Inspection and Assembly Methods Manager

Safran; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Annual bonus and share schemes

Pension with up to 8% matched

Job summary

Safran Landing Systems in Gloucester is seeking an experienced leader to head the Inspection and Assembly Methods functions. You will drive operational excellence, manage industrialisation, and lead transformation projects to ensure safe, cost-efficient, high-quality assembly operations.

Reporting to the Head of Assembly, you will develop and optimise processes, maintain compliance with aerospace regulations, manage CAPEX initiatives and coach cross-functional teams to build technical capability

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in inspection/quality/manufacturing/assembly methods teams.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace regulatory requirements and processes.
• Experience managing industrialisation, APQP, PPAP validation, and production chain optimisation.
• Strong project management skills and experience leading transformation and CAPEX projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage both the Inspection and Assembly Methods functions.
• Drive operational excellence and manage industrialisation processes; lead continuous improvement projects.
• Ensure robust, safe, cost-effective, high-quality assembly operations.
• Prepare and justify CAPEX investments; optimise production systems and PPAP validation.

Skills

Leadership experience

Aerospace regulatory knowledge

Industrialisation

Project management

Stakeholder management

CAPEX / transformation

Tools

MES

Job description

• 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
• Proven 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 with high integrity
• 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
• Strong functional knowledge and working of MES

But what else? (benefits, specificities, etc.), Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the hiring process that may better facilitate your participation. We celebrate our differences and believe they make us stronger. We know that a fulfilling work environment is a key driver for innovative ideas and team success. Get involved: We also have a number of groups and forums across our sites that you can get involved with, including Women at Safran, Diversity at Safran, Sports Clubs, STEM ambassadors, Employee Forum, Charity Partnerships and Wellbeing Programs.

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking. Safran Landing Systems is the world leader in landing gear, wheels & brakes, and associated systems for civil and military aircraft and helicopters. We master the entire lifecycle of our products, from design and manufacturing through to maintenance. Did you know that every second, somewhere in the world, an aircraft lands using one of our systems? Would you like to grow in an international, stimulating and supportive environment within a human-sized company? Join us! Become one of our 8,000 passionate employees worldwide. Don't meet 100% of the requirements? That's not a barrier for us. Above all, we're looking for creative and committed people!, 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 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.

Looking after the people who make Safran great is our priority. We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you, both in and out of work, including:

• Competitive salary
• Early finish on a Friday
• 25 days of holiday, plus UK Bank Holidays, and we offer options to buy or sell days
• Annual bonus and share scheme options
• Pension scheme, with up to 8% matched contributions, and life assurance at 4x your salary
• Onsite parking, including EV chargers, a subsidised restaurant, bicycle storage, and shower facilities
• We offer a wide range of flexible benefits and working options (role dependant), enhanced maternity and family friendly benefits, because we know everyone's needs are different
• We support your ambitions with training, development, a personalised career plan and mobility opportunities