OPEX Leader

smithnephew; Fort Worth (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k Matching Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Holidays

Flex Holidays

Parental Leave

Fertility and Adoption Assistance

Hybrid Work Model

Hands On Training

Job summary

Smith+Nebhew in Fort Worth seeks an experienced Operational Excellence leader to drive a multi-year transformation, deploy the Smith+Nebhew Business System, and lead cross-functional lean programs.

You will develop KPIs, coach teams, manage projects, and partner with OT to digitize processes, with a focus on patient outcomes and efficiency. This role requires 8+ years in lean, strong data analysis, and change leadership, with experience in regulated industries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• Leadership roles from operations, supply chain, or engineering.
• Lean transformation experience across a cross-functional facility.
• Ability to analyze complex data and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Proven track record in developing, training, and coaching teams.
• Experience in project and program management.
• Change Management experience as an influential agent.
• Minimum 8 years in process improvement and Lean.
• Hands-on implementation of lean-based business systems incl. Strategy Deployment and A3 Thinking.
• Lean Leadership (Daily Management, Visual Management, Gemba Walks, Leader Standard Work).
• Structured Problem Solving (DMAIC) with formal program/process.
• Value-Stream Mapping.
• Kaizen events.
• Tiered Accountability/KPI Management across functions.
• Shop Floor management systems.
• Regulated industry experience preferred.
• Business and financial acumen.
• Six Sigma experience or certification a plus.
• Med-Tech or Healthcare experience a plus.
• Microsoft Office expertise.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Site Leadership to develop and execute a multi-year transformation roadmap aligned with strategy.
• Lead deployment and maturity of the Smith+Nebhew Business System across site functions and end-to-end processes.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence through Lean Management Systems and structured problem solving.
• Develop, implement, and monitor site KPIs that support business objectives and operations.
• Lead strategic programs and complex projects delivering sustainable improvements.
• Coach and develop operational excellence capabilities across all levels.
• Support digitization and automation initiatives with Operations Technology.
• Facilitate value stream improvements focusing on customer experience and efficiency.
• Improve decision making and problem solving in high-performing teams.
• Collaborate with global operational excellence to share best practices and tools.
• Provide regular updates to site and global leadership.

Skills

Lean Management

Data analysis

Leadership

Change management

Project management

Six Sigma

A3 Thinking

DMAIC

Value stream mapping

Kaizen events

Financial acumen

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

What will you be doing?

• Partner with the Site Leadership Team to develop and execute a multi year transformation roadmap aligned with business and corporate strategy
• Lead deployment and maturity progression of the Smith+Nebhew Business System across all site functions and end to end processes
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence through Lean Management Systems and structured problem solving methodologies
• Develop, implement, and monitor site KPIs that support business objectives and operational performance
• Lead strategic programs and complex projects that deliver sustainable business improvements
• Coach, mentor, and develop operational excellence capabilities across all levels of the organization
• Support digitization and automation initiatives in partnership with Operations Technology teams
• Facilitate value stream improvements focused on customer experience, operational efficiency, and profitable growth
• Improve decision making frameworks and problem solving capabilities within high performing teams
• Collaborate with global Operational Excellence colleagues to share best practices and strengthen business system tools, templates, and processes
• Provide regular updates and progress reporting to site and global leadership teams

What will you need to be successful?

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred
• Leadership roles from disciplines such as operations, supply chain, or engineering
• Prior experience leading a lean transformation across a cross-functional facility
• Proven ability to analyze complex data, and develop evidence-based conclusions and data-based recommendations
• Proven track record for developing, training, and coaching teams
• Experienced in project and program management
• Experience in Change Management with demonstrated ability to act as an influential change agent
• Minimum 8 years in process improvement and Lean experience
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience and "hands on" track record of implementing successful lean based business systems including elements such as: Strategy Deployment and A3 Thinking
• Lean Leadership (Daily Management, Visual Management, Gemba Walks, Leader Standard Work)
• Structured Problem Solving (i.e. DMAIC) utilizing a formal program/process
• Value-Stream Mapping
• Kaizen events
• Implementation of Tiered Accountability/KPI Management across functions and businesses
• Daily/weekly Shop Floor management systems
• Experience in regulated industry (i.e. Pharmaceutical, Medical Device) preferred.
• Business and financial acumen
• Six Sigma experience and/or certification a plus
• Med-Tech or Healthcare experience a plus
• Microsoft Office expertise

U.S. Sponsorship or H1B transfer is not available for this role.

You. Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.

Inclusion and Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging.

• Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Purchase Plan, Tuition Reimbursement.
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day.
• Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program.
• Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles).
• Training: Hands On, Team Customized, Mentorship.
• Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more

Smith+Nebhew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.