Innovation Delivery Leader

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. The Innovation Delivery Lead will spearhead transformational AI and data initiatives across our enterprise. This strategic leadership role combines deep technical expertise with executive communication skills to drive business-driven, tech-enabled solutions that accelerate speed-to-value and deliver measurable business outcomes. The role will lead a dynamic team of solution engineers and solution architects while serving as a key liaison between technical delivery teams and business executives.

What will you be doing?

Strategic Leadership & Executive Communication
- Partner with business executives to identify, prioritize, and AI champion and AI driven innovation opportunities that align with enterprise strategic objectives
- Assist in developing and communicate comprehensive AI strategy roadmaps, vision and implementation plans
- Present technical solutions and progress updates to senior leadership, translating complex technical concepts into business value propositions
- Lead stakeholder engagement sessions to gather requirements, assess current state capabilities, and define future state recommendations

Team Leadership & Delivery Management
- Lead and mentor a team of solution engineers and solution architects, providing career guidance and promoting professional development
- Drive agile delivery methodologies to accelerate project timelines and enhance speed-to-value for critical business initiatives
- Establish and maintain delivery governance frameworks, including resource planning, budget controls, and performance metrics
- Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and business-outcome focus within the technical delivery organization

Technology Strategy & Implementation
- Champion the development and implementation of modern data and analytics platforms, leveraging cloud-native technologies and AI capabilities
- Lead data migration efforts and system modernization initiatives, replacing legacy systems with scalable, future-ready solutions
- Drive integration of AI technologies (including AI, Salesforce, Servicenow Palantir, and other enterprise AI platforms) to unlock actionable insights and workflow automation
- Establish Centers of Excellence for emerging technologies, including strategic planning, governance, and organizational change management

Business Value Delivery
- Lead cross-functional initiatives to deliver measurable business outcomes through technology-enabled process optimization and automation
- Turn around struggling projects by implementing robust project management practices, enhancing stakeholder communication, and strengthening delivery controls
- Establish demand intake processes and operating models that optimize resource allocation and maximize business value delivery
- Drive process re-engineering and automation initiatives that generate significant operational efficiencies and cost savings

Education: BA degree preferred

What will you need to be successful?

8+ years of progressive experience in AI, automation, data, strategy and implementation roles

5+ years of people management experience, including leading teams of 10+ technical professionals

Proven track record of leading transformational technology initiatives for Fortune 500 companies across multiple industry sectors

Demonstrated success in turning around struggling projects and regaining stakeholder confidence

Travel Requirements: 25-50%

You Unlimited.

• Inclusion + Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website https://www.smith-nephew.com/
• The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $180,000 - $200,000 USD annually (or hourly) The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role at Smith + Nephew. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
• 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
• Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)
• 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.