPIs.

• Reduction in operational waste and downtime.

• Implementation of automation and digital initiatives.

• Regulatory and quality compliance.

• Team engagement and retention.

Pay Transparency:

• A reasonable estimate of the annual base salar