At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a global transformation in career development with a skills-based approach.
- Company: Join Smith+Nephew, a leader in innovative healthcare technology.
- Benefits: Generous bonuses, flexible vacation, health plans, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy a hybrid working model and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of careers while enhancing employee experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in talent management transformation and strong strategic thinking.
At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. Join us at a pivotal moment as we transform how careers are built and experienced across a global organisation. We are looking for a Skills Based Career Management Lead (12 month FTC) to drive the shift towards a skills led approach that redefines how people grow, move and develop within Smith+Nephew. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of career development, enhancing employee experience while building stronger, more agile talent capability across the business.
What will you be doing?
In this role, you will lead a global transformation programme that reimagines career development through a skills based lens. You will design and embed frameworks that help employees clearly understand how they can grow, while enabling the business to build more agile and future ready talent pipelines. You will work closely with teams across Talent, Talent Acquisition, Workforce Planning, Reward and HR Technology to bring this vision to life. As you review and enhance the Workday Career Hub experience, you will focus on creating intuitive, engaging tools that make development opportunities more visible and accessible. Along the way, you will unlock internal mobility, strengthen succession pipelines and integrate career development into wider talent and leadership processes. Through data and insights, you will continuously refine the approach, ensuring real adoption and meaningful outcomes. The role is less about traditional Talent Management and more about career enablement, skills-based development and internal mobility transformation.
What will you need to be successful?
- Proven experience leading large scale talent or career management transformation programmes
- Strong understanding of skills frameworks, workforce planning and internal mobility strategies
- Workday Career Hub knowledge (or competitor platforms) with strong programme management and consultancy-style thinking
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive adoption across a matrix organisation
- Experience using data, technology and insights to improve employee experience and outcomes
You. Unlimited.
We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and patients we serve.
Inclusion and Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging.
Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension schemes, Save As You Earn share options and a car allowance.
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.
Skills Based Career Management Lead (12 month FTC) employer: Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew is an exceptional employer that values clinical expertise and fosters a supportive work culture for its Wound Care Field Specialists. With flexible working options, comprehensive training, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector while enjoying a rewarding career in the North Wales and Midlands region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Skills Based Career Management Lead (12 month FTC)
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Smith & Nephew!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Smith & Nephew.
We think you need these skills to ace Skills Based Career Management Lead (12 month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Smith & Nephew. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Smith & Nephew and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Smith & Nephew. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Smith & Nephew's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smith & Nephew
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Smith & Nephew.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Smith & Nephew will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Smith & Nephew and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
