Business Operations Manager in Belfast

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance OR You will be subject to BPSS and Export Control checks (including a criminal record check).

TRAVEL REQUIRED: Occasional.

LOCATION: Belfast.

TYPE: Full time.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options.
• Work / Life Balance: 36 hour week, flexible working around core hours and Friday afternoons off.

You will be the lead designer of our growth strategy, building a robust value stream through lean methodology and data-driven financial management. By bridging the gap between shop-floor operations and corporate support, you will ensure our facility remains a global benchmark for rate-readiness. We are looking for an influential leader to de-risk our supply chain and accelerate commercial success in a world-class aerospace hub.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEAM:

• Strategic Integration & Risk Mitigation: You are the bridge between operations and support functions. You use the ARM (Active Risk Management) tool and TIP (Tactical Implementation Plans) to identify financial and operational bottlenecks, ensuring change management plans are executed to eradicate "hard-hitting" business problems.
• Operational SQCDP Performance: You hold accountability for the Business Management System. By monitoring trends in Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and People (SQCDP), you drive rate-readiness planning to ensure the airframe value stream can meet future build demands and increased production rates.
• Financial & Resource Stewardship: You manage significant growth by exercising delegated budget authority over CAPEX, NRC (Non-Recurring Costs), NPO, and Indirect Payroll. You ensure the business is "resourced for the future" by aligning recruitment and training with long-term Airbus profitability goals.

ABOUT YOU:

• Essential Technical & Operational Skills:
• Project Delivery & Management: Proven track record in delivering/implementing projects and managing operational performance.
• Continuous Improvement: Experience operating business management systems across SQCDP (Safety, Cost, Quality, Delivery, People) areas.
• Financial Planning & Budget Management: Financial planning skills for growth; ability to manage budget authority (NPO, NRC, CAPEX, Indirect Payroll).
• Communication: Ability to listen, adapt style to various audiences, share information openly, and resolve conflict.
• Leadership & Influence: Ability to inspire, motivate, and influence teams/stakeholders outside direct span of control.
• Customer Focus: Strategy development focused on adding value and exceeding customer expectations.
• Results Orientation: Driving performance through stretched, competitive targets.

Desirable Skills:

• Leadership Experience: Time spent within the organization as a leader.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Demonstrated experience resolving issues across Engineering, Supply Chain, and support functions.
• Risk & Tactical Planning: Hands-on experience with risk mitigation tools (e.g., ARM) and formulation of Tactical Implementation Plans (TIP).
• Workforce & Rate Readiness Planning: Ability to conduct rate readiness planning to meet future build demands, along with recruiting and developing personnel.

CLOSING DATE: 18th SEPTEMBER 2026.

This role requires a level of spoken and/or written English that is necessary to carry out the duties of the position effectively. Equivalent qualifications or demonstrable experience will be considered.

Please note that meeting the mandatory criteria listed above guarantees consideration for the role, but does not ensure progression to the interview stage. In the event of a high volume of qualified applications, the selection panel reserves the right to shortlist and progress candidates who additionally meet one or more of the preferential (desirable) criteria.

HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU:

Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need and we'll always do our best to accommodate your request.

Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments for the selection process - you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

As a Disability Confident Employer, Airbus UK will offer an interview to any applicant that considers themselves to have a disability or long-term condition under the Equality Act 2010 and meets the minimum criteria of the role (as set out in the job advert). To 'opt in', just select the option during your application submission and your application will be considered accordingly.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company's success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company: Airbus Belfast Limited

Employment Type: Permanent

Experience Level: Professional

Job Family: Leadership

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.