Value Stream Leader - Lean Manufacturing & Ops Excellence

Smith Nephew; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Pension schemes

Share options

Hybrid working

Employee discounts

Job summary

Smith Nephew is seeking a Value Stream Supervisor to lead a large manufacturing team within the packaging operations department. You will drive efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement across the value stream, working with stakeholders to execute strategic plans and improve operational performance.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, lean principles, and delivering year-on-year improvements while ensuring alignment with regulatory and business objectives.

Qualifications

• Supervision/management background in manufacturing.
• Flexibility to work shifts.
• Data-driven and analytical problem solver.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing and operational excellence principles.

Responsibilities

• Line management for direct manufacturing team (Line Leaders, Operators, Technicians).
• Drive value-stream steps, future implementation plan, and Operational Excellence roadmap.
• Accountable for area P&L and year-on-year improvements.
• Manage costs across product families including labour, safety, quality and administration.
• Lead Kaizen initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Perform financial analysis, reconciliations, and monitor OEE, labour efficiency and spending.

Skills

People management

Lean manufacturing

Data-driven

Shift flexibility

Analytical thinking

Tools

Kaizen & OEE

Job description

Smith Nephew is seeking a Value Stream Supervisor to lead a large manufacturing team within the packaging operations department. You will drive efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement across the value stream, working with stakeholders to execute strategic plans and improve operational performance.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, lean principles, and delivering year-on-year improvements while ensuring alignment with regulatory and business objectives.