Staff OpEx Engineer

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. The Sr. Specialist, Operational Excellence supports the Memphis site by partnering with multi-functional teams to execute and supervise the deployment of the Smith+Nephew Operating System across all functions within and supporting the Memphis Site. This role serves as a frontline change agent and ambassador of the S+N Operating System; working across the groups to find opportunities and drive operational efficiencies within both manufacturing and business processes that increase overall performance. The OpEx Sr. Specialist will be expected to identify and deliver attainable results while owning the change management efforts through coaching employees towards a 'better every day' mindset that will develop a sustainable continuous improvement culture. This role will be part of the extended Global Operational Excellence team and the broader OpEx Community of Practice to align and execute deployment and maturity of the S+N Operating System aligned with the company deployment strategy, ensuring best practices are shared company-wide and improvements are made to the S+N Operating System's supporting materials. This person will support the development of OpEx capabilities throughout the Memphis Site, driving achievement of site critical metrics aligned with business goals.

What will you be doing?

Facilitates the execution of a multi-year transformation through deployment of S+N Operating System standards and tools, facilitating Kaizen activities and leading continuous improvement skill development. Partners with the Value Stream and functional teams to seek and deliver operational improvement opportunities using S+N Operating system methodologies & practices. Works with functional teams to streamline End-to End processes that deliver on key performance indicators (KPIs) selected that achieve overall site objectives. Works with multi-functional teams to improve equipment layouts and improve material flow efficiencies. Organizes, executes, and drives process improvement through facilitation of improvement events such as Value Stream Mapping, Time Studies, Practical Problem Solving, and 5S events. Respectfully cultivates an action-biased culture of operational excellence and a Daily Continuous Improvement within manufacturing and functional teams to improve site or organization key performance indicators. Supports the deployment and maturity progression of the S+N Operating System throughout all functions and processes (End-to-End) within the site through guidance and direction of Site OpEx lead Participates in and coaches teams to mature a Lean Management System (Tiered Accountability, Daily Management, Visual Management, Gemba Walks, and Leader Standard Work) to transform the way we work. Supports project management efforts including monthly monitoring and tracking to drive year over year cost improvements across all functions. Provides coaching to develop OpEx expertise and capability within the site Collaborates with other OpEx teammates to leverage and share standard processes and drive improvements to the company level S+N Operating System supporting materials (tools, templates, technology, etc.)

What will you need to be successful?

• Four-year university degree or relevant equivalent experience required (industrial engineering, operations, or business preferred)
• Prior experience supporting a lean transformation across a cross-functional site or organization
• Proven track record to analyze sophisticated data, and develop evidence-based conclusions and data-based recommendations
• Knowledgeable in project management principles and practices
• Experience in Change Management with proven ability to act as an influential change agent
• Minimum 3/5 years in process improvement and/or lean related experience
• 3+ years of experience and "hands on" track record of facilitating and implementing lean based business systems including elements such as:
  • Strategy Deployment and A3 Thinking
  • Lean Leadership (Tiered 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
• Business and financial acumen
• Six Sigma experience and/or certification a plus
• Med-Tech or Healthcare experience a plus
• Microsoft Office expertise
• Broad knowledge of multi-functional processes within a GxP manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated skill and confidence in proactively building relationships with both front-line employee and operational leaders
• Effective communicator with demonstrated ability to convey information in English to all levels of the organization through written, oral, and presentation skills
• High ethical standards to lead by example what professional business code of conduct looks like
• Passion for driving continuous improvement and leading change in complex environments
• A holistic thinker who can look end-to-end to integrate and streamline processes and systems for optimal benefit
• Able to drive strategic thinking and continuous improvement in both operational and non-operational areas, including connecting cross-functional resources to remove waste along the extended value streams
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with and positively influence leadership and all levels of the organization
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive leader who welcomes challenges
• Manages time and resources effectively through strong organization, multi-tasking, and time management skills
• Works independently as a self-starter committed to delivering performance results
• Analyzes and interprets data to make sound business decisions
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team to seek resolution to problems
• Acts as an influential change agent

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.