Director, Continuous Improvement, Business Partner

Smith+Nephew

Director of Continuous Improvement driving cultural transformation and business goals at Smith+Nephew. Collaborating across global teams for continuous improvement initiatives and KPIs within the organization.

Posted 5/7/2026full-timeFort Worth • Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $181,500 - $213,500 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k)
tuition reimbursement
medical leave programs
parental leave
generous PTO
paid company holidays
8 hours of volunteer time annually
wellness offerings such as EAP
401k Matching Program
401k Plus Program
Discounted Stock Options
Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off
Paid Holidays
Flex Holidays
Paid Community Service Day
Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually)
Employee Assistance Program
Parental Leave
Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program
Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Lean Management SystemsStrategy DeploymentA3 ThinkingValue-Stream MappingKaizen eventsKPI ManagementContinuous ImprovementProblem SolvingProcess ImprovementChange Management

Soft Skills

LeadershipCoachingCollaborationCommunicationCultural AwarenessDecision MakingInfluenceTeam DevelopmentAction-Biased CultureCustomer Experience Focus