IT AI Lead – Planning

Smith & Nephew; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual bonus

Pension schemes

Flexible vacation

Hybrid working model

Mentorship & Training

Employee discounts

Job summary

Smith+Nephew is seeking an IT AI Lead – Planning Life to shape intelligent planning across our global organization. You will design AI-enabled planning solutions using Kinaxis Maestro, guiding data architecture and stakeholders to drive business value.

The role requires senior expertise in S&OP/IBP processes, hands-on Kinaxis work, and a track record of leading end-to-end AI planning initiatives within a global manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in supply chain planning including demand, supply, inventory, production and S&OP/IBP.
• 8–10 years hands-on Kinaxis Maestro or RapidResponse experience with end-to-end implementations.
• Advanced Kinaxis configuration across models, scenarios, dashboards and analytics.
• Proven experience delivering AI, advanced analytics and agentic planning solutions.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and leadership across levels.
• Kinaxis certifications such as Author, Contributor or Architect preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and delivery of AI-enabled supply chain planning solutions using Kinaxis Maestro.
• Own solution architecture for forecasting, planning workbooks, autonomous agents and orchestration.
• Partner with business leaders to identify AI use cases and translate them into scalable planning frameworks.
• Lead end-to-end delivery including design, configuration, testing, deployment and hypercare.
• Define data architecture and integration requirements for AI planning capabilities.
• Act as trusted advisor to business and IT stakeholders guiding AI planning transformation.
• Facilitate workshops and build relationships across planning, data and leadership teams to drive adoption.
• Establish governance and best-practices; mentor colleagues on AI and Kinaxis capabilities.

Skills

Supply chain planning

AI & analytics

Stakeholder management

Solution architecture

Leadership

Tools

Kinaxis Maestro

RapidResponse

Job description

IT AI Lead – Planning Life. Unlimited.

At Smith+Nebwe design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. Do you thrive at the intersection of AI, digital transformation, and supply chain planning? As an AI Planning Solution Architect, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of intelligent planning across our global organization. Working with Kinaxis Maestro and advanced AI capabilities, you will design and deliver innovative solutions that improve decision making, increase planning agility, and help drive business performance.

What will you be doing?

• Lead the design and delivery of AI enabled supply chain planning solutions using Kinaxis Maestro.
• Own solution architecture across advanced forecasting, intelligent planning workbooks, autonomous agents, and agent orchestration capabilities.
• Partner with business leaders and planning teams to identify AI use cases and translate them into scalable solutions and planning frameworks.
• Lead end to end solution delivery including design, configuration, testing, deployment, and hypercare activities.
• Define data architecture and integration requirements that enable advanced planning and AI driven capabilities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to business and IT stakeholders, guiding the AI planning transformation journey.
• Facilitate workshops and build strong relationships across planning, data, and leadership teams to drive adoption and business value.
• Establish best practices and governance standards while mentoring colleagues on AI and Kinaxis planning capabilities.

What will you need to be successful?

• 12+ years of experience in supply chain planning with deep expertise across demand, supply, inventory, production, materials planning, and S&OP or IBP processes.
• 8 to 10 years of hands on Kinaxis Maestro or RapidResponse experience, including multiple end to end implementations.
• Advanced Kinaxis configuration expertise across models, scenarios, analytics, dashboards, scorecards, widgets, and control sets.
• Proven experience developing and implementing innovative AI, advanced analytics, and agentic planning solutions.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Kinaxis certifications such as Author, Contributor, or Architect are preferred.

Information for candidates applying in Poland: The anticipated gross annual base compensation range for this position is 251 000–376 250 PLN. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on objective, job related factors including (but not limited to) relevant skills, qualifications and experience, scope and responsibilities of the role, geographic location and internal equity considerations. Compensation decisions are made using consistent and gender neutral criteria, in line with applicable pay transparency laws. This role has been evaluated within our internal job architecture and mapped to a defined pay band to ensure consistency and fairness.

Benefits

• Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension Schemes, Save As You Earn share options.
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Vacation and Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Volunteering Hours, so we can give back to our communities!
• Your Wellbeing: Private Health and Dental plans, Healthcare Cash Plans, Life Assurance and much more.
• Flexibility: Hybrid Working Model (For most professional roles).
• Training: Hands On, Team Customised, Mentorship.
• Extra Perks: Discounts on Gyms and fitness clubs and many other Employee discounts.

You. Unlimited. We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our Strongest investments are in our people and patients we serve. Inclusion and Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website www.smith-nephew.com

Stay connected by joining our Talent Community. We're more than just a company - we're a community! Follow us on LinkedIn to see how we support and empower our employees and patients every day. Check us out on Glassdoor for a glimpse behind the scenes and a sneak peek into You. Unlimited., life, culture, and benefits at S+N. Explore our website and learn more about our mission, our team, and the opportunities we offer.

Smith+Neb is a global medical technology company. We design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. We support healthcare professionals to return their patients to health and mobility, helping them to perform at their fullest potential. From our first employee and founder, T.J. Smith, to our team today, it’s our people who make Smith+Neb a unique place. Yes, we love to innovate and develop exciting technologies, and we offer competitive salaries and progressive benefits. But it’s our culture - of Care, Collaboration and Courage - that really sets us apart. Through a spirit of ownership and can-do attitude we work together to win. We’re a company of people who care about each other, about our customers and their patients, and about our communities. Together, we fulfill our shared purpose of Life Unlimited.