Operational Excellence Leader

GKN Aerospace

Operational Excellence Leader driving efficiency and operational excellence for GKN Aerospace's aviation projects. Spearheading initiatives for process improvement and team collaboration.

Posted 4/20/2026full-timeBristol • 🇬🇧 United KingdomSeniorWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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 utilization

Requirements

What you’ll need

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

Benefits

Comp & perks

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 x salary
25 days holiday + bank holidays
Flexible working hours including the ability to finish at 12noon 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

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

Key Performance Indicatorsprocess refinementchange managementanalytical skillscontinuous improvement methodologiesLeanSix Sigmaengineering degreemanufacturingproduction

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationcollaborationproblem solvinginfluenceanalytical thinkingcross-functional teamworkdata interpretationactionable insightscredibility building

Certifications

Lean Six Sigma certification