The Operational Excellence role is responsible for activities related to supporting business unit needs and work alongside all the relevant functions and sites supporting continuous improvement and value stream to improve process using the Smiths Excellence System, enabling us to scale operations, optimize efficiencies, whilst mitigating and reporting on risk and compliance.

It is critical that the role helps drive accountability and responsibility for processes throughout the business. The incumbent must have a commercial mindset which balances governance and best practice with nimbleness and agility as the business is fast moving, entrepreneurial, innovative, and dynamic.           

This role is responsible to implement and deploy SES (Smiths Excellence System) and Lean tools at each of the sites. Manage a team and deliver sustainable change from the top down which is aligned to strategic business priorities, and maximum business and commercial value. Empower and upskill internal teams to maximize organizational capability and promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in the use of SES tools, including six-sigma; training in SES, six-sigma belts, mentoring on projects and leading workshops/Kaizen events. Deliver results and drive a culture of continuous improvement by analyzing existing processes, identifying areas of improvement, and building business cases with a clear focus on delivering significant results for the organization. Align with and drive SES activities considering all the Value Stream, End to End. Diagrams and evaluates existing processes. Organizes, leads and facilitates cross-functional project teams. Develops metrics that provide data for process measurement, identifying indicators for future improvement opportunities. Collects data to identify root cause of problems. Measures performance against process requirements. Aligns improvement to performance shortfalls. Provides consultation on the use of re-engineering techniques to improve process performance and product quality. May deliver presentations and training courses including measurement, analysis, improvement and control. Surveys and analyzes best practices for techniques and processes. Communicates team progress. Performs cost and benefit analyses.

Years of Experience                                                   15 or more years                          

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Education Required                                                   Education Preferred                     

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, Business Administration, or a Technical Discipline (i.e. IE, EE, ME, QE) is required or commensurate experience.                                                   Master's or higher                        

Additional Qualifications                                                                                    

Professional certification preferred. Employees at the highest levels typically have Six Sigma Black Belt or Master certification. Project Management certification.

Demonstrated experience in related/similar role in Lean/Six-Sigma, Engineering, Operations or Quality field in a manufacturing setting. Aerospace, defense, space experience.

At least several years of experience in leading continuous improvement activities at a site level (Six-Sigma Black Belt, Lean Leader or similar function), or commensurate significant experience in operations, quality, and/or manufacturing roles of increasing scope is desired.                                                                                     Technical Knowledge and Skills                                                                          

Deep understanding of financial aspects associated with operations/quality in a global manufacturing setting.

Proven capability to lead cross functional, global teams in problem solving, process improvements, and solution implementation.

Work with leaders to understand priorities linked to the Y-Tree, create project hoppers, and assist prioritization on an ongoing basis.

Uses skills to contribute to development of company objectives and principles and to achieve goals in creative and effective ways.

Develops advanced concepts, techniques, and standards.

Develops new applications based on professional principles and theories. Leads six-sigma/lean projects, risk analysis, project management, efficiency analysis, inventory analysis/reductions, and other process/product optimization projects involving new product introductions, global quality/operations interfaces internal stakeholders in aerospace, defense, & space industries.

Change management, coaching, interpersonal and communication skills. The candidate will be a strong advocate for change and is able to communicate a clear and compelling new direction. Sets clear targets in line with a larger change effort to focus people on accomplishing the change.

Ability to develop high-potential talent and build organizational capabilities. Lives the Smiths values and leadership behaviors.

Motivate to persistently pursue and achieve effective results, which drive the business forward.

Engages others by using data / analytics to proactively monitor and review plans to hit or exceed targets and drive continuous improvement.

Ability to thrive in ambiguity. The ability to stay committed to each core process and step in the project, whilst continuously aligning and realigning stakeholders on complex challenges and topics, and ensuring benefits stay aligned and embedded

Years of Experience                                                   15 or more years

Education Required                                                   Education Preferred                     

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, Business Administration, or a Technical Discipline (i.e. IE, EE, ME, QE) is required or commensurate experience.                                                   Master's or higher         

Deep understanding of financial aspects associated with operations/quality in a global manufacturing setting.

Proven capability to lead cross functional, global teams in problem solving, process improvements, and solution implementation.

Work with leaders to understand priorities linked to the Y-Tree, create project hoppers, and assist prioritization on an ongoing basis.

Uses skills to contribute to development of company objectives and principles and to achieve goals in creative and effective ways.

Develops advanced concepts, techniques, and standards.

Develops new applications based on professional principles and theories. Leads six-sigma/lean projects, risk analysis, project management, efficiency analysis, inventory analysis/reductions, and other process/product optimization projects involving new product introductions, global quality/operations interfaces internal stakeholders in aerospace, defense, & space industries.

Change management, coaching, interpersonal and communication skills. The candidate will be a strong advocate for change and is able to communicate a clear and compelling new direction. Sets clear targets in line with a larger change effort to focus people on accomplishing the change.

Ability to develop high-potential talent and build organizational capabilities. Lives the Smiths values and leadership behaviors.

Motivate to persistently pursue and achieve effective results, which drive the business forward.

Engages others by using data / analytics to proactively monitor and review plans to hit or exceed targets and drive continuous improvement.

Ability to thrive in ambiguity. The ability to stay committed to each core process and step in the project, whilst continuously aligning and realigning stakeholders on complex challenges and topics, and ensuring benefits stay aligned and embedded

Comfortable to measure compliance and deal with non-compliance through data. Comfortable to escalate when required.

Typically, is energized by a challenge, sets new and stretching goals for self and team, and achieves beyond what is expected. Exploits opportunities to exceed goals and works towards them, even under adverse circumstances

Ability to perform problem analysis and resolution.

Solution minded.

Formal classroom based six sigma black belt training/certification with financially verifiable improvement projects.

Ability to think strategically and execute tactically (i.e. deliver results).

Analytically minded and data driven.

Strong communication skills and ability to work independently in achieving objectives through influence. 

Direct knowledge, experience, and utilization of quality and continuous improvement tools such as Value Stream Mapping, capability studies, MSA, SPC, Control Plans, Kaizen, 5S, Statistical Analysis, SMED, Root Cause analysis tools, Corrective Action Systems, VOC, QFD, Error Proofing, Robust Design, FMEA, and C & E Diagrams.

Apply statistical tools to define, measure, analyse, improve, and control change in our processes.

Lead project teams that deliver hard hitting results that are connected to the strategic business priorities for the organisation.

Demonstrate leadership skills by challenging projects with more uncertain outcomes.

Synthesize large amounts of data into clear management communication.

Effectively deploy Lean tools to reduce waste and improve standard work.

Actively coach Green Belts (GBs) & Yellow Belt Teams to ensure strong project attainment in a timely fashion."                                                                        

Impact: Planning and Decision Making                                                                          

Decisions affect the financial, employee, or public relations posture of the organization.

Erroneous decisions or recommendations would normally result in failure to achieve goals critical to the major objectives of the organization.                                                                                 

Scope and Complexity                                                                          

Works on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles. Works under consultative direction toward long-range goals and objectives.                                               

Hybrid role and ability to travel 30% + globally.

Assignments are often self-initiated.       

We offer…

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)