Objective: This article aims to discuss the configuration of the competence approach in a multinational company that manufactures high-tech medical devices. It analyzes the managerial competences related to the production managers.Method: A descriptive Case Study of the company was carried out. As for data collection, it involved a semi-structured interview and document analysis. The data obtained were submitted to Content Analysis with determination of thematic categories.Originality/Relevance: The study carried out is justified by the possibility of contributing to the debate, illuminating aspects inherent to the Production area, in an innovative sector.Results: The research revealed an oxymoron. Although Valvmed is a multinational company that manufactures high-tech medical devices and operates in a dynamic sector, the competence approach is still configured in a traditional way. Although the area is characterized by its mechanistic and technical nature, it was possible to identify the demand for relational and behavioral competences that point out the relevance of the social content of the work.Social / management contributions: The research contributes to the managers who work in this field, insofar as it stimulates reflections about the complexity inherent to production management and the need for the company to make efforts to improve management competences that enhance human interaction.Theoretical/methodological contributions: Regarding the competence approach, the need to deepen the understanding of the dynamics adopted in the Production area in a high-tech medical company should be considered.