Head of Programs and Transformation

Company Description

Smiths Detection is a global leader in detection and screening technologies for the protection of people and assets, supporting safety, security and freedom of movement in today’s world.

At Smiths Group plc, we apply leading-edge technology to design, manufacture and deliver market-leading innovative solutions that meet our customers' evolving needs, and touch the lives of millions of people every day. We are a FTSE100, global business of around 14,600 colleagues, based in 50 countries. Our solutions have a real impact on lives across the planet, enabling industry, improving healthcare, enhancing security, advancing connectivity and supporting new homes. Our products and services are often critical to our customers’ operations, while our proprietary technology and high service levels help create competitive advantage. We welcome colleagues with a curious mind, who are happy with responsibility, enjoy a challenge and are attracted by the idea of working at a business with an almost 170-year history of innovation, and five global divisions, all experts in their field. We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish and are proud to be a company with values grounded in integrity, respect, ownership, customer focus, and passion.

Job Description

The Head of Programs and Business Transformation is responsible for leading the Americas Programs organization while driving strategic transformation initiatives across SDI. This role partners with the President and Leadership Team to identify, prioritize, and execute business transformation efforts that improve operational performance, organizational effectiveness, customer outcomes, profitability, and growth. The position is accountable for ensuring successful program execution while leading cross-functional initiatives that drive sustainable business improvements across the enterprise.

Duties:

People and Talent Management:

• Lead, develop, and mentor the Programs organization, ensuring the appropriate talent, capabilities, succession planning, and organizational structure are in place to achieve business objectives.
• Ensure disciplined project management throughout the project management function.
• Work closely with the Management Team to ensure alignment of the goals and activities, pursue, develop and implement best practice and continuous improvement processes and procedures throughout the business.

Transformation Leadership

• Serve as the executive lead for enterprise transformation initiatives across the Americas business.
• Partner with the President and Leadership Team to define and execute the strategic transformation roadmap aligned with business objectives.
• Lead and execute enterprise-wide transformation initiatives focused on operational excellence, organizational effectiveness, business performance, growth, and strategic priorities.
• Identify and remove organizational barriers that impede execution, accountability, decision-making, and business performance.
• Lead enterprise-wide change management efforts to ensure successful adoption of new processes, organizational structures, operating models, and business capabilities.
• Establish governance, success metrics, and executive reporting to ensure transformation initiatives deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and business growth.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the President and leadership team on organizational effectiveness, execution excellence, and enterprise performance.

Project/Program Management:

• Provide leadership and governance across the Americas program portfolio, ensuring programs are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with Program Excellence Center (PEC) methodologies, lifecycle processes, and business objectives.

• Establish and maintain portfolio performance standards, including financial management, resource planning, risk management, schedule adherence, forecasting, and change control.
• Partner with Finance, Sales, Operations,  and Technology, to ensure effective portfolio planning, performance monitoring, reporting, and execution.
• Lead portfolio reviews and governance forums to assess performance, address risks and issues, and drive corrective actions that support successful business outcomes.
• Serve as a mentor and leader to the Program Management organization, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and execution excellence.
• Lead key proposal development in response to customer RFPs; drive cross functional engagement as needed to achieve successful outcomes
• Negotiate and reach agreement with customers or end users on aspects such as project/Program deliverables, spe