Sr. Director, Upstream Operations, Global Orthopaedics

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. The Sr. Director, Upstream Operations, Global Orthopaedics is a strategic and influential role within the organization, focused on aligning commercial and operations strategies across business units. Acting as a vital liaison, this role bridges manufacturing, global supply chain, commercial, and marketing teams to foster collaborative alignment and enable the organization’s growth objectives. The primary responsibilities encompass overseeing network capacity to support commercial growth plans, managing portfolio oversight, and guiding product lifecycle planning to optimize operational readiness. This includes evaluating site transfer and redirection decisions, assessing make vs. buy scenarios, and providing key insights for informed investment strategies. Through comprehensive network and portfolio management, the Director ensures that operational capabilities align seamlessly with product lifecycle demands and commercial objectives, maximizing efficiency and responsiveness across the network.

Role Structure Consideration

Typically, a Director-level or above role, this position may be structured independently or combined with other operational functions to enhance cross-functional synergies and strategic alignment across the organization.

The organization may determine whether this role should be standalone or integrated with other functions (such as Engineering or Site Leadership) by assessing the scope and complexity of responsibilities, synergies with other functions, organizational size, resource availability, and strategic priorities. High complexity, strategic focus, or rapid growth may favour a standalone position, while streamlined operations or resource constraints might support integration.

What will you need to be successful?

• Act as a liaison between manufacturing, global supply chain, commercial, and marketing teams to ensure seamless alignment of commercial and operations strategies.
• Portfolio and Product Lifecycle Management
• Guide portfolio management and product lifecycle planning to ensure efficient resource allocation, optimal product flow, and alignment with commercial objectives.
• Site Transfer and Redirection Management - Assess and lead site transfer and redirection decisions, identifying the most effective pathways for production to optimize costs, timelines, and network flexibility.
• New Product Development and Launch Support - Collaborate with product development teams to align manufacturing and supply chain capabilities with new product introductions, ensuring smooth and timely launches that meet quality and cost objectives.
• Make vs. Buy Decision Analysis - Conduct and support detailed evaluations of make vs. buy scenarios, leveraging data-driven insights to support sourcing decisions and strategic investments.
• Investment Strategy and Capital Planning - Inform and support capital investment strategies by providing key operational insights to align resources with growth and efficiency goals.
• Cross-Functional Communication and Reporting - Establish and maintain clear, consistent communication with stakeholders across functions, providing regular updates on network status, capacity planning, and project impacts.
• Continuous Improvement and Operational Efficiency - Lead continuous improvement initiatives within upstream operations to drive process efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance cross-functional workflows.
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation - Identify potential risks within upstream operations, including capacity, supply chain, and resource risks, and develop proactive mitigation plans to safeguard operational stability.
• Team Leadership and Development - If overseeing a team, manage and develop direct reports, building a culture of excellence and supporting professional growth to advance operational and commercial alignment.
• Preferred skills/traits - Strategic planning and alignment, Advanced network and capacity planning understanding, Strong financial and operational acumen, Enhanced continuous improvement and lean methodologies understanding, Proficient analytical and decision-making skills, Project management proficiency and Knowledge in SAP or other integrated software and ERP software applications

Location: Andover, MA, Fort Worth, TX, Pittsburgh, PA, Memphis, TN, US - Field / Remote

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field ; Preferred: Advanced degrees (e.g., MBA or Master’s in Supply Chain/Operations) and certifications (e.g., APICS CPIM, CSCP, PMP, Lean Six Sigma)

What will you need to be successful?

10+ years Operations and/or Supply Chain E