Operational Efficiency Lead

Airswift; Vlaanderen; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Major transformation programme

Exposure to Defence, Aerospace and S​[

Job summary

Airswift is seeking an Operational Efficiency Leader to drive continuous improvement across Belgium-based sites in Herstal and Tubize. You will lead Lean initiatives, optimize processes, and guide change across engineering, manufacturing, and support functions.

The role requires hands-on leadership, structured problem-solving, and a track record of delivering operational excellence in regulated environments. International collaboration and transformation emphasis define the position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Quality Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master’s degree is advantageous.
• 5+ years’ experience leading Lean improvement projects in manufacturing, engineering, or industrial environments.
• Proven track record delivering operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to deploy Lean and operational excellence initiatives.
• Drive productivity improvements to meet business performance objectives.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive actions.
• Establish and lead rapid-response teams for product, process, and organisational issues.
• Identify waste and drive sustainable improvements across operations.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Change management

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations

Master's degree (advantageous)

Tools

8D problem solving

Job description

Our client is a leading international technology organisation operating within the Defence, Aerospace, and Space sectors, delivering advanced systems and solutions to government, military, and commercial customers worldwide.

As part of an ongoing transformation programme, they are seeking an experienced Operational Efficiency Leader to drive continuous improvement initiatives across multiple sites in Belgium, based in Herstal and Tubize.

Role Overview

The Operational Efficiency Leader will be responsible for driving operational excellence, improving business performance, and implementing sustainable transformation initiatives across engineering, manufacturing, and support functions.

This role requires a hands-on leader capable of identifying inefficiencies, implementing structured problem-solving methodologies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams in the deployment of Lean methodologies and operational excellence initiatives.
• Drive productivity improvements and support the achievement of business performance objectives.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions to address operational challenges.
• Establish and lead rapid-response teams to resolve product, process, and organisational issues.
• Support organisational transformation programmes and business process improvements.
• Identify waste and inefficiencies across operations and implement sustainable solutions.
• Promote collaboration between departments and remove organisational barriers.
• Develop action plans based on operational performance indicators, audits, and customer feedback.
• Champion quality, continuous improvement, and performance-driven behaviours across the business.
• Support strategic initiatives focused on operational agility, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Quality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience leading Lean improvement projects within a manufacturing, engineering, or industrial environment.
• Proven track record of delivering operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong experience leading multidisciplinary teams and driving change management activities.
• Excellent knowledge of Lean methodologies, continuous improvement techniques, and structured problem-solving tools such as 8D.
• Experience managing complex projects and transformation programmes.
• Strong analytical, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence and engage teams at all organisational levels.
• Experience within the Defence, Aerospace, Space, Automotive, or other highly regulated industries.
• Knowledge of electro-mechanical products, systems integration, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement qualification.
• Experience supporting quality certifications and operational audits.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to play a key role within a major operational transformation programme.
• Exposure to complex engineering and manufacturing environments within the Defence, Aerospace, and Space sectors.
• International and collaborative working environment.

This position is based across Herstal and Tubize, Belgium, and would particularly suit candidates with a strong background in Lean transformation, operational excellence, manufacturing improvement, and change leadership within regulated engineering environments.