Inspection and Assembly Methods Manager

Safran; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran Gloucester seeks an experienced manager to lead the Inspection and Assembly Methods teams, driving operational excellence and industrialisation across aerospace production. You will oversee risk assessments, KPI-driven performance, and alignment with customer and internal stakeholders.

The role requires deep knowledge of aerospace regulatory requirements, PPAP/APQP validation, and a track record of managing CAPEX projects to deliver robust, cost-effective, high-quality assembly operations.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership of inspection/quality/manufacturing engineering/assembly methods teams.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace regulatory requirements, inspection, assembly and industrialisation processes.
• Experience with industrialisation, APQP, PPAP validation, and production chain optimisation.
• Proven ability to manage transformation and CAPEX projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Inspection & Assembly Methods functions.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure HSE compliance and regulatory audits readiness.
• Prioritise workload aligned with customer and stakeholder expectations.
• Monitor KPIs and manage risks; drive manufacturability and product robustness.
• Oversee development of Assembly and Inspection Methods and industrialisation processes.
• Validate production systems, including PPAP, and manage supplier relationships.
• Prepare and justify CAPEX investments for transformation initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Aerospace regs

Industrialisation

APQP/PPAP

CAPEX projects

Stakeholder management

Continuous improvement

Job description

will lead and manage both the Inspection and Assembly Methods functions. You will be responsible for driving operational excellence, managing industrialisation processes, and leading continuous improvement and transformation projects to ensure robust, safe, cost-effective, and high-quality assembly operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure HSE compliance through risk assessments
• Ensure regulatory compliance and prepare teams for internal and external audits
• Prioritise and manage Inspection & Assembly Methods workload in alignment with customer and internal stakeholder expectations.
• Drive inspection performance, monitor KPIs, and hold teams accountable to goals while addressing risks proactively
• Manage the development of the Assembly and Inspection Methods
• Manage the industrialisation process, ensuring manufacturability and product robustness in compliance with safety, cost, quality, deadline, and HSE objective
• Manage the realisation, implementation, and validation of all production systems,
• including Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
• Serve as the Assembly focal point for test equipment, managing supplier relationships and resolving issues
• Manage the budget for Inspection and Assembly Methods teams
• Prepare and justify CAPEX investments for transformation initiatives

What you'll bring:

• Leadership experience managing inspection/quality/manufacturing engineering/assembly methods teams
• Strong knowledge of aerospace regulatory requirements, inspection, assembly, and industrialisation processes
• Experience managing industrialisation, APQP, PPAP validation, and production chain optimisation
• Strong project management skills and experience leading transformation and CAPEX projects
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to drive continuous improvement, change management, and operational efficiency
• Business acumen with a strategic mindset balanced with operational execution
• Proactive, analytical, and autonomous problem solver
• Strong
• understanding and ability to present to cross function stakeholders in and outside of the business
• Experience with coaching and mentoring with a focus particularly on building technical capability

Job Description

Inspection and Assembly Methods Manager Gloucester Safran - Here, we craft excellence together. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.

Safran Landing Systems are a global leader in aircraft landing and braking systems, from commercial and business travel to military and defence fleets. Our expertise covers the entire life cycle of our products from end-to-end; Design, Engineering & Manufacturing, through to Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO). The Gloucester site has been at the forefront of landing gear technology for over 85 years, dating from the innovative designs of Sir George Dowty to advanced landing gears for the world's most modern aircraft today. Reporting to the Head of Assembly, you