Director, Manufacturing Engineering

Company: Smith & Nephew
Location: Memphis
Posted on: April 4, 2026

Job Description:

Life Unlimited. At SmithNephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. Reporting to the Senior Director of Manufacturing Operations, the Director of Manufacturing Engineering leads a multi-site manufacturing engineering and maintenance team that drives continuous improvement in our production processes. The Director of Manufacturing Engineering is accountable for managing all sustaining engineering activities required to support production requirements and for overseeing a project portfolio that delivers against strategic site objectives. The Director of Manufacturing Engineering is an accomplished technical leader with a strong track record of executing and delivering a project portfolio of extensive cost reduction projects in support of corporate cost reduction goals; capital equipment justification, specification, acquisition and installation; validation and revalidation of machinery and processes; development of training courses in support of operational training needs; and ensuring engineering compliance with latest GMP/CE/ISO regulations. This position supports multi-site manufacturing strategy and is responsible for leadership/talent development while driving a culture that fosters performance, innovation, collaboration, courage and trust. The Director of Manufacturing Engineering must effectively communicate and coordinate activities with manufacturing, new product introduction teams, quality engineering, transformation engineering, demand and inventory management, and purchasing. What will you be doing? Directs engineers, technicians, programmers and maintenance and provides technical expertise to oversee all production support activities, resolve problems, implements new processes and products. Coaches engineers and provides technical expertise to support new product development and launches new products in a timely cost-effective manner. Ensures the proper development of validation plans and maintenance of current protocols to comply with GMP/ISO/CE regulations. Generates and manages budgets to achieve desired results. Oversees development of training programs and maintenance protocols for processes and equipment. Manages staff providing career support, training, and performance feedback in pursuit of above. Ensures proper application of established company policies including those regarding GMP’s, safety, and employee relations. Participate, as appropriate, in hazard recognition and control, including sponsoring capital improvements, if necessary. Verify compliance with controls and preventative measures, including PPE. Familiarity with a variety of concepts, practices, and procedures including LEAN manufacturing based on TPS. Fosters, drives, and facilitates continuous improvement and team building environments. Prepares and/or approves capital equipment requests with complete justification and analysis. Communicating updates on performance or data analysis results on a regular basis through written reports, email and presentations to all affected and/or involved. Location: Brooks Road, Memphis Tennessee Education: Bachelor's or advanced degree in Engineering or related field; MBA preferable Licenses/ Certifications: Preferable to have Lean Six Sigma Certification; Familiarity with the latest manufacturing technologies and Industry 4.0 concepts. What will you need to be successful? Ten years of progressive experience in a technical environment with specific machining or mechanical assembly and automation experience. Three (3) years of experience in engineering or other professional management. Understanding the business – Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance our organization’s goals. Anticipating and adopting innovations in best practice technologies. Making complex decisions – Making sense of complex, high quantity information to effectively solve problems. Making good and timely decision that keep the organization moving forward. Anticipating and balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders. Results oriented – Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy and enthusiasm. Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently. Ensures accountability by holding self and others responsible to meet commitments. Collaborative relationship builder – Building partnerships and working with others to meet shared objectives. Effectively building formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization. Talent optimizer – Developing people to meet both their career goals and the organization’s goals. Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. People influencing – Developing and delivering multi-node communications that convey a clear understanding of the needs of different audiences. Creates a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives. Uses compelling business cases to gain support and commitment of others. Ability to stand, walk, and move around the manufacturing facility for extended periods. Lift and carry objects weighing up to 10 pounds as necessary. Manual dexterity to operate and manipulate engineering tools and equipment. Visual acuity to inspect and analyze manufacturing processes and identify areas for improvement. Ability to climb stairs and navigate through various areas of the production facility. Travel Requirements: 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/ 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! SmithNephew 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. Stay connected by joining our Talent Community . We're more than just a company - we're a community! Follow us on L inkedIn 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 into You . Unlimited . , life, culture, and benefits at SN. Explore our website and learn more about our mission, our team, and the opportunities we offer.

Keywords: Smith & Nephew, Memphis , Director, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering , Memphis, Tennessee