Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. The Director, Operational Excellence Site Lead supports the Memphis site by partnering with members of the Site Leadership Team to lead the overall deployment of the Smith+Nephew Business System across all functions within and supporting the facility. This role will facilitate the development of the site’s long range transformation plan, drive maturity progression of the S+N Business System, handle and lead strategic programs and sophisticated projects, coach and mentor OpEx practitioners, and act as the key change agent to drive a ‘better every day’ mindset of all employees within the site through a sustainable continuous improvement culture.

What will you be doing?

This role also works with the extended Global Operational Excellence team and the broader OpEx Community of Practice to align and execute the site’s transformation plan with the company’s S+N Business System deployment strategy, ensuring standard processes are shared company-wide and improvements are made to the S+N Business System’s supporting materials. This person will lead the development of OpEx capabilities throughout the site, driving achievement of site critical metrics aligned with business goals.  Facilitates the development of a three-year transformation plan aligned with business unit and corporate strategy Partners with the site leadership team to identify, develop, and deliver key performance indicators (KPIs) throughout the organization aligned to the overall site objectives.   Diplomatically cultivates an action-biased culture of operational excellence and a ‘better every day mentality to improve business KPI’s and achieve business objectives aligned to Smith + Nephew’s company goals Leads the deployment and maturity progression of the S+N Business System throughout all functions and processes (End-to-End) within the site Leverages capabilities delivered through Operations Technology (digitization and automation) Establishes and matures a Lean Management System (Tiered Daily Accountability, Visual Management, Gemba Walks, and Leader Standard Work) including other coaching tools to transform the culture . Works with functional teams to streamline End-to End processes to improve business objectives, with a specific focus on the customer experience, efficiency, and profitable growth. Is responsible for the portfolio of programs and projects to drive sustainable improvements across all functions. Provides support to develop OpEx expertise and capability within the organization at all levels. Improves the decision-making model and problem-solving capabilities within high performance teams to increase the autonomy and pace of change. Provides regular, ongoing reporting and communications to Site/Focused Factory and Global OpEx leadership regarding status of the site’s S+N Business System maturity progress. Collaborates with other OpEx teammates to leverage and share best practices, drive improvements to the company level S+N Business System supporting materials (tools, templates, technology, etc.)

What will you need to be successful?

Four-year university degree required (industrial engineering, operations, or business preferred); Master’s Degree preferred. Leadership roles from fields such as operations, supply chain, or engineeringPrior experience leading a lean transformation across a cross-functional facilityShown ability to analyze complex data, and develop evidence-based conclusions and data-based recommendationsConsistent track record for developing, training, and coaching teamsExperienced in project and program managementExperience in Change Management with demonstrated ability to act as an influential change agentMinimum 8 years in process improvement and/or lean related experience8+ years of experience and “hands on” track record of implementing successful lean based business systems including elements such as:Strategy Deployment and A3 ThinkingLean Leadership (Daily Management, Visual Management, Gemba Walks, Leader Standard Work)Structured Problem Solving (i.e. DMAIC) applying a formal program/processValue-Stream MappingKaizen eventsImplementation of Tiered Accountability/important metric management across functions and businessesBusiness and financial savvySix Sigma experience and/or certification a plusMed-Tech or Healthcare experience a plusMicrosoft Office expertiseBroad knowledge of multi-functional processes and financial business methodsShown skill and confidence in proactively building relationships with top tier partners/leaders both internally and externallyDemonstrated experience and leadership in managing comprehensive continuous improvement approaches/methodologies to advance the organization’s strategy and goals through true lean transformationStrong ability to anticipate future needs of the organization and make decisions in a changing environmentEffective communicator with proven ability to convey information in English to all levels of the organization through written, oral, and presentation skillsHigh ethical standards to lead by example what professional business code of conduct looks likePassion for driving continuous improvement and leading change in sophisticated environmentsA holistic thinker who can look end-to-end to integrate and streamline processes and systems for optimal benefitAble 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 streamsStrong social skills and the ability to connect with and positively influence leadership and all levels of the organizationEnergetic, flexible, collaborative and proactive leader who welcomes challengesLeads time and resources effectively through strong organization, multi-tasking, and time management skillsWorks independently as a self-starter committed to delivering performance resultsAnalyzes and interprets data and financial information to make sound business decisions taking prudent business risks as appropriateStrong analytical skillsAbility to work independently and as a part of a team to seek resolution to problemsActs as an influential change agent

Travel: Able to travel domestically and internationally up to 15%

You Unlimited.

Inclusion, Diversity and Equity - We are 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: We offer 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.

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