Operations Manager (Aerospace Assembly)

GKN Aerospace; East Cowes; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer is seeking an experienced Operations Manager based in East Cowes. The role involves leading a team, achieving performance targets through Lean practices, and fostering a safe and motivating work environment. Candidates must have prior experience in manufacturing assembly, preferably in aerospace, and strong leadership skills. The position requires flexibility in shift patterns and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a manufacturing assembly environment, preferably aerospace.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Adherence to standardized work and experience in Kaizen implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of operations and inspection staff.
• Implement Lean Operating Model to achieve performance targets.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety policies.

Skills

Leadership skills

Effective communication

Problem solving

Self-motivation

Job description

Job Summary

Due to an exciting period of growth, we are now seeking an experienced Operations Manager (known internally as Operations Team Leader) to join our thriving business. Based at our East Cowes facilities, and reporting into one of our Group Leaders, the Operations Manager will lead a small team of operations and inspection staff within an area of the business covering aerospace assembly. Therefore it is important that suitable candidates come from a similar manufacturing assembly background (aerospace preferred)

• Achieving the People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cash and Cost (PSQDCC) targets through the disciplined and rigorous deployment of the Lean Operating Model.
• Attaining Operational Excellence across their designated area of responsibility, in line with the Performance Centre objectives.
• Active involvement in problem solving and the management system using a ‘Go to Gemba’ approach to solve problems with the ambition that 95% of issues can be solved within the zone itself
• Creating a 'Great Place To Work' through developing and empowering first class Team Members and driving a culture of continuous improvement, safe working and open dialogue.

Flexibility is needed to cover all shift patterns as required by the business; predominately we are operating on 6am to 2pm and 2pm to 10pm shift, weekly rotation, as well as core shift (8am-4.30pm)

Job Responsibilities

• Create and sustain a culture that is aligned to the GKN Aerospace 'Great Place To Work' value drivers and Culture Principles by role-modelling behaviours, motivating, encouraging and recognising the contribution of individuals and teams.
• Hold Team Members and Team Leaders accountable to embody the GKNA culture principles
• Be Open and Honest when appraising and managing individuals'performance whilst supporting and coaching individuals to close performance gaps
• Provide opportunities for Team Members to play to their strengths; do what they do best and create on‑going opportunities for learning and personal development
• Exemplifying a safety‑first mindset and ensuring that the GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards are applied and that their assigned areas are a model of a world class healthy and safe working environment
• Leading and developing their teams to understand the context, mechanics and the delivery of PSQDCC targets to meet customer and stakeholder commitments
• Active involvement in problem solving and the management system using a 'Go to Gemba' approach to solve problems with the ambition that 95% of issues can be solved within the zone itself
• Cooperate with other Team Leaders to ensure the best performance outcomes for the entire Area
• Holding the functional support staff accountable for adhering to the Global standards and enabling their zone team to meet its targets
• Ensuring the disciplined execution of Daily Management and Standardised work through the conscientious adherence to Leader Standard Work
• Complying with all legal and regulatory requirements and ensuring that staff are aware of the policies and their individual responsibilities and accountabilities
• Responsibility for managing a Zone budget as agreed with their Group Leader, and taking ownership when having to make difficult decisions linked to their Zone

Job Qualifications

Suitable candidates should be able to demonstrate:

• Previous similar experience gained within a manufacturing assembly environment (Aerospace preferred, or very similar)
• Demonstrable 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, and a track record of Kaizen implementation.
• Self‑motivated by meeting and exceeding performance targets.
• Ability to work with various stakeholders.
• Effective and influential communication skills.