Continuous Improvement Specialist (US)

Life. Unlimited. At Smith+ Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. Location: Phoenix, AZ.; Charlotte, NC.; Memphis, TN.; Fort Worth, Clearfork, TX. What will you be doing? Operational Excellence Lead site-wide CI (Continuous Improvement) strategies using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to enhance productivity in receiving, picking, and shipping as well as inventory management. Strengthen capabilities across the Supply Chain and Customer Care Org. of Supply Chain Americas. Deploy playbooks from the S&N Operating System in support and to drive improvements in KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). Help develop, deploy and maintain the roadmap for CI in Supply Chain. Partner with Supply Chain Leaders to deliver on financial and inventory strategic targets of the Supply Chain Org. Perform root cause analysis on recurring defects, mistakes, and errors to identify “repeat offender” products or process gaps. Process Standardization Audit and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all locations and areas to ensure consistency, especially in high-variability areas like return and inventory processing. Strategy and Ops Exce. Roadmap Assists in the definition and development of the regional and site‑specific operational strategy and Ops Exce plan in support of the overall strategy as well as on the implementation of lean management practices while participating in the change management process across sites. Data-Driven Decision Making Develop and monitor KPI dashboards (e.g., cycle time, inventory accuracy, order accuracy, etc.) using tools like Power BI to track the impact of improvements. Technology & Automation Partner with IT to integrate warehouse management systems (WMS) and automation solutions to improve real‑time visibility, process execution and labor planning. What will you need to be successful? Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Experience: 3-5 years in a fast‑paced warehouse or manufacturing environment, with specific experience in leading CI projects. Certifications: Lean Six Sigma or Similar is required. Travel: Travel is required 50% of the time. When not traveling, you will be required to work on‑site at the local SC Americas warehouse. Technical proficiency: Advanced knowledge of WMS/ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Manhattan), data analysis tools like Minitab, SQL or Excel. Soft skills: Strong leadership to drive cultural change, excellent communication for coaching frontline teams, and high adaptability for dynamic supply‑chain landscape in Orthopaedics. Competences: Experience in training, coaching and mentoring front line supervisors and managers as well as front line associates. Solid understanding and experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean Methodologies, and Root Cause Problem Solving techniques (DMAIC Kaizen, PDCA cycle, A3 P. Problem Solving, etc.). Experience in identifying and capitalizing key opportunities that drive financial performance in Warehouse and Distribution using a data‑driven approach. Ability to deploy playbooks to support Continuous Improvement and/or a Business Transformation. Able to identify and implement best‑in‑class lean processes and business intelligence to strengthen a culture of Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement. Other reasons why you will love it here! Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, 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. Training: Hands‑On, Team‑Customized, Mentorship. Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more! Smith+ Nephew 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Smith+Nephew