Director Operational Excellence

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 engineering
• Prior experience leading a lean transformation across a cross-functional facility
• Shown ability to analyze complex data, and develop evidence-based conclusions and data-based recommendations
• Consistent track record for developing, training, and coaching teams
• Experienced in project and program management
• Experience in Change Management with demonstrated ability to act as an influential change agent
• Minimum 8 years in process improvement and/or lean related experience
• 8+ 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 Leadership (Daily Management, Visual Management, Gemba Walks, Leader Standard Work)
  • Structured Problem Solving (i.e. DMAIC) applying a formal program/process
  • Value-Stream Mapping
  • Kaizen events
  • Implementation of Tiered Accountability/important metric management across functions and businesses
• Business and financial savvy
• Six Sigma experience and/or certification a plus
• Med-Tech or Healthcare experience a plus
• Microsoft Office expertise
• Broad knowledge of multi-functional processes and financial business methods
• Shown 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 the organization's strategy and goals through true lean transformation
• Strong ability to anticipate future needs of the organization and make decisions in a changing environment
• Effective communicator with proven ability to convey information in English to all levels of the organization through written, oral, and presentation skills
• High ethical standards to lead by example what professional business code of conduct looks like
• Passion for driving continuous improvement and leading change in sophisticated environments
• A holistic thinker who can look end-to-end to integrate and streamline processes and 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 social 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
• Leads 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 and interprets data and financial 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
• Acts as an influential change agent

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.