Process Excellence Lead (Alajuela, Costa Rica)

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

We are seeking a skilled and strategic GBS (Global Business Services) Process Excellence Lead with a Six Sigma Yellow/Green Belt certification to drive continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and business transformation. The ideal candidate will lead process improvement initiatives, deploy Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and enhance operational excellence across multiple business service functions.

What will you be doing?

Process Improvement & Optimization:

• Lead and execute projects to drive operational excellence within GBS functions.

  Identify, analyze, and improve business processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize performance.

  Implement automation, standardization, and best practices across global processes.

Strategic Leadership & Customer Engagement:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, leadership, and stakeholders to identify opportunities for transformation.

  Act as a change agent, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

  Develop and present process improvement proposals to senior leadership.

Metrics, Reporting, & Governance:

• Define, track, and report KPIs, dashboards, and performance metrics to measure improvement impacts. Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards while implementing new processes.

  Facilitate training and coaching on Lean methodologies across teams.

What will you need to be successful?

Education: Bachelor’s or master's degree in business administration, Computer Science, Information Systems or other related field, or equivalent work experience.

Experience: 3+ years of relevant experience in Process Excellence, Transformation and Continuous Improvement & Change Management.

Should have a proven expertise in Lean, Kaizen, Agile, and process automation (RPA, AI, or digital transformation tools)

Prior experience with ERP systems, workflow automation, and process mining tools is preferred.

Licenses/ Certifications:  LSS Yellow/Green Belt Certification

Competences:

Experience working in a multinational, matrixed organization.

Strong business sense with a data-driven approach to decision-making.

Strong leadership, customer management, and change management skills.

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management capabilities.

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.

Other reasons why you will love it here!

• Your future:  stock purchase program, referral bonus, subsidy in transport and food, recognition program.

• Work/Life Balance: Extra days off, birthday off, voluntary hours.

• Your Wellbeing: company doctor, medical insurance, gym, health campaigns, employee assistance program, parental leave. 

• Flexibility: Hybrid work model (for more professional roles), flexible schedules.

• Training: Training program, unlimited learning.

• Extra perks: employees association, and more…