SECURITY CLEARANCE: You will be subject to BPSS and Export Control checks (including a criminal record check)
TRAVEL REQUIRED: On site
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, flexible working
The Operational Excellence / Lean Manufacturing Expert drives the structured deployment of Lean standards, industrial maturity, and continuous improvement across production and support functions in Belfast. Operating in a coaching and "train-the-trainer" capacity, this role develops site leadership and local teams, leads shop-floor improvement task forces, and integrates digital operational solutions (including MES and Smart SQCDP) to deliver tangible performance improvements through the Airbus Operating System (AOS).
Our operational excellence framework ensures seamless alignment between strategic objectives and daily shop‑floor activities across all levels of the organization.
The Operational Excellence / Lean Expert contributes directly to operational standards definition and deployment, providing guidance to site management teams on performance improvement opportunities. Bringing deep expertise in Lean principles and proven hands‑on manufacturing experience, you will address systemic operational challenges with standardised, sustainable solutions. Collaborating with the global expert network, you will optimise value‑stream flow, share best practices, and drive high‑performance standards across site operations.
HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEAM:
- Deployment Architecture & Strategy: Define, structure, and guide the Lean/AOS deployment architecture across plant, manufacturing area, or programme operations, ensuring clear alignment between strategy and operational delivery.
- Leadership Coaching & Development: Coach and mentor site leadership and operational teams to embed standardised ways of working, Lean behaviours, and continuous improvement practices.
- Industrial Maturity & Governance: Lead formal assessments of operational maturity across manufacturing processes, evaluate adherence to Lean standards, and support site governance routines.
- Standardisation & Continuous Improvement: Serve as the focal point for operational standards, ensuring consistency across facilities, sharing best practices, and benchmarking performance internally and externally.
- Knowledge Transfer & Capability Building: Design training strategies, deliver Lean modules, and co‑lead shop‑floor Kaizen events in a train‑the‑trainer model to build long‑term site capability and autonomy.
- Cross‑Functional & Digital Integration: Partner with Quality, Logistics, Manufacturing, and Engineering functions while driving the adoption of digital operational solutions (e.g., MES, SQCDP dashboards).
Main Activities:
- Strategy & Executive Coaching: Define operational standards with site leadership; design and deliver targeted coaching, Gemba walks, and mentoring for leadership teams.
- Diagnosis & Task Forces: Lead cross‑functional task forces from diagnosis to implementation; conduct Macro‑VSM, shop‑floor observations, and Hoshin Kanri deployment to eliminate waste and optimise flow.
- Workshops & Capability Building: Facilitate Kaizen, VSM, SMED, and structured problem‑solving workshops using a train‑the‑trainer model to foster an enterprise continuous improvement culture.
- Standards & Governance Development: Contribute to the evolution of operational assessment grids, drive cross‑site benchmarking, and integrate sustainability practices into manufacturing operations.
ABOUT YOU
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that sufficient detail is provided to demonstrate how they meet essential job criteria, as this alone will be used for vetting purposes.
Essential
- Proven track record in Lean manufacturing deployment, operational excellence, and advanced problem‑solving delivering measurable business performance improvements.
- 5+ years of relevant Lean / Operational Excellence experience in manufacturing environments, supported by recognised certifications (e.g., Six Sigma Black Belt, APICS, Kepner‑Tregoe or equivalent).
- Demonstrated success leading Lean manufacturing workshops including Kaizen, VSM, SMED, and 5S.
Desirable:
- Experience in operations management within best‑in‑class Lean manufacturing environments, alongside strong coaching and communication skills.
- Proven capability to train and empower managers, engineers, technicians, and operators.
- Strong leadership, change management, and influence skills with the ability to inspire alignment across stakeholders.
Closing date:
Closing date: 19th of November 2026
HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU
Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part‑time. Please talk to us at 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.
Company: Airbus Belfast Limited
Employment Type: Permanent
Experience Level: Professional
Job Family: Improvement & Performance Management
By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.
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.
Operational Excellence / Lean Manufacturing Expert employer: Airbus SE
Airbus SE is an attractive employer due to its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the aerospace industry. The company provides hybrid working options and emphasizes professional development, making it a great place for career growth. Employees enjoy a collaborative work culture that encourages contributions to significant projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence / Lean Manufacturing Expert
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Airbus SE, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Airbus SE specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus SE
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Airbus SE, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Airbus SE value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
