Yorma Cuevas Rijo

Manufacturing Manager

Medtronic

Wallingford, CT

http://www.linkedin.com/in/yorma-cuevas-ms-lssgb-gb-94a861110

Yorma Cuevas Rijo is a manufacturing leader whose career has focused on operational excellence, continuous improvement, and team development in the medical device industry. She shares insights on leadership, problem-solving, and creating a culture where people and performance can thrive together.

Career Summary

I have built my career over the past decade in the medical device industry, focusing on engineering operations, manufacturing excellence, and continuous improvement. Throughout this journey, I’ve taken on roles that have allowed me to strengthen both operational performance and team capability, with a strong emphasis on delivering results in highly regulated environments.

My leadership path has been shaped through driving operational excellence, industrial engineering, and process engineering initiatives that improve performance at scale. I have led efforts in process optimization, line balancing, capacity analysis, and cost improvement, through this work, I’ve enhanced operational visibility, standardized processes, and implemented structured routines such as Gemba to sustain improvements. I’ve developed a strong passion for translating strategy into execution. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside talented cross-functional teams, including assemblers, engineers, quality professionals, and site leadership. These experiences have
reinforced my belief in servant leadership, accountability, and empowering teams to continuously improve. As Manufacturing Manager at Medtronic, I’m proud to contribute to advancing healthcare by ensuring the high-quality production of life-saving medical devices. Every unit we build helps improve patient outcomes and supports safer, more reliable care worldwide. Being part of this process motivates me to continuously optimize our operations and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives

Favorite Quote

“Growth begins the moment you step outside your comfort zone and choose to keep going"

Career Journey

A little background, when I was relocated from Medtronic in the Dominican Republic to Medtronic in North Haven, CT, I was working as an Industrial Engineer supporting operations. I’ve always been curious and driven to connect more deeply with day-to-day operations, understanding where value is created, and finding ways to make a real impact on site results.

That curiosity and willingness to be hands-on led me to transition into a role as an OpEx Principal. In this position, I had the opportunity to look at the business more strategically while leading initiatives that drive measurable improvements in operations. It gave me the chance to partner closely with teams, see processes from end to end, and really influence outcomes in meaningful ways. This role also revived the passion I had for operations, a passion I first discovered when I worked as a Process Engineer at B. Braun. Being on the front lines, where all the magic happens, allows me to solve problems in real time, coaching teams, and see the direct impact of our work on patient care and site performance. Every day, I feel energized knowing that the improvements we make don’t just optimize processes, they ultimately contribute to better outcomes for the people who rely on our products.

Current Role & Focus

I currently work as a Manufacturing Manager within the medical devices industry, where I focus on leading manufacturing operations, driving performance, and building strong, high-performing teams. A key part of my role is ensuring operations run safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality and regulatory standards, while continuously improving processes to support business objectives and customer needs.

My day-to-day responsibilities include overseeing production operations, leading and developing frontline supervisors and manufacturing teams, driving operational KPIs, and executing continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, efficiency, and employee engagement. I work closely with cross-functional partners to resolve operational challenges, support strategic initiatives, and ensure alignment between manufacturing goals and overall business priorities.

I am particularly passionate about people development and operational excellence, and I strive to create a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the organization

Defining Moment

I don’t think there was just one single moment that shaped my path as a leader, but rather a combination of experiences, challenges, and mentors, both personally and professionally, that helped define the leader I am today.

Personally, my parents (Jorgin Cuevas and Marcia Rijo) and my husband (Gabriel Barrientos) have been my biggest mentors and support system throughout my journey. They taught me the value of hard work, resilience, humility, and perseverance. Their constant encouragement gave me the confidence to continue pushing myself professionally, especially during moments where I doubted my own capabilities or faced difficult challenges. My husband, in particular, has always encouraged me to believe in my leadership potential and continue growing outside of my comfort zone.

Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to have several leaders and mentors who impacted me during key moments of my career. Early on in my career, Juan Niemen and Laura Pons helped me build a strong foundation and adapt to the fast-paced manufacturing environment. Dilia Castillo introduced me to the process engineering and operations side of the business, which helped me better understand the bigger picture and where I could create value.

Pamela Martich played a major role in helping me grow professionally and personally. She challenged me to think bigger, become more confident in my decision-making, and continue developing as a leader.

Andrew Hutton also had a significant impact on my growth, especially in developing my business acumen and exposing me to leadership opportunities that expanded my perspective beyond day-to-day operations.

More recently, stepping into my Manufacturing Manager role has been one of the most defining moments in my leadership journey. My current boss, Henry Marsh, trusted me with a much larger scope and continuously pushed me to grow into that responsibility. That transition challenged me to become more strategic, strengthen my leadership presence, and focus not only on operational results, but also on developing people and building strong teams.

Looking back, I believe those combined experiences, the support from my family, the guidance from mentors, and the opportunities to step into uncomfortable situations are what truly shaped my leadership

Challenges & Lessons

One of struggle has been dealing with variability, whether it’s supplier issues, equipment downtime, or staffing gaps. Even with a solid plan, things can change quickly, so staying agile and keeping the team aligned during those moments is critical.

As a leader, I’ve also found it challenging at times to drive accountability while maintaining a positive and engaged team culture. You want to push for results, but also make sure people feel supported and heard.

Lastly, stepping into leadership as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated environment has come with its own learning curve. Finding my voice, staying authentic, and building credibility took intention, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

Industry Perspective

Throughout my career, I’ve seen a very positive shift in the opportunities available for women in manufacturing, especially in leadership roles. When I first started, it was still very common to walk into meetings or production floors where women were significantly underrepresented, particularly in operations and decision-making positions. Over time, I’ve seen companies become much more intentional about creating development opportunities, leadership programs, and inclusive environments that encourage women to grow and lead within manufacturing organizations.

I’ve also noticed that women are now being recognized not only for technical and operational expertise, but also for the leadership strengths they bring to teams, such as collaboration, adaptability, people development, and driving culture. There is still progress to be made, but I believe there is now more visibility, support, and advocacy for women pursuing careers in operations and manufacturing than ever before.

Personally, I’ve been fortunate to grow into leadership roles where I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams, influence operational strategy, and mentor others along the way. That growth has reinforced the importance of representation and the impact that strong female leaders can have in manufacturing environments.

Future of Manufacturing

What excites me most about the future of manufacturing is the continuous evolution of technology, innovation, and people development working together to transform the industry. I’m especially excited about how AI and data-driven technologies are helping manufacturing become smarter, more proactive, and more efficient. From predictive analytics and process optimization to real-time decision making and automation, AI is creating opportunities to improve quality, reduce waste, and support faster problem solving across operations.

I’m also excited about the growing focus on developing frontline leaders and creating cultures where employees feel empowered to contribute to continuous improvement and business performance. While technology continues to advance, I believe the human aspect of manufacturing will remain just as important, building agile, engaged teams that can adapt, collaborate, and lead through change.
In the medical devices industry specifically, it’s especially rewarding to know that the work we do directly impacts patients’ lives. Being part of an industry that combines operational excellence, innovation, and meaningful purpose is something that continues to motivate and inspire me for the future.

In the medical devices industry specifically, it’s especially rewarding to know that the work we do directly impacts patients’ lives. Being part of an industry that combines operational excellence with a meaningful purpose is something that continues to motivate and inspire me for the future.

Advice for Women in Manufacturing

Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready, go for the opportunity and figure it out along the way. A lot of growth comes from being uncomfortable. Find mentors and sponsors who will challenge you and advocate for you, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek feedback. Also, take the time to really understand the business, not just your role, that’s what helps you stand out and opens doors. And finally, trust your voice. You’ve earned your seat at the table, so use it.