Continuous Improvement Capability Director

Smith & Nephew•Fort Worth, MA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. What will you be doing? 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. 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.

Requirements

Four-year university 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 Transformation
8 or more years of continuous improvement, business transformation, process improvement and/or lean experience
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
6 or more years of 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
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
Broad knowledge of multi-functional, multi-site, global organizational processes and financial business methods
Demonstrated skill and confidence in proactively building relationships with top tier partners/leaders both internally and externally
Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing comprehensive continuous improvement approaches/methodologies to advance an organization’s strategy and goals
Great communicator, demonstrated ability in solid written, oral, and presentation-giving skills
Ability to effectively work with different cultures in a global, matrixed environment
High ethical standards to support a professional business code of conduct
Passion for driving improvement and leading change in complex environments
A holistic thinker who can look enterprise-wide to integrate and streamline systems for optimal benefit
Able 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 streams
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with and positively influence leadership and all levels of the organization
Energetic, flexible, collaborative and proactive leader who welcomes challenges
Manages time and resources effectively through strong organization, multi-tasking, and time management skills
Works independently as a self-starter committed to delivering performance results
Analyzes information to make sound business decisions taking prudent business risks as appropriate
Strong analytical skills
Ability to work independently and as a part of a team to seek resolution to problems
Proven track record for developing, training, and coaching teams across cultures
Travel - Able to travel domestically and internationally up to 50%

Nice To Haves

Med-Tech or Healthcare experience a plus

Responsibilities

Build Continuous Improvement capabilities and execute against the company’s S+N Operating System strategy
Deliver tools, processes, and training that build consistent Continuous Improvement (CI) capabilities company-wide in alignment with the S+N Operating System strategy and roadmap
Support business and functional leadership with ensuring the team’s activities support company goals and objectives
Develop and provide subject matter expertise around the company’s Operating System tools, technologies, and processes
Build 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
Enable 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
Facilitate the implementation of the S+N Operating System throughout the company
Coach and mentor teammates and leaders organization-wide on consistent S+N Operating System processes, tools, and technology
Drive 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
Collaborate 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
Work with functional teams to streamline processes to improve business objectives, specifically focusing on customer experience, efficiency, and profitable growth
Provide support to develop Lean expertise and capability at all levels of the organization
Improve the decision-making model and problem-solving capabilities within high performance teams to increase the autonomy and pace of change