Director, Continuous Improvement Business Partner

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. This role does not currently have direct reports but works across the global matrixed teams (across functions and regions) to grow the adoption of 'Our Way to Win' Conitnuous Improvement Strategy for maximum impact and cultural transformation. This role works with leadership teams to align and execute against our strategy, and enables the leadership teams to create a continuous improvement culture that routinely achieves its business goals. This person will own the development of continuous improvement capabilities throughout the organization, driving all business KPIs aligned with revenue, SG&A expenses, marketing, R&D driving overall profitable growth.  

What will you be doing?

Partners with Sports leadership team to identify/develop and deliver key performance indicators (KPIs) throughout the organization aligned to the overall functional objectives   Respectfully cultivates an action-biased culture of continuous improvement to advance business and functional KPI’s aligned to Smith + Nephew’s corporate goals. Responsible for leading through facilitating/enabling the implementation of 'Our Way to Win' throughout all of the Sports business. Establish and mature a Lean Management System (Tiered Accountability, Visual Management, Gemba Walks, and Leader Standard Work) and other coaching tools to transform the culture. Works with teams to streamline processes to improve business and functional objectives, with a specific focus on customer experience and end-to-end optimization. Provides support to develop Continuous Improvement 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 Wound OR Sports leadership regarding status of implementation and maturity. Collaborates with Continuous Improvement teammates to leverage and share standard methodologies, and drive improvements to the company level 'Way to Win' Roadmap, tools, and technology.

What will you need to be successful?

• Four-year university degree required (business, marketing, or engineering, preferred); Master’s Degree required. 
• Leadership roles from disciplines such as Sales, Marketing, Strategy Development and Deployment, Lean/Operating System/Business System
• Proven track record for developing, training, and coaching teams across cultures
• 12 years in process improvement and/or lean related 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 Management Systems (Tiered Accountability, Visual Management, Gemba Walks, Leader Standard Work)
  • Value-Stream Mapping
  • Kaizen events
  • Expertise in problem solving utilizing a formal program/process
  • Implementation of KPI Management across functions and businesses
• Med-Tech or Healthcare experience a plus
• Experience in Change Management, and able to act as an influential change agent
• Microsoft Office expertise

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• 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
• Strong ability to anticipate future needs of the organization and make decisions in a changing environment
• 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 area