WFM Manager / Snr Manager ( WFM Optimization Architect

Smith & Nephew; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global medical technology company seeks a Wind Lean Leader to drive continuous improvement across functional teams. The role involves designing Lean management systems, leading Kaizen events, and mentoring site supervisors. Candidates should be experienced in continuous improvement, problem-solving, and digital performance management. This position requires up to 50% travel within the UK and aims to promote a culture of teamwork and transparency.

Qualifications

• Experience in driving continuous improvement within multiple functional areas.
• Ability to lead Kaizen events and value stream mapping initiatives.
• Proficiency in developing digital management systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement Lean management systems.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts across various teams.
• Coach site supervisors on Lean practices.

Skills

Lean management expertise

Coaching and mentoring

Problem-solving

Digital performance management

Job description

The Wind Lean Leader drives continuous improvement across multiple functional areas of the site. In this role, you will work closely with Wind functional teams (i.e. Safety, Quality, Projects, Product Management, Digital Technology, and others) to develop and drive Lean roadmaps, lead continuous improvement efforts, and coach/mentor team members across the organization to enable performance improvement to meet our operational goals. We expect the role to have travel up to 50% of the time.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and sustain a Lean management system covering offshore Installation, Commissioning, and logistics.
• Revalidate and standardise existing workflows to ensure accurate durations, task sequencing, and dependencies.
• Develop and maintain a Digital Daily Management System (DMS) to visualise SQDC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost) performance in real time.
• Lead Kaizen events and value stream mapping to identify and eliminate waste, reduce variation, and improve flow across the value chain.
• Implement visual management and problem‑solving frameworks.
• Drive actions that ensure improvements are sustained and lessons learned are integrated into daily operations.
• Hold regular dialogue with the offshore management team, reviewing performance data, challenging deviations from standard work, and ensuring corrective actions are implemented promptly and sustained.
• Support the rollout of the Digital Progress System and Site Inventory Tracker (RACES or equivalent) to enable live progress and material tracking.
• Integrate Lean data streams into project dashboards for enhanced visibility and decision‑making.
• Coach and mentor site supervisors, planners, and technicians to build Lean capability and ownership.
• Promote a culture of transparency, teamwork, and proactive problem‑solving.
• Lead by example to reinforce GE Vernova's Safety Culture and Continuous Improvement values.