Operations Excellence Leader

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

The Operational Excellence Site Lead supports the Fort Worth site by partnering with members of the Site Leadership Team (SLT) 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, manage and lead strategic programs and complex 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. At this time, the role operates in a matrix environment, and it does not have direct reports, however, that may change based on the size and complexity of site size and transformation plan. 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 best practices are shared company-wide and improvements are made to the S+N Business System's supporting materials

What will you be doing?

• Facilitates the development of a multi-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.
• Build trust with and manage internal and external stakeholders effectively
• Diplomatically cultivates an action-biased culture of operational excellence and a 'better every day mindset' to improve business KPI's and achieve business objectives aligned to Smith + Nephew's corporate 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, Daily Diary, Process Confirmation, Problem Solving, 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 customer experience, efficiency, and profitable growth Owns 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.)
• SUPPLEMENTAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Performs additional duties as directed. May require people management duties depending on the size and complexity of the site.

What will you need to be successful?

• Four-year university degree required (industrial engineering, operations, or business preferred); Masters degree preferred.
• Leadership roles from disciplines such as operations, supply chain, or engineering
• Prior experience leading a lean transformation across a cross-functional facility
• Proven ability to analyze complex data, and develop evidence-based conclusions and data-based recommendations
• Proven 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 Lean experience
• Minimum of 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) utilizing a formal program/process
  • Value-Stream Mapping
  • Kaizen events
  • Implementation of Tiered Accountability/KPI Management across functions and businesses
  • Daily/weekly Shop Floor management systems
• Experience in regulated industry (i.e. Pharmaceutical, Medical Device) preferred.
• Business and financial acumen
• Six Sigma experience and/or certification a plus
• Med-Tech or Healthcare experience a plus
• Microsoft Office expertise

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, Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website

Your Future: annual bonus, life insurance, company stock saving plan

Work/Life Balance: paid volunteering hours, flexible approach

Your Wellbeing: private health care with dental care package, multisport card/my benefit platform

Flexibility: possibility of working in hybrid model

Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, subsidies for language classes, certifications and postgraduate studies

Extra Perks: referral bonus, recognition program, mentoring program

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.