Senior Director, Plant Operations

Imagine how your ideas and expertise can change a patient’s life. Our Global Operations & Quality team plays a central part in ensuring our products are delivered to patients with cardiovascular disease. You’ll partner cross-functionally with manufacturing operations and sales teams, delivering thoughtful solutions to complex challenges all while developing your knowledge of the medical device industry. Whether your work includes strategic inventory planning, labeling, warehouse management, material handling, or any of our other supply chain opportunities, you will be making a meaningful contribution to our team and to patients all over the world.The Senior Director, Plant Operations is accountable for end-to-end site performance, leading all manufacturing, engineering, and site support functions to deliver on safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.This role serves as the site leader with full ownership of daily execution, workforce development, operational strategy, and engineering integration. The leader ensures stable and compliant operations while building a high-performing, engaged culture and a strong foundation for future site growth.How you'll make an impact:Lead overall plant operations, ensuring safe, compliant, and uninterrupted manufacturing executionOwn delivery of core metrics: Safety, Quality, Delivery (MPS/PvA), Cost (absorption), Inventory, and CapacityDrive execution of production plans, ensuring line capacity, staffing alignment, and schedule adherenceEstablish daily management systems to identify and resolve operational issues rapidlyMaintain full accountability for site performance, escalation, and recovery executionLead both operations and engineering organizations as one integrated systemEnsure engineering provides:Daily manufacturing support and issue resolutionProcess stability, capability, and complianceContinuous improvement through yield, cycle time, and cost optimizationEnsure strong execution of RCA, CAPA, validation, and change control processesBuild technical depth across teams, including operators, technicians, and engineersEnsure site readiness to support growth, product transfers, and operational scalingBalance short-term execution with long-term capability buildingLead site-level portfolio of strategic initiatives (e.g., BEx, TOPP, Site relocation, NPI introduction, automation)Identify risks early and implement mitigation plans across cross-functional teamsDrive a Lean / Six Sigma / EPS-based culture of continuous improvementImplement and sustain value stream thinking and waste eliminationOwn plant financial performance, including:Cost management and productivityCapital planning and deploymentBudget adherence and expense prioritizationOptimize resource allocation across labor, equipment, and materialsEnsure alignment between financial targets and operational plansBuild and lead a high-performing, engaged organization across operations and engineeringEstablish strong technical training programs for operators and engineersDrive a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous learningProvide coaching, feedback, and performance management across all levelsPartner with Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and PEGs to ensure alignmentAlign with other plants to drive standardization and best practice sharingEnsure full compliance with regulatory, quality, and EHS requirementsChampion a zero-injury, safety-first cultureMaintain readiness for audits, inspections, and regulatory reviewsEnsure environmental compliance and sustainable operationsDirect oversight of:Manufacturing OperationsManufacturing Engineering / Process EngineeringProduction Support functions (as applicable)Manage through managers/supervisors with selective direct reportsBalance hands-on leadership with strategic directionWhat you'll need (Required):Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or related fieldProgressive experience in manufacturing leadership (operations + engineering)Demonstrated success leading plant operations or equivalent functional scopeStrong financial acumen and track record of delivering operational resultsWhat else we look for (Preferred):MBA or Master's degree in Engineering ManagementAt least 14 years of related experienceExperience working in a regulated industry, medical device industryExperience working with MetalsProven leadership of cross-functional manufacturing organizationsExpertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and production systems (EPS)Strong financial and operational decision-making capabilityExcellent communication and stakeholder influence at all levelsAbility to lead in a dynamic, scaling environmentEdwards is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.COVID Vaccination RequirementEdwards is committed to protecting our vulnerable patients and the healthcare providers who are treating them. As such, all patient-facing and in-hospital positions require COVID-19 vaccination. If hired into a covered role, as a condition of employment, you will be required to submit proof that you have been vaccinated for COVID-19, unless you request and are granted a medical or religious accommodation for exemption from the vaccination requirement. This vaccination requirement does not apply in locations where it is prohibited by law to impose vaccination.