Operations Manager

Safran; Coven Heath; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in the UK is seeking a key leader to oversee machining operations in an aftermarket facility. This role involves managing quality, delivery, and cost performance while ensuring compliance with aerospace standards. The right candidate will have proven leadership experience in CNC manufacturing, a track record of performance improvement, and be skilled in operating tight-tolerance machining. Competitive salary and extensive benefits package offered, including a performance bonus and flexible leave arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company performance bonus scheme

Pension scheme up to 10% employer contribution

Private medical insurance

Comprehensive health cash plan

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Flexible benefits programme

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience within a machining or CNC manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrable track record of improving operational performance through lean or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience overseeing tight-tolerance machining and managing departmental budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead machining operations to deliver components safely, on time and to specification.
• Manage departmental budget and drive efficiency initiatives.
• Oversee capacity planning and future demand forecasting.
• Implement and sustain continuous improvement and lean manufacturing practices.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards.
• Lead and develop a team of CNC machinists.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Planning.

Skills

Leadership experience in machining or CNC manufacturing

Improving operational performance

Oversight of tight-tolerance machining

Job description

Overview

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments : on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions : observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary
• Company performance bonus scheme
• Pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution
• Private medical insurance
• Comprehensive health cash plan
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Flexible benefits programme (buy & sell holiday allowance, discounted gym memberships, Maternity / adoption leave- up to 52 weeks, first 26 weeks at full pay, subsequent 26 at 50% (basic pay) and Paternity / Non-Pregnant Parent / Co-adopter leave 4 weeks full pay)
• Structured training & opportunities to progress

What does the role look like?

This is a key leadership role within our Actuation Systems business, overseeing our on-site aftermarket machining facility. You'll be accountable for the safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance of all machining operations supporting the manufacture and repair of high-integrity components for military and civil aircraft. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you'll drive operational excellence and ensure critical aftermarket schedules are achieved.

What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?

• Lead machining operations to deliver components safely, on time and to specification, supporting MRO and spares requirements.
• Manage departmental budget, drive efficiency initiatives and reduce cost of poor quality.
• Oversee capacity planning, machine utilisation and future demand forecasting.
• Implement and sustain continuous improvement and lean manufacturing practices (e.g. 5S, RCCA, SMED).
• Ensure full compliance with aerospace quality standards and regulatory requirements (e.g. AS9100).
• Lead, develop and coach a team of CNC machinists and technical specialists.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality and Planning to support seamless workflow and problem resolution.

What will you bring to the role?

Essential skills

• Proven leadership experience within a machining or CNC manufacturing environment, ideally in aerospace or high-reliability engineering.
• Demonstrable track record of improving operational performance through lean or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience overseeing tight-tolerance machining (3-axis, 5-axis or multi-tasking) and managing departmental budgets.

Desirable skills

• Lean or Six Sigma qualification (Green Belt or above).
• Management certification (e.g. CMI or ILM Level 5+).
• Experience within MRO or aftermarket operations.
• Familiarity with aerospace quality systems (e.g. AS9100)