NPD Program Manager

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

To do what we do, to develop and innovate our products and processes, it requires collaboration of functional specialists from across the business. From engineering, scientific, clinical, quality, regulatory, operational and commercial professionals; everyone has their part to play getting our products into our customers hands.  

You'll lead large-scale, sophisticated New Product Development (NPD) core teams for programs from the initial idea all the way to commercialisation. You’ll work closely with R&D, Marketing, Operations, Quality, and Regulatory Affairs.  

This role is all about making things happen and bringing new technologies and products to our customers. Innovation is the heart of our business to enable our purpose of Life Unlimited for the customers we serve.  

What will you be doing?  

We’re looking for someone who has experience in leading cross-functional teams to deliver NPD programs, enabling sales targets to be achieved. You’ll be keeping an eye on the resources, and progress against key milestones, never compromising on quality. Our Program Manager will make sure the project team and collaborators are engaged, performing well, and handling any project risks. 

This is an outstandingly diverse role where you could jump from a meeting with our Operations Leaders to discuss manufacturing processes, straight into a discussion with our Regulatory Team on strategy. You'll also regularly prepare and present updates on a monthly forum with the wider team.  

Your role will be the main link between the project, design control, and change control activities, ensuring everything stays compliant. You’ll lead project team members to meet our business needs and achieve program goals. We’re always looking for new and more innovative ways to work, and you’ll play a big part in that with the NPD team. 

What does success look like?  

Success in this role is about strong relationship-building, networking, multitasking, and influencing. These are really important for navigating the diverse business areas and teams you work with. You'll be a key part in bringing new products to market, bringing functional experts together to achieve a common goal, whilst navigating timelines and risk.  

You'll be motivated to drive progress and have solid track record of driving innovation.  

Our ideal candidate will have an honours degree in a scientific, engineering, or project management field. Or, if you’ve got significant experience in a technical or project management role within medical device new product development, that works too. 

We’d love it if you have a Project Management certification. If not, 5-8 years’ experience in a project/program management role will do the trick. 

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 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 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. 

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