Continuous Improvement Capability Director

Europe

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 teams 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 in Europe .

What will you need to be successful?

• Bachelor’s degree required (Engineering, Sciences, Continuous Improvement, Process Improvement, Business, preferred); Masters Degree preferred.
• Roles from disciplines such as Business System, Business Transformation, Lean, Integrated Supply Chain & Engineering.
• Proven track record for developing, training, and coaching teams across cultures.
• Continuous improvement, business transformation, process improvement and/or lean experience.
• 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.
• Microsoft Office expertise.
• Minimum 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 events.
• 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.

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.
• Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension schemes, Save As You Earn share options.
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Vacation and Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Volunteering Hours, so we can give back to our communities!
• Your Wellbeing: Private Health and Dental plans, Healthcare Cash Plans, Income Protection, Life Assurance and much more.
• Flexibility: Hybrid Working Model (For most professional roles).
• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customised, Mentorship.
• Extra Perks: Discounts on Gyms and fitness clubs, Salary Sacrifice Bicycle and Car Schemes and many other Employee discounts.

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