At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and performance management for global operations at Smith+Nephew.
- Company: Join a pioneering tech company dedicated to enhancing lives through innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, comprehensive health coverage, and generous PTO.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community that values diversity and employee growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while driving financial excellence.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in finance with strong FP&A experience, ideally in manufacturing or supply chain.
At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. The Senior Director, Global Operations FP&A is a senior finance leader responsible for financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, consolidation, and performance management for Smith+Nephew’s Global Operations organization. This role partners closely with Business Unit Finance leaders and Global Operations Finance leadership to consolidate results, challenge performance, and deliver clear, executive‑ready financial insights. The position plays a key role in Monthly and Quarterly Business Reviews, long‑range planning, and enterprise financial transparency.
The role is part of the Global FP&A Leadership Team and serves as a key partner to the SVP, Global Operations Finance, supporting stakeholders across Finance, Operations, Engineering, and Strategy.
ResponsibilitiesThe Senior Director leads the global FP&A operating rhythm for Global Operations, including annual budgeting, rolling forecasts, monthly close and reporting, and long‑range strategic planning. The role ensures high‑quality consolidation of financial results across global manufacturing and supply chain operations and delivers clear financial narratives, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership. The role serves as the primary FP&A partner to Business Unit Finance leaders, leading the review, consolidation, and challenge of financial submissions to ensure consistent assumptions and performance explanations. This position owns Global Operations MBR and QBR materials, translating detailed financial inputs into concise, executive‑level insights, and acts as a central integration point between Operational Finance, Corporate FP&A, and enterprise functions.
The Senior Director also oversees global cost and capital planning activities, including standard cost change rollups, capital investment planning, spend tracking, and business case evaluation. The role owns tariff and trade impact modeling, exposure analysis, mitigation tracking, and communication to Finance and Operations leadership. In addition, the position drives FP&A process standardization, financial governance, and continuous improvement, partnering with finance transformation and IT teams to enhance systems, automation, and data quality. The role leads and develops a global FP&A team, building strong capability, engagement, and succession while fostering a collaborative and accountable culture.
QualificationsApplicants should have a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field, with CPA, qualified accountant, or MBA preferred. The role requires 10+ years of progressive finance experience, including senior FP&A roles, ideally within manufacturing, operations, or supply‑chain‑intensive environments. Strong expertise in financial planning, forecasting, consolidation, and management reporting in complex global organizations is required, along with experience using analytics and reporting tools such as Power BI. Familiarity with enterprise planning and consolidation platforms, including Tagetik and SAP‑based planning systems, is preferred. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong executive communication skills, the ability to translate complex data into clear insights, and the capability to operate effectively in a global, matrixed environment. A collaborative leadership style, change mindset, and balance of strategic thinking with disciplined execution are essential.
Compensation & BenefitsThe anticipated base compensation range for this position is $250,000 - 260,000 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 and benefits, which include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k, tuition reimbursement, medical leave programs, parental leave, and generous PTO, 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.
Sr. Director FP&A, Global Operations employer: Smith+Nephew
Contact Detail:
Smith+Nephew Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sr. Director FP&A, Global Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and operations sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising your storytelling skills. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in financial planning and forecasting. Make sure you can translate complex data into clear insights – that’s what they want to hear!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for openings at Smith+Nephew and tailor your approach to show how you can contribute to our mission of taking the limits off living.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and highlight any key points from your conversation that showcase your fit for the Senior Director position.
We think you need these skills to ace Sr. Director FP&A, Global Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in financial planning and operations. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Director FP&A, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior finance leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership style and ability to foster collaboration. Share examples of how you've built strong teams and driven performance improvements in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your financial insights and experiences, as we appreciate candidates who can translate complex data into executive-ready narratives.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure that your application reaches us promptly and you can easily track its progress. Plus, it’s a great way to explore more about our culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smith+Nephew
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Director in FP&A, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive performance in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've tackled budgeting and forecasting challenges.
✨Master the Art of Communication
This role requires translating complex financial data into clear insights for senior leadership. Practice explaining intricate financial concepts in simple terms. Use real-life scenarios where you’ve successfully communicated financial narratives to non-financial stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Collaboration is key in this position. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve worked with cross-functional teams, especially in finance, operations, and strategy. Highlight your experience in leading teams and fostering a culture of accountability and engagement.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about potential risks and opportunities in global operations and how you would address them. Prepare to discuss your approach to financial governance and process standardisation.