Senior Productivity & Cost Optimisation Engineer

Smith & Nephew

Last month

Seniority: Senior
Posted: 26 Mar 2026 (Last month)

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

We are currently searching for aSenior Productivity & Cost Optimisation Engineer.

The Senior Productivity & Cost Optimisation Engineer is a strategic, technically grounded professional responsible for identifying, shaping and advancing high-impact cost reduction and value improvement initiatitves across the AMW business.

This role plays a critical role in delivering gross margin improvement by building and sustaining a strong pipeline of opportunities, translating ideas into viable concepts, and enabling their progression into the project life cycle. The role also provides technical leadership and guidance across the franchise, strengthening overall business capability.

What will you be doing?

Opportunitiy Identification & Idea Generation

Proactively identify cost reduction and value improvement opportunities across products, processes, and operations
Lead structured ideation sessions, workshops, and cross-functional engagements to uncover new opportunities
Apply technical knowledge and curiosity to challenge existing processes and identify innovative solutions

Pipeline Development & Management

Own and manage the early-stage productivity pipeline, ensuring consistent flow of high-quality opportunities
Guide ideas through defined evaluation stages, ensuring appropriate prioritisation and progresion
Maintain visibility of pipeline health, value and maturity in line with business targets

Technical Expertise & Continuous Learning

Develop and maintain strong knowledge of products, materials, and manufacturing processes
Act as a subject matter expert in key areas, using this expertise to generate and refine opportunities
Continuously expand technical and commercial understanding to enhance impact

Concept Development & Evaluation

Lead the assessment of opportunities, including technical feasibility, risk and financial impact
Collaborate with finance and operational stakeholders to validate assumptions and value delivery

Governance & Reporting

Ensure all pipeline activities are captured, tracked, and reported in line with business standards
Contribute to regular reviews of pipeline performance, value delivery, and strategic alignment

What will you need to be successful?

Degree in Engineering, Science, or related disipline, or equivalent experience
Demonstrated experience in manufacturing, engineering, operations or project management environments
Proven exposure to continuous improvement, cost optimization, or value engineering activities is highly desirable

You. Unlimited.
We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and patients we serve.
Inclusion and Belonging: Committed to welcoming, celebrating and thriving on inclusion and belonging. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (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 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 us out on Glassdoor for a glimpse behind the scenes and a sneak peek intoYou. Unlimited., life, culture, and benefits at S+N.

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

Stay connected 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 us out on Glassdoor for a glimpse behind the scenes and a sneak peek intoYou. Unlimited., life, culture, and benefits at S+N.

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

Stay connected 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 us out on Glassdoor for a glimpse behind the scenes and a sneak peek intoYou. Unlimited., life, culture, and benefits at S+N.

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

Stay connected 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 us out on Glassdoor for a glimpse behind the scenes and a sneak peek intoYou. Unlimited., life, culture, and benefits at S+N.

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

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