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.    

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.  

What will you be doing?

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.

Locations: With travel up to 50% domestic and international, the ideal candidate must be located near a major airport and a major S+N site:

Fort Worth, TX

Andover, MA

Memphis, TN

Oklahoma City, OK

Pittsburgh, PA

What will you need to be successful?

Bachelors 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 TransformationProven track record for developing, training, and coaching teams across cultures8+ years of continuous improvement, business transformation, process improvement and/or lean experience6+ years of leadership experience developing, training, coaching, and implementing an enterprise-wide Lean business systemOr any combination of education and experience to meet the above requirementsMed-Tech or Healthcare experience a plusMicrosoft Office expertiseMinimum of 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 eventsExpertise in problem solving utilizing a formal program/process, and experience in delivering certification processesAbility to implement KPI Management across functions and businessesExperience in Change Management, and acts as an influential change agent

You Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.    

Inclusion, Diversity and Equity: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about 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 is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Smith+Nephew will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please alert the recruiter if you are selected to move forward. 

The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $108,000 - $180,000 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, geographical location, and internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role at Smith +Nephew.  Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. In addition to base pay, we provide competitive bonus, discretionary long term incentive plan (senior level roles) and benefits, which include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k, tuition reimbursement, medical leave programs, parental leave, and generous PTO (accrual of 12 hours per month to a max of 18 days), 10 paid company holidays annually and 8 hours of Volunteer time and a variety of wellness offerings such as EAP.

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.

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