Senior Director, PMO and Process Excellence

Senior Director, Project Management Office and Process Excellence (Hybrid)

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

The Senior Director of the Project Management Office (PMO) and Process Excellence is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing the portfolio of projects as a service for the Company, driving process optimisation end-to-end across GBS, and ensuring alignment with the organisation's strategic goals. This role combines expertise in project management, operational excellence, and the ability to implement change management to deliver high-impact results. This role will lead a team of 10-15 project and process excellence professionals who are based in our shared service centres in Poland, Costa Rica, India and Malaysia. The role reports to the SVP of GBS.

What will you be doing?

Strategic Leadership 

• Develop and execute the PMO and process excellence strategy in alignment with organizational objectives and in aid of end-to-end process optimisation. 
• Partner with senior leadership to prioritize strategic initiatives and allocate resources effectively. 
• Act as a thought leader in project and process management to drive enterprise-wide value in partnership with other related teams across the enterprise. 

Project Portfolio Management

• Oversee the project portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and timely delivery of initiatives. 
• Implement robust governance frameworks, tools, and metrics for portfolio reporting and performance tracking. 
• Monitor and mitigate risks across programs and projects. 

Process Excellence

• Lead process improvement initiatives for GBS using Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to optimize performance. 
• Standardize and enhance operational workflows to improve efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction of the GBS and broader end-to-end scope. 
• Foster a data-driven culture, utilizing analytics to identify opportunities for process improvement. 

Team Development and Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing global PMO and process excellence team, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability. 
• Mentor and develop team members, ensuring continuous professional growth and alignment with best practices. 
• Drive employee engagement and organizational change management strategies to support adoption of new processes and systems. 

Implementation management

• Serve as a key change agent, driving the adoption of project and process management practices. 
• Communicate progress, challenges, and successes to stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership and ExCo.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure buy-in and alignment. 

Technology and Tools Optimization

• Oversee the selection, implementation, and optimization of project and process management tools in partnership with other related teams across the enterprise. 
• Stay involved in emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and scalability of project management and process excellence practices. 

What will you need to be successful?

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred. 
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in project management, process excellence, or related fields, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Technical Skills 
• Expertise in project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, or similar). 
• Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies; Black Belt certification preferred. 
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data-driven decision-making and performance tracking. 
• Leadership and Communication 
• Proven ability to lead diverse, cross-functional, and global teams. 
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels. 
• Demonstrated success in driving organizational change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. 
• Other qualification 
• Strong business acumen and a strategic mindset. 
• Experience in GBS roles as part of global or multi-regional organizations is highly preferred. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 

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

Your Future: annual bonus, life insurance, company stock saving plan

Work/Life Balance: paid volunteering hours, flexible approach

Your Wellbeing: private health care with dental care package, multisport card/my benefit platform

Flexibility: possibility of working in hybrid model

Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, subsidies for language classes, certifications and postgraduate studies

Extra Perks: referral bonus, recognition program, mentoring program

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