Continuous Improvement Capability Director

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. The Continuous Improvement Capability Director supports the development and deployment of the Smith+Nephew Operating System tools, materials, training, and governance. This role enhances continuous improvement capabilities in support of the company’s strategic vision across all business processes, functions, and initiatives. It supports all aspects of the company by partnering with the Global S+N Operating System leadership team to drive the overall deployment and maturity progression of the S+N Operating System through continuous improvement capabilities.  This role does not currently have direct reports but works across the global matrixed teams (across functions and regions) to grow the adoption of continuous improvement methodologies aligned to the S+N Operating System for maximum impact and cultural transformation.    

What will you be doing?

This role works with all levels in the company to build Continuous Improvement capabilities and execute against the company’s S+N Operating System strategy, enabling a continuous improvement culture that routinely achieves company goals.  Delivers tools, processes, and training that build consistent Continuous Improvement (CI) capabilities company-wide in alignment with the S+N Operating System strategy and roadmap.  Supports business and functional leadership with ensuring the team’s activities support company goals and objectives.   Develops and provides subject matter expertise around the company’s Operating System tools, technologies, and processes.  Builds relationships throughout the organization to develop expertise around the Operating System tools, technology, processes, and leadership to enable a CI culture that achieves business goals.  Enables the development of Continuous Improvement skills throughout the organization, cultivating an action-biased CI organizational culture that empowers teammates to problem-solve and simplify processes through CI tools and skills.  Facilitates the implementation of the S+N Operating System throughout the company. Coaches and mentors teammates and leaders organization-wide on consistent S+N Operating System processes, tools, and technology.   Drives evaluation and prioritization of S+N Operating System tool, supporting material, and technology development and training requests, ensuring proper time/resource allocation aligned to deployment of the S+N Operating System.  Collaborates with the Global S+N Operating System team to leverage and share best practices, and develop best in class Operating System tools, technology, training, and strategy.  Works with functional teams to streamline processes to improve business objectives, specifically focusing on customer experience, efficiency, and profitable growth.  Provides support to develop Lean expertise and capability at all levels of the organization.  Improves the decision-making model and problem-solving capabilities within high performance teams to increase the autonomy and pace of change.

What will you need to be successful?

• Four-year university degree required  (Engineering, Sciences, Continuous Improvement, Process Improvement, Business, preferred); Master’s Degree preferred. 
• Roles from disciplines such as Engineering, Integrated Supply Chain, Lean/Operating System/Business System, Operations, and Business Transformation
• 8 or more years of continuous improvement, business transformation, process improvement and/or lean experience
• 6+ years of experience and “hands on” track record of implementing successful Lean based business systems including elements such as: Strategy Deployment and A3 Thinking, Lean Management Systems (Tiered Accountability, Visual Management, Gemba Walks, Leader Standard Work), Value-Stream Mapping, Kaizen events.
• 6 or more years of leadership experience developing, training, coaching, and implementing an enterprise-wide Lean business system, or any combination of education and experience to meet the above requirements
• Med-Tech or Healthcare experience a plus
• Expertise in problem solving utilizing a formal program/process, and experience in delivering certification processes
• Ability to implement KPI Management across functions and businesses
• Experience in Change Management, and acts as an influential change agent
• Broad knowledge of multi-functional, multi-site, global organizational processes and financial business methods
• Demonstrated skill and confidence in proactively building relationships with top tier partners/leaders both internally and externally
• Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing comprehensive continuous improvement approaches/methodologies to advance an organization’s strategy and goals
• Great communicator, demonstrated ability in solid written, oral, and presentation-giving skills
• Ability to effectively work with different cultures in a global, matrixed environment
• High ethical standards to support a professional business code of conduct
• Passion for driving improvement and leading change in complex environments
• A holistic thinker who can look enterprise-wide to integrate and streamline systems for optimal benefit
• Able to drive strategic thinking and continuous improvement in both operational and non-operational areas, including connecting cross-functional resources to remove waste along the extended value streams
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with and positively influence leadership and all levels of the organization
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative and proactive leader who welcomes challenges
• Manages time and resources effectively through strong organization, multi-tasking, and time management skills
• Works independently as a self-starter committed to delivering performance results
• Analyzes information to make sound business decisions taking prudent business risks as appropriate
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team to seek resolution to problems
• Proven track record for developing, training, and coaching teams across cultures

Travel - Able to travel domestically and internationally up to 50%

You Unlimited.

• The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $128,500 - $238,250 USD annually. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, and geographic location. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. In addition to base pay, we offer competitive bonus and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, medical leave programs, parental leave, generous PTO, paid company holidays, 8 hours of volunteer time annually, and a variety of wellness offerings such as EAP.

• Inclusion + Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website https://www.smith-nephew.com/

• Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement  

• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day  

• Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program 

• Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)  

• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship  

• Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!  

Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.