Operational Efficiency Leader

Airswift; Belgique (MO); On-site; USD 101,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Airswift seeks an Operational Efficiency Leader to drive Lean transformation across its Belgian sites in Herstal and Tubize. You will lead cross-functional teams, deploy continuous improvement programmes, and shape a culture of performance, quality, and customer focus in regulated engineering environments.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in engineering or a related field, 5+ years of Lean leadership experience, and strong change-management and stakeholder-skilling abilities to deliver measurable

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Quality Management or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience leading Lean improvement projects within manufacturing, engineering, or industrial environments.
• Strong knowledge of Lean methodologies and structured problem-solving tools such as 8D.
• Experience managing complex projects and transformation programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams in the deployment of Lean methodologies and operational excellence initiatives.
• Drive productivity improvements and support the achievement of business performance objectives.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions to address operational challenges.
• Establish and lead rapid-response teams to resolve product, process, and organisational issues.
• Support organisational transformation programmes and business process improvements.
• Identify waste and inefficiencies across operations and implement sustainable solutions.
• Promote collaboration between departments and remove organisational barriers.
• Develop action plans based on operational performance indicators, audits, and customer feedback.
• Champion quality, continuous improvement, and performance-driven behaviours across the business.
• Support strategic initiatives focused on operational agility, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Lean leadership

Change management

Structured problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Leadership of multi-disciplinary teams

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations/QM or related field

Master's degree advantageous

Tools

8D methodology

Job description

Operational Efficiency Leader

Location: Herstal & Tubize, Belgium

Sector:

Defence, Aerospace & Space

Introduction

Our client is a leading international technology organisation operating within the Defence, Aerospace, and Space sectors, delivering advanced systems and solutions to government, military, and commercial customers worldwide. As part of an ongoing transformation programme, they are seeking an experienced Operational Efficiency Leader to drive continuous improvement initiatives across multiple sites in Belgium, based in Herstal and Tubize.

Role Overview

The Operational Efficiency Leader will be responsible for driving operational excellence, improving business performance, and implementing sustainable transformation initiatives across engineering, manufacturing, and support functions. This role requires a hands-on leader capable of identifying inefficiencies, implementing structured problem-solving methodologies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams in the deployment of Lean methodologies and operational excellence initiatives.
• Drive productivity improvements and support the achievement of business performance objectives.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions to address operational challenges.
• Establish and lead rapid-response teams to resolve product, process, and organisational issues.
• Support organisational transformation programmes and business process improvements.
• Identify waste and inefficiencies across operations and implement sustainable solutions.
• Promote collaboration between departments and remove organisational barriers.
• Develop action plans based on operational performance indicators, audits, and customer feedback.
• Champion quality, continuous improvement, and performance-driven behaviours across the business.
• Support strategic initiatives focused on operational agility, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Quality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience leading Lean improvement projects within a manufacturing, engineering, or industrial environment.
• Proven track record of delivering operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong experience leading multidisciplinary teams and driving change management activities.
• Excellent knowledge of Lean methodologies, continuous improvement techniques, and structured problem-solving tools such as 8D.
• Experience managing complex projects and transformation programmes.
• Strong analytical, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence and engage teams at all organisational levels.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within the Defence, Aerospace, Space, Automotive, or other highly regulated industries.
• Knowledge of electro-mechanical products, systems integration, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement qualification.
• Experience supporting quality certifications and operational audits.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to play a key role within a major operational transformation programme.
• Exposure to complex engineering and manufacturing environments within the Defence, Aerospace, and Space sectors.
• International and collaborative working environment.
• Career development opportunities within a growing technology organisation.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• This position is based across Herstal & Tubize, Belgium, and would particularly suit candidates with a strong background in Lean transformation, operational excellence, manufacturing improvement, and change leadership within regulated engineering environments.