Group Operations Manager (Group Leader)

GKN; East Cowes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer is seeking a Group Operations Manager to oversee a high-performing team in fast-paced aerospace manufacturing. The role includes managing daily operations, implementing process improvements, and ensuring compliance with standards. Candidates should have significant industry experience and strong leadership skills. Join a company committed to innovation and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in aerospace or similar manufacturing.
• Strong track record in leading and developing teams.
• Rigorous adherence to standardised work and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage operations for smooth workflows.
• Implement and monitor operational policies.
• Identify process and cost improvement areas.

Skills

People-leadership skills

Problem-solving skills

Strong IT skills

Communication skills

Education

Lean or Six Sigma certification

Job description

We're excited to announce a rare and exceptional opportunity for a talented and experienced Group Operations Manager (internally known as a Group Leader) to join our Operations team at our thriving East Cowes site. As a Group Leader, you'll lead, develop, and empower a high-performing, cross-functional team within a dynamic and forward-thinking aerospace manufacturing environment, having full responsibility and accountability for a portfolio of high-value aerospace manufacturing programmes, overseeing day-to-day business operations, improving efficiency, and ensuring our teams deliver outstanding results.

Working closely with senior leadership, you will drive continuous improvement across processes, systems, and performance. Job Responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage daily operations to ensure smooth and efficient workflows;
• Develop, implement, and monitor operational policies and procedures;
• Identify areas for process improvement and cost improvements;
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation;
• Manage, mentor, and support staff to maximise performance and engagement;
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and company standards;
• Collaborate with leadership on strategic initiatives and business planning;
• Monitor KPIs and provide regular reports to senior management.

We are looking for a proactive, results-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You should have strong organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to motivate teams to achieve excellence.

Requirements include:

• Significant previous experience gained in a similar role within the aerospace (or similar) manufacturing industry;
• Strong people-leadership skills, with a track record of successfully leading, engaging, training and developing high-performing teams;
• Excellent workplace performance, demonstrating rigorous adherence to standardised work, strong problem-solving skills, and a track record of continuous improvement (Kaizen) implementation;
• Ability to manage budgets and analyse financial data;
• Self-motivated by meeting and exceeding performance targets;
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills;
• Strong IT skills;
• Lean or Six Sigma certification by a reputable certifying body or benchmark company desirable, although not essential.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! 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.

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working. Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we've created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute.

We're also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.