Director of Operational Excellence

Life. Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. 

We are investing in the future of manufacturing, creating a unique opportunity for an exceptional leader to influence strategy, shape culture, and drive transformational change across a flagship operation. 

As Site OpEx Director, you will play a pivotal role in a major transformation programme that combines the evolution of a long-established manufacturing environment with the introduction of a newly built facility. You will help define how the site operates for years to come by embedding world-class operational excellence practices, building leadership capability, and driving sustainable cultural change across the organisation. 

If you are passionate about leading large-scale manufacturing transformations, developing high-performing teams, and delivering measurable business impact, this role offers an exceptional platform to leave a lasting legacy. 

Location: Hull/Melton – On-Site position.  

What will you be doing? 

As Site OpEx Director, you will be the driving force behind the site's transformation and continuous improvement journey. Working closely with the Site Leadership Team and the wider global Operational Excellence network, you will define and execute a multi-year transformation strategy that supports both local and global business objectives. 

This role goes beyond traditional continuous improvement. You will help shape the future operating model of the site, influencing leadership behaviours, ways of working, manufacturing systems, and organisational culture. You will act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, coaching and developing capability across all levels while ensuring Operational Excellence becomes embedded in everyday business performance. 

You will champion the Smith+Nephew continuous improvement approach, strengthening lean management systems, driving performance against key business metrics, and building a culture where problem solving, accountability, and continuous improvement are part of daily operations. By connecting people, processes, technology, and operational strategy, you will help unlock new levels of efficiency, quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth. 

The successful candidate will rapidly establish credibility across the organisation, assess and influence existing transformation plans, and ultimately take ownership of delivering Operational Excellence maturity and transformational outcomes across both Hull and Melton manufacturing locations. 

What will you need to be successful? 

Success in this role comes from the ability to influence and inspire others, challenge established thinking, and lead significant organisational change with credibility and purpose. You will combine strategic thinking with deep manufacturing and Operational Excellence expertise, creating an environment where leaders and teams are empowered to continuously improve the way work gets done. 

Key requirements include: 

• Significant experience leading large-scale manufacturing transformation programmes within complex operational environments. 

• Proven success launching, scaling, or transforming manufacturing facilities, including greenfield, brownfield, or major legacy-site transformation initiatives. 

• Strong leadership experience within manufacturing, operations, engineering, or Operational Excellence functions, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and frontline teams alike. 

• A strong technical foundation, ideally supported by a degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline. 

• Deep knowledge of lean methodologies including strategy deployment, value stream mapping, structured problem solving, tiered accountability, visual management, and manufacturing operating systems. 

• A proven track record of coaching leaders, developing organisational capability, and delivering measurable performance improvements. 

• Demonstrated experience establishing and implementing Operational Excellence frameworks, management systems, and sustainable continuous improvement cultures. 

• Strong change management capability with the leadership presence and gravitas required to drive adoption and overcome resistance across established organisations. 

• Ability to work effectively across multiple sites and within a matrix environment. 

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, and a car allowance.  
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, Income Protection, 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, Salary Sacrifice Bicycle and Car Schemes and many other Employee discounts.