Operational Excellence Leader

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet.

With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

It’s great to know you’re making a difference to the future of aviation! Whatever part you play you’ll be helping us deliver operational excellence to our customers. At our GKN Filton site, we specialise in the design and manufacture of large complex structural wing assemblies, detailed metallic components and wing systems for a combination of both civil and military aircraft.
As part of our Operational Excellence team, The successful applicant will step into the vital role of Operational Breakthrough Leader. In this position, you’ll take the lead on driving efficiency and operational excellence across our business, spearheading initiatives that refine processes, foster collaboration, and build a lasting culture of continuous improvement. Your work will directly influence our competitive edge and overall operational effectiveness.

• Set, monitor, and analyse Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to drive targeted improvements.
• Lead and implement technical process enhancement initiatives to streamline operations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with various teams to ensure aligned objectives and cohesive execution.
• Sustain improvement efforts by embedding them into the company’s day‑to‑day operations.
• Identify and remove barriers to productivity, and operational flow ensuring optimal resource utilisation.

To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your passion and talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:

• Demonstrated experience in driving improvements and efficiency within a business environment
• Strong background in process refinement and change management
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and present actionable insights
• Proven leadership capabilities, including the ability to inspire and influence cross‑functional teams
• Solid understanding of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, both written and verbal

• Aerospace engineering background or experience working within the aerospace sector
• Engineering degree or strong technical foundation within manufacturing or production environments
• Experience working within complex assembly, machining or metallic structures environments
• Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement qualification
• Experience working in a regulated or safety critical industry
• Strong problem‑solving mindset with the ability to translate engineering insight into operational improvements
• Ability to build credibility with engineers, manufacturing teams and technical specialists

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Up to 15 % Bonus
• Industry‑leading pension scheme – we’ll match your contributions up to 8 % on a 1 : 1.5 basis (Employer max contribution 12 %)
• Life assurance 8 × salary
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Flexible working hours including the ability to finish at 12 noon on a Friday
• Income protection
• Shopping discounts
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Virtual GP clinic for you and immediate family
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows…