Cristina Jiménez Arrieta
Summary
Experienced leader skilled in managing start-up, emerging, and established companies. Strong background in technology and product development. Excels at building strategic business relationships and partnerships. Relentlessly driven for success, leveraging exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to foster talent development and cultivate high-performing teams.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operating Officer
MicroTechnologies
10.2023 - Current
- Overseeing all aspects of day-to-day operations, including manufacturing processes, quality control, supply chain management, and logistics.
- Collaborating with the CEO and CFO to develop and execute the company's strategic growth initiatives.
- Identifying opportunities for expansion into the medical device market and developing strategies to capture market share in this sector.
- Implementing inventory management strategies to minimize stockouts and excess inventory while maintaining production continuity.
- Investing in technology upgrades and capital equipment to support the transition to medical device manufacturing and meet regulatory requirements.
- Promoting a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning to drive employee engagement and retention.
- Leading the sales and marketing teams to identify opportunities for product innovation and customization to meet customer requirements.
- Managing the operational budget and financial performance of the company, monitoring key financial metrics and KPIs.
- Streamlined operations by implementing efficient processes and systems, leading to increased productivity and cost savings.
- Played a critical role in mergers and acquisitions activities; including due diligence processes, negotiations, integration planning, and execution efforts to ensure seamless transitions.
General Manager
SmileDirectClub
03.2018 - 10.2023
- Enhanced operational success through effective staffing, strong training, adherence to safety regulations and well-timed customer service
- Implemented a Quality System compliant with ISO-13485
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision and long-range planning
- Created budget, oversaw P&Ls and achieved margin targets consistently to stay on track with growth plans
- Increased revenue streams by reducing costs, managing schedules and performing variance and risk analysis to implement corrective actions
- Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality
- Created, managed and executed business plans and communicated company vision and objectives to engage teams
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
New Product Introduction and Engineering Manager
Hologic
08.2016 - 03.2018
- Developed proposals for 2 Divisions outlining project scope and timeline.
- Provided technical direction on New Product Introduction projects and initiatives to other engineers, designers and technicians.
- Lead development of processes that resulted in launch of 2 new products from Costa Rica.
- Implemented Business Development role, bringing new manufacturing operations and sales services.
- Lead organization transformation from lean to operational excellence.
- Created and implemented Project Management Office of site based on portfolio management.
- Facilitated site's strategic plan.
- Facilitated vertical integration strategy of metal components, delivering $1.5M savings during first year.
- Managed Facilities team, to improve reliability and value improvement initiatives of $500K year over year.
- Coached employees in developing and achieving individual performance goals.
- Reviewed technical documentation for accuracy, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Production Manager
Boston Scientific
10.2014 - 08.2016
- Managed the manufacturing operation
- Value of Production of $40M, 350 employees, supporting the Peripheral Intervention, Urology & Women’s Health and Endoscopy Divisions
- Developed and implemented data-based solutions in a timely manner
- Developed and implemented the cost reduction strategy of the production unit, to achieve a 10% reduction every year
- Drove a culture of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement while providing operational leadership
- Coached employees in developing and achieving individual performance goals
- Site leader of the Diversity & Inclusion Initiative
Program Manager
Boston Scientific
01.2008 - 10.2014
- Created, implemented and led the Project Management Office of the site, 6 project managers, more than 35 projects at a time, $10M project budget
- Managed the transfer of products from Indiana and Miami, which support the Peripheral Intervention, Urology & Women’s Health and Endoscopy Divisions
- Facilitated the launch of new products from the Operations perspective for 3 different divisions
- Lead the implementation of cost saving opportunities for the critical products of the company
- Lead the site strategic planning process
- Coached employees in developing and achieving individual performance goals
- Interfaces with Leadership teams in Indiana, Florida, Massachusetts and Minnesota
Process Development Manager
Boston Scientific
04.2006 - 12.2007
- Managed the transfer of products from Mexico, involving 600 employees and $12M, supporting the Endoscopy Division
- Lead the development of the manufacturing process of the next generation of biopsy forceps
- Qualified local supplier for boxes and critical components
- Transferred molds to new vendors to reduce cost
- Managed the Process Validation Remediation initiative in BSC Miami, assuring compliance with Corporate, FDA, ISO and other regulations and requirements
Manufacturing and Project Engineer
Boston Scientific
03.2004 - 04.2006
- Executed the transfer activities of manufacturing lines, including process validation, production process and systems set up as part of the site's start-up
- Facilitated the production trainers training
- Designed and implemented process controls and assured compliance with applicable regulations
Product and Process Engineer
Baxter Healthcare
08.2001 - 03.2004
- Coordinated and developed the transfer of new products in collaboration with Divisional Engineering staff.
- Implemented packaging optimization project, and in-line sterile packaging.
- Implemented lean manufacturing and continues improvement projects to increase line efficiency.
- Conducted root cause analysis to identify, prioritize and eliminate process losses.
- Managed third-party contractors, inspecting completed work and ongoing efforts to confirm quality and adherence to prescribed guidelines.
Production Supervisor
Baxter Healthcare
06.2000 - 08.2001
- Supervised production schedules, production quality and on time delivery.
- Assessed and trained personnel for promotion to cross-functional operations.
- Implemented root cause and corrective actions to remove production constraints and improve product quality.
- Improved efficiency and productivity by eliminating waste and production constraints.
- Established clear priorities and production quality standards.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
Education
Storytelling And Influence With Data
Incae Business School
01-2025
Women Executive Leadership Program -
INCAE Business School
01.2022
Master in Business Coaching -
ADEN International Business School
01.2019
Programa De Habilidades Directivas -
ADEN International Business School
01.2015
Project Management Professional (PMP) -
Project Management Institute
01.2013
Master of Science - Project Management
Universidad Para La Cooperacion Internacional
01.2010
MBA - Management
Universidad De Costa Rica
01.2007
Licenciatura - Industrial Engineering
Universidad De Costa Rica
01.2001
Skills
- Organizational Development
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Operations Management
- Financial Management
- Process Improvement
- Risk Management
- Executive leadership
- Strategic Business Development
- Innovation & Change Management
- Cross Functional Collaboration
Affiliations
- Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, Professor of Masters in Medical Devices Management
Languages
Spanish
Native language
English
Proficient
C2
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer
MicroTechnologies
10.2023 - Current
General Manager
SmileDirectClub
03.2018 - 10.2023
New Product Introduction and Engineering Manager
Hologic
08.2016 - 03.2018
Production Manager
Boston Scientific
10.2014 - 08.2016
Program Manager
Boston Scientific
01.2008 - 10.2014
Process Development Manager
Boston Scientific
04.2006 - 12.2007
Manufacturing and Project Engineer
Boston Scientific
03.2004 - 04.2006
Product and Process Engineer
Baxter Healthcare
08.2001 - 03.2004
Production Supervisor
Baxter Healthcare
06.2000 - 08.2001
Master in Business Coaching -
ADEN International Business School
Programa De Habilidades Directivas -
ADEN International Business School
Project Management Professional (PMP) -
Project Management Institute
Master of Science - Project Management
Universidad Para La Cooperacion Internacional
MBA - Management
Universidad De Costa Rica
Licenciatura - Industrial Engineering
Universidad De Costa Rica
Storytelling And Influence With Data
Incae Business School
Women Executive Leadership Program -
INCAE Business School
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