Manufacturing Operations Leader

GE Aerospace; Whitwell; On-site; GBP 108,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in the UK is looking for an Operations Leader to oversee supply-chain manufacturing teams. This role focuses on driving operational excellence and fostering a high-performance culture. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment. Competitive salary of $148,000.00 - $198,000.00 USD annually, with comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Performance bonus

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with company matching

Tuition assistance

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of operations leadership experience.
• Experience in lean tool implementation required.
• Manufacturing experience in metal fabrication preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define short- and long-term vision and execute strategies.
• Lead and develop a team of manufacturing supervisors.
• Drive implementation of standardized work processes and visual management systems.

Skills

Operations leadership

Lean culture development

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Talent development

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Overview

The operations leader is responsible for leading one of four supply-chain manufacturing teams within the GE Aerospace Rutland facilities. The role oversees all aspects of Forging operations, consisting of 200 team members and producing > 30,000 parts per week. This leader will drive operational excellence utilizing LEAN SQDC methodologies, foster a high-performance culture, and ensure the Forge Operations meets or exceeds company goals in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and customer satisfaction. This role reports directly to the Plant Leader and is a staff level position within the GE Aerospace, Rotating Parts and Compressor Airfoils, Rutland organization.

Responsibilities

• Define short- and long-term vision and execute strategies to meet both customer and business needs utilizing LEAN operating methodologies.
• Lead and develop a team of manufacturing supervisors, and operational staff.
• Lead with Daily Management KPI rigor with a focus on fostering a cross-functional problem-solving culture.
• Own the P&E investment strategy, execution, and adherence to budget.
• Build/grow solid relationships with the Program Management team partnering on NPI and cost-out opportunities.
• Ensure efficient use of resources (labor, materials, equipment) to maximize productivity and minimize costs.
• Collaborate with department heads and frontline employees to foster a culture of continuous improvement and empower all team members to contribute to the ongoing optimization of operations.
• Drive the implementation of standardized work processes and visual management systems to enhance transparency, accountability, and performance visibility.
• Develop and manage the annual manufacturing operations budget.
• Stay current with new manufacturing technologies, automation trends, and industry advancements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university plus a minimum of 5 years of operations leadership experience with a demonstrated track record of significant performance improvement leading a large manufacturing team; or 5-10 years of operations leadership experience with a demonstrated track record of significant performance improvement leading a large manufacturing team.
• Experience in lean culture development and lean tool implementation required.
• Manufacturing experience in metal fabrication, and finishing/machining preferred.
• Working knowledge of OSHA guidelines and environmental regulations.
• Resourceful, combining strong manufacturing and technical abilities with overall management acumen.
• Ability to effectively deploy resources to key priorities with resources at hand.
• Set high expectations (driven by metrics and countermeasures) for self and the team.
• Ability and passion to rapidly learn and utilize the business system and achieve objectives.
• Track record, passion and relentless drive for achieving manufacturing and operational results, financial results, and effective and timely decision making.
• Ideally from a Lean manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on operations, Lean, and continuous improvement.
• Strong ability to identify, develop and encourage talent.
• Proven ability to measure performance and deliver against objectives.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to influence all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, direct and positively motivate others.

Benefits

The salary range for this position is $148,000.00 - 198,000.00 USD annual. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's experience, their education, and the work location. In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive plan. This posting is expected to close on October 10, 2025.

GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing. Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness. GE Aerospace (General Electric Company or the Company) and its affiliates each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs and reserve the right to modify them at any time. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.