Group Operations Manager (Group Leader) - GKN

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

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in East Cowes is seeking a talented Group Operations Manager. In this role, you will lead a high-performing team in a dynamic manufacturing environment, overseeing operations, improving efficiency, and ensuring outstanding results. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in aerospace manufacturing and strong leadership skills. A commitment to continuous improvement is essential.

Qualifications

• Significant previous experience in aerospace manufacturing.
• Strong people-leadership skills with high-performing teams.
• Experience in continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations ensuring efficient workflows.
• Monitor budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Drive continuous improvement across processes.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Problem-solving

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Lean or Six Sigma certification

Job description

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.

Job Summary

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS - MONDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2025

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

Some of the typical responsibilities will 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.

Job Qualifications

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.

Suitable candidates will be able to demonstrate:

• 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

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 how far you can go?

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. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

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.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.