Smith & Nephew

OPEX Leader

Smith & Nephew$110K — $130K *
Healthcare
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field; Master's preferred
  • Leadership experience in operations, supply chain, or engineering
  • Extensive experience leading lean transformations across multiple functions
  • Strong analytical skills for complex data evaluation and decision-making
  • Proven ability to train and develop teams
  • Minimum 8 years in process improvement and Lean methodologies
  • Familiarity with regulated industries (Pharmaceutical, Medical Device) preferred

Responsibilities

  • Partner with Site Leadership to develop a long-term transformation roadmap
  • Lead the deployment of the Smith+Nephew Business System across all functions
  • Drive a continuous improvement culture using Lean Management and structured problem solving
  • Develop and track key performance indicators aligned with business goals
  • Lead complex projects for sustainable improvements
  • Coach and mentor all levels to enhance operational excellence skills
  • Collaborate with global teams to implement best practices

Benefits

  • 401k Matching Program and 401k Plus Program
  • Discounted Stock Purchase Plan and Tuition Reimbursement
  • Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off and Paid Community Service Day
  • Medical, Dental, Vision plans with employer contributions
  • Hybrid Work Model for most professional roles
  • Comprehensive training and mentorship opportunities
  • Employee discounts on fitness clubs, travel, and more
Full Job Description
Join Smith+Nephew as an Operational Excellence Lead and play a pivotal role in transforming operations at our Fort Worth, Texas site. This is a highly visible leadership opportunity where you will partner with the Site Leadership Team to drive continuous improvement, accelerate business performance, and embed a sustainable culture of operational excellence. You will lead the deployment of the Smith+Nephew Business System, influence change across multiple functions, and help shape the future of the site through strategic transformation initiatives.

What will you be doing?
  • Partner with the Site Leadership Team to develop and execute a multi year transformation roadmap aligned with business and corporate strategy
  • Lead deployment and maturity progression of the Smith+Nephew Business System across all site functions and end to end processes
  • Drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence through Lean Management Systems and structured problem solving methodologies
  • Develop, implement, and monitor site KPIs that support business objectives and operational performance
  • Lead strategic programs and complex projects that deliver sustainable business improvements
  • Coach, mentor, and develop operational excellence capabilities across all levels of the organization
  • Support digitization and automation initiatives in partnership with Operations Technology teams
  • Facilitate value stream improvements focused on customer experience, operational efficiency, and profitable growth
  • Improve decision making frameworks and problem solving capabilities within high performing teams
  • Collaborate with global Operational Excellence colleagues to share best practices and strengthen business system tools, templates, and processes
  • Provide regular updates and progress reporting to site and global leadership teams


U.S. Sponsorship or H1B transfer is not available for this role.

What will you need to be successful?
  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field required. Master's 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 and Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging.

Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Purchase Plan, Tuition Reimbursement.

Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day.

Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program.

Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles).

Training: Hands On, Team Customized, Mentorship.

Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more

About Smith & Nephew

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology company headquartered in London, England. The company designs, manufactures, and sells medical devices and products for orthopedic reconstruction, sports medicine, and trauma. Smith & Nephew operates in more than 100 countries and employs over 17,500 people worldwide. The company was founded in 1856 by Thomas James Smith and his nephew, Horatio Nelson Smith, and has grown through a series of mergers and acquisitions. Smith & Nephew's products include joint replacement systems, wound care products, and surgical instruments. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.
Learn more about Smith & Nephew
Size
17,500 employees
Market Cap
$11.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$448 million
5 Year Trend
+2.2%
Revenue
$4.5 billion

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Smith & Nephew

More Healthcare Jobs

Find similar OPEX Leader jobs: