Global Director, AWM Digital Pipeline

Global Director, Digital Pipeline AWM

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

Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology business focused on the repair, regeneration and replacement of soft and hard tissue. We exist to restore people’s bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. We call this purpose ‘Life Unlimited’. Our 18,000 employees deliver this mission every day, making a difference to patients’ lives through the excellence of our product portfolio, and the invention and application of new technologies across our three global business units of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT and Advanced Wound Management.

Role Overview

Smith & Nephew is seeking an experienced and visionary Global Director, Digital Pipeline AWM to lead the strategic development of a broad portfolio of digital initiatives—including products, services, and customer-facing solutions—within our Advanced Wound Management (AWM) business unit. This role is responsible for driving innovation from concept through commercialization, ensuring that digital solutions align with business priorities and enhance customer outcomes.

What will you be doing?

• Digital Solution Leadership: Define the strategic direction and roadmap for AWM's digital portfolio, leading the development and execution of innovative digital products, services, and platforms.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D, IT, clinical, regulatory, marketing, and commercial teams to guide the design, validation, and launch of digital solutions, ensuring seamless integration within AWM’s product portfolio.
• End-to-End Execution: Oversee the full lifecycle of digital initiatives, from initial concept development through to market introduction and long-term scalability.
• Pilot Programs & Performance Monitoring: Establish and oversee pilot programs, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and refine strategies based on feedback before full commercialization.
• Customer Solutions & Adoption: Develop training resources and support materials to ensure successful adoption of digital solutions by customers, internal teams, and healthcare providers.
• Market Insight & Competitive Analysis: Stay informed on industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive dynamics to ensure continuous enhancement and market relevance of digital solutions.
• External Partnerships & Innovation: Build strategic partnerships with technology firms, innovation centers, and thought leaders to drive forward-thinking digital advancements.
• Strategic Influence: Provide high-level input into AWM’s long-term strategic roadmap, advocating for new digital technologies and solutions within senior leadership circles.

What will you need to be successful?

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Informatics, Healthcare Management, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications are a plus.
• Experience:
  • Extensive experience leading digital initiatives from concept to commercialization in healthcare or a technology-driven environment.
  • Proven track record managing complex, cross-functional projects with multiple stakeholders.
  • Strong knowledge of how digital technologies improve clinical outcomes, patient experiences, or operational efficiencies.
  • Experience partnering with external technology firms or innovation hubs.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Visionary leadership in digital transformation and innovation.
  • Strong cross-functional team management and collaboration skills.
  • Excellent communication and influencing abilities, especially with senior executives.
  • Proficiency in data-driven decision-making and strategic planning.
  • Adaptability to evolving digital trends and healthcare challenges.

Scope & Influence

• Budget Management: Responsible for managing digital initiative budgets and ensuring financial accountability.
• Supervision: May oversee project managers and cross-functional contributors.
• Internal & External Relationships: Collaborates with internal teams across R&D, IT, Clinical, Regulatory, Marketing, and Commercial. Engages externally with healthcare professionals, technology partners, and industry experts.
• Strategic Influence: Plays a key role in shaping AWM’s digital strategy, influencing executive leadership up to the President level.

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 (https://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.

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