Global Process Owner - Surface Modifications - DePuy Synthes

J&J Family of Companies; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An international healthcare company in the UK is seeking a Technical Leader for Surface Modification processes. You will drive process excellence, serve as a subject matter expert, and support technology ownership. Ideal candidates should have a background in Engineering or related fields and strong leadership skills in manufacturing environments. This position involves collaboration across sites to implement innovative strategies and improvements.

Qualifications

• Proven business experience in regulated manufacturing environments.
• Passionate about leading significant change initiatives.
• Ability to address client frustrations and spot opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Act as the expert for Surface Modification processes.
• Drive global process excellence and standardization.
• Provide technical support and governance on initiatives.

Skills

Surface Modification/Coating processes

Strong communication skills

Change initiatives leadership

Customer relationship management

Manufacturing processes knowledge

Education

Qualification or Equivalent Experience in Engineering or related fields

Job description

"Johnson & Johnson announced plans to separate our Orthopaedics business to establish a standalone orthopaedics company, operating as DePuy Synthes. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed within 18 to 24 months, subject to legal requirements, including consultation with works councils and other employee representative bodies, as may be required, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions and approvals. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the transaction, you would be an employee of DePuy Synthes and your employment would be governed by DePuy Synthes employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by DePuy Synthes at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes."

About the role

Are you passionate about turning innovative ideas into real-world manufacturing excellence? This role is for a technical leader of all Surface Modification processes in the business, which includes (but are not limited to) the application of coatings and the use of mechanical/energy-based surface modification technologies. The role is part of the Global Manufacturing Innovation (MI) organization and will be reporting to the Global Director of Manufacturing Innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Subject Matter Expertise – Act as the go‑to expert for all technical aspects of Surface Modification/Coating processes across all sites, with an unparalleled understanding of the existing process and the opportunities that can be harnessed to drive step‑change improvements. Approve and endorse process changes, including new equipment, upgrades and modifications, ensuring compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements.
• Process Standardization & Optimization – Drive global process excellence by ensuring that process changes and improvements are effectively communicated and adopted across all manufacturing sites. Establish and maintain global validation strategies and support relevant audits specific to the process, fostering continuous improvement and compliance.
• Support, Collaboration & Governance – Provide specialized technical support and governance on existing initiatives within the business, working collaboratively with cross‑functional teams to resolve challenges and streamline operations.
• Technology Ownership – Own the technology and its future! Develop and routinely update the global strategy and roadmap for the designated manufacturing process, considering external market, competitor, and technology trends.
• Capability Building – Work collaboratively with the business to ensure that it has the investments, infrastructure, capital and talent required to implement the technology strategy and roadmap.
• New Initiatives – Support the development of new programme charters and initiatives by providing expert guidance on timelines, costs, risks, and benefits during development and implementation of new innovations.
• Data & Metrics Reporting – Collect, analyze, and report metrics related to the process, such as performance trends, aligning these insights with overall business metrics.

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualification or Equivalent Experience in the field of Engineering, Science, Manufacturing, Production and/or Operations Management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Passionate about leading significant change initiatives that have delivered breakthrough results for an organization.
• Strong customer relationship management, with an ability to understand and address client frustrations and spot opportunities.
• Proven business experience required, with experience in a regulated manufacturing environment, programme delivery and/or people management role.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, technologies, and innovation ecosystems is desirable.

Other Requirements

• Works and communicates well with others in a team environment.
• Comfortable working across multiple geographically dispersed locations.
• Participates in and understands all compliance related pertaining to the role.
• Follows all local laws and policies and maintains the highest levels of integrity, ethics and compliance always.
• Follows appropriate safety practices in order to prevent accidents to self or others.
• Demonstrates history of positive communication skills showing courtesy, tact, and understanding in interactions with co‑workers, even under stressful circumstances.

Please note that this role is available across multiple countries and may be posted under different requisition numbers to align with local requirements. While you are welcome to apply to any or all of the postings, we recommend focusing on the specific country(s) that align with your preferred location(s).

Preferred Skills

• Benchmarking
• Coaching
• Critical Thinking
• Facility Management
• Leading Change
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• Lean Supply Chain Management
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Manufacturing Flow Management
• Organizing
• Performance Measurement
• Predictive Maintenance
• Product Design
• Program Management
• Project Scheduling
• Safety‑Oriented
• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Math (STEM) Application
• Strategic Thinking