Head of Systems Engineering AWM

Head of Systems Engineering- AWM (Hybrid)

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

The Head of System Engineering for AWM is a highly visible, critical position in the company. This role will be provide technical leadership to the planning and delivery of the multi-generational innovation pipeline for the company’s AWM portfolio. The leader will recruit, build and encourage a high performance Systems Engineering team.

The person in this role will embed Systems Engineering Discipline into AWM with the following Key responsibilities:

Overall accountability for the technical direction and subject matter expertise for the Smith+Nephew AWM Portfolio of medical electrical devices and wound interface dressings.

Recruit, train, retain and lead a world-class team of Systems Engineers to establish and implement Systems Engineering capabilities and enablers, including requirements management, system architecture, system definition and modelling, and system integration system V&V).

Requirements Definition: Work closely with surgeon Key Opinion leaders and key stakeholders to understand and define use cases, user workflow and needs. Partner with Global and Regional Marketing to ensure that unmet customer needs are prioritized, and translated into engineering requirements of NPD projects.

System Architecture: Responsible for the creation of system architecture and monitoring of design / integration (especially interfaces between sub-system). Own the definition and multi-generational progression of the system architecture in partnership with sub-system engineering leads.

System Definition: Technical owner of the system, critical components, and features. Team members will serve as Technical Leads for approved New Product Development projects and are accountable for product launch readiness in partnership with Program Core Team Leader and Core Team.

System V&V: Drive system integrations, system verification and validation activities including V&V strategy, planning, protocol generation/review, summary report generation/review, and traceability.

Lead technical and project risk management activities. Plan, analyse and control technical and regulatory risks.

Partner with the Design Quality Assurance organisation to define and implement methods and engineering processes to achieve quality and reliability goals

Collaborate with the Early Innovation teams to ensure that conceptualization phase activities are completed and ready for initiation of New Product Development and risk adjusted Business Case review. in the business it supports.

What will you be doing?

• As a member of the Wound R&D Leadership team, drive the goals, future development, and objectives of the Wound Business Unit.
• Accountable for delivery of AWM technology roadmaps to meet customer and commercial needs, ensuring these are delivered on scope and to plan
• Compliantly partner with HCP’s including Strategic Innovation Council / Advisory boards and KOL partnerships. Responsible for the technology review elements at these events
• Plan and coordinate the resources of the indirect Product Development team, and 3rd party development partners, to execute technology roadmaps. Includes highly dynamic response to unexpected occurrences (e.g. unforeseen design rework, issues with strategic partnerships, Regulatory changes etc.)
• Participate as an active member of the AWM R&D Leadership team supporting and driving continuous improvement programme and cross R&D initiatives to enable R&D to meet their strategy and roadmap

What will you need to be successful?

• Relevant Sciences or Engineering BSc, MSc/PhD preferred
• Director level experience of Pharmaceutical / Medical Device related development with a clear bias to class I to class III medical Devices (material science and engineering).
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
• Flexibility and adaptability managing multiple priorities
• Effective oral and written communication skills across levels
• Ability to work cross-functionally to align on priorities, coordinate resources, and execute work
• Deep knowledge of systems engineering, materials science, wound biology characteristics.
• Competency for interpreting customer needs and converting into scientific and business opportunities.
• Location: UK - Hull or willingness to ravel to site 2-3 days per week

You. Unlimited.

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

• Inclusion, Diversity and Equity: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/)
• Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension Schemes, Save As You Earn share options.
• 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.

Stay connected and receive alerts for jobs like this by joining our talent community.

We're more than just a company - we're a community! Follow us on LinkedIn to see how we support and empower our employees and patients every day.

Check our Glassdoor page for a glimpse behind the scenes and a sneak peek into You Unlimited, life, culture, and benefits at S+N.

Explore our new website and learn more about our mission, our team, and the opportunities we offer.