Continuous Improvement Specialist (US)

Continuous Improvement Specialist

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

Join us as a Continuous Improvement Specialist. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in the operation, works side by side with frontline teams, and helps turn improvement ideas into practical, sustained results. This person stays close to the floor, sees issues firsthand, and supports action through follow-up, problem-solving, and day-to-day execution.

Location: Phoenix, AZ, Charlotte, NC, Memphis, TN, Fort Worth, Clearfork, TX.

What will you be doing?

Operational Excellence:

• Spend meaningful time in last-mile operations working alongside associates and site leaders to identify waste, remove barriers, and support improvements across receiving, picking, shipping, reverse logistics, and inventory management.
• Build credibility through a visible presence in the operation, understanding how work gets done and supporting teams with practical problem-solving and follow-through.
• Deploy S&N Operating System playbooks and support site teams in improving KPIs through hands-on coaching, tracking actions, and reinforcing adoption.
• Support the development, deployment, and sustainment of the Continuous Improvement roadmap across Supply Chain Americas, helping translate priorities into site-level actions.
• Partner with Supply Chain leaders to support financial, service, and inventory improvement initiatives, helping keep workstreams moving and benefits on track.
• Lead and support root cause analysis on recurring defects, errors, and process breakdowns, then help implement corrective actions until improvements are stabilized.

Process Standardization:

• Observe work where it happens and help deploy best practices and standard operating procedures across sites to improve consistency, especially in high-variability processes such as reverse logistics and inventory management.

Strategy and Operational Excellence Roadmap:

• Support regional and site-specific operational excellence plans by helping convert priorities into practical actions, reinforcing lean management practices, and helping teams adopt change at the site level.

Data-Driven Decision Making:

• Use KPI dashboards and operational data to identify issues, monitor progress, and confirm the impact of improvements, while staying close enough to the floor to validate what the data is showing.

Technology & Automation:

• Partner with IT and site teams to support the integration of warehouse systems and automation solutions that improve 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 of experience in a fast-paced warehouse, manufacturing, or last-mile environment, with demonstrated success supporting continuous improvement initiatives from idea through implementation and sustainment.
• Experience in the medical device industry is required.
• Proven experience in last-mile operations is required.
• Certifications: Lean Six Sigma certification, or similar, is desirable.
• Travel: Travel is required up to 50% of the time. When not traveling, you will be expected to work on-site at the local Supply Chain Americas warehouse.
• Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of WMS/ERP platforms (for example, SAP and Manhattan) and strong Excel skills; familiarity with tools such as Power BI or Minitab is a plus.
• Soft Skills: Highly hands-on, action-oriented, and comfortable working on the warehouse floor, with strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to build trust with frontline teams and site leaders.
• Competencies: Knowledge of continuous improvement, lean methodologies, and root cause problem-solving techniques such as DMAIC, Kaizen, PDCA, and A3 problem solving, with the ability to apply them in practical operational settings.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and support opportunities that improve financial and operational performance in warehouse and distribution environments through disciplined execution and a data-driven approach.
• Ability to translate lean principles, best practices, and business intelligence into practical changes that strengthen a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.

You.Unlimited.

This is where you belong.

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.

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.