IT AI Lead – Planning

Smith+Nephew; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Generous bonus and pension schemes

Private health and dental plans

Employee discounts

Job summary

Smith+Nephew is seeking an AI Planning Solution Architect to drive AI-enabled supply chain planning using Kinaxis Maestro and RapidResponse. You will own end-to-end design, configuration, testing, and deployment for advanced forecasting, intelligent planning workbooks, and agent orchestration, partnering with business leaders to translate use cases into scalable solutions.

The role requires deep experience in supply chain planning, Kinaxis expertise, and strong stakeholder leadership to shape

Qualifications

• 12+ years in supply chain planning with breadth across demand, supply, inventory, production, MPS/S&OP
• 8–10 years hands-on Kinaxis Maestro or RapidResponse experience with end‑to‑end implementations
• Advanced Kinaxis configuration across models, scenarios, analytics, dashboards, scorecards
• Proven record of delivering AI, advanced analytics, and agentic planning solutions
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and leadership at all 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 across forecasting, planning workbooks, autonomous agents and orchestration
• Partner with business leaders to identify AI use cases and translate into scalable solutions
• Lead end-to-end delivery including design, testing, deployment and hypercare
• Define data architecture and integration for AI-driven capabilities
• Act as trusted advisor to business and IT stakeholders on AI planning journey
• Facilitate workshops and build relationships across planning, data and leadership
• Establish governance and mentor colleagues on Kinaxis planning capabilities

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

AI & analytics

Change management

Tools

Kinaxis Maestro

Kinaxis RapidResponse

Analytics dashboards

Job description

Life. Unlimited. At Smith+Ne we 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.

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)

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.

• 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.

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