At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise daily operations in the Plating department for aircraft components.
- Company: Join AMETEK MRO, a leader in aerospace maintenance and repair.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Work in a mix of office and shop-floor settings with safety-first culture.
- Why this job: Make an impact in aerospace while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering or aerospace manufacturing and proven leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
As the Operations Supervisor you will plan, lead and deliver the daily operations of the Plating department, ensuring safe, compliant and efficient surface treatment of aircraft landing gear components. The role is accountable for maximising operational throughput, achieving production schedules aligned to forward-load demand, and maintaining on‑time delivery. The post holder will also lead training, development, safety, quality and continuous improvement, ensuring full compliance with Part 145 and all applicable environmental, health and safety regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership & Delivery
- Lead, plan and organise the Plating operations to achieve safety, quality, cost and delivery targets.
- Continuously review production schedules to optimise efficiency, capacity and throughput.
- Identify operational risks, constraints and bottlenecks, deploying robust and timely recovery plans.
- Drive effective communication through daily operations meetings, handovers, visual management boards and weekly production reviews.
- Resource & Performance Management
- Develop and sustain operational plans that maximise productivity and minimise cost.
- Ensure correct use, calibration and maintenance of all plating equipment and tooling.
- Monitor labour efficiency through analysis of labour hour bookings and ERP data.
- Use operational metrics and performance dashboards to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
- Identify and justify plant and capital investment to support growth, safety, compliance and operational excellence.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping across all operational areas.
- People Leadership, Capability & Culture
- Recruit, onboard, develop and performance‑manage operational teams.
- Maintain accurate skills matrices, training records and succession plans.
- Lead teams positively through change, including process improvement, organisational change and capability development.
- Role‑model AEM values and behaviours, ensuring consistent application of policies and prompt resolution of employee issues.
- Build strong cross‑functional relationships with Engineering, QEHS, Facilities, Stores, Logistics and Customer Support.
- Safety, Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
- Champion continuous improvement and lean manufacturing through Kaizens, GEMBA walks and 5S.
- Proactively manage hazards, unsafe behaviours and operational risks.
- Conduct plating-specific risk assessments and toolbox talks.
- Ensure full compliance with Quality, Environmental, Health & Safety standards and regulatory requirements.
- Support and promote AEM’s Part 145 Safety Management System (SMS) policies and procedures.
- Ensure all non‑conformances are fully investigated, with root causes identified and corrective/preventative actions implemented.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
- Essential
- Experience in an engineering or aerospace manufacturing environment.
- Proven leadership experience in a production workshop setting.
- Working knowledge of electroplating processes (Chrome, Nickel, Silver, Cadmium).
- Strong understanding of lean principles and their practical application.
- High level of digital competence, including Microsoft 365, ERP systems, Power BI and approved AI tools.
- Excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills.
- Desirable
- Engineering qualification.
- Lean certification.
- Working knowledge of Part 145 (CAA / EASA / FAA) requirements.
Personal Attributes
- Results‑driven with strong problem‑solving ability.
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
- Confident communicator at all organisational levels.
- Enthusiastic, motivational leader able to perform under pressure.
- Capable of interpreting detailed compliance manuals, specifications and technical documentation.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Combination of office‑based and shop‑floor activities.
- Mandatory use of PPE including safety footwear, glasses, hearing protection and chemical‑resistant PPE.
- Exposure to chemicals, fumes and workshop equipment.
- Manual handling required.
- Good eyesight (with or without correction) for inspection and quality tasks.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
About Us AMETEK MRO, part of the Aerospace & Defense Division, is a recognised global provider of third‑party Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services across commercial, regional, general aviation, military, helicopter and business jet markets. AEM Limited, acquired by AMETEK in 2007, has over 60 years’ experience as Europe’s leading independent overhaul and repair organisation. Operating from three UK sites, AEM supports over 5,000 aircraft components, specialising in windings, electrical power, hydraulics, landing gear and safety equipment.
Operations Supervisor - Plating employer: AMETEK
At AMETEK MRO, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where safety, quality, and continuous improvement are at the forefront of our operations. Our commitment to employee development is evident through comprehensive training programmes and a culture that encourages innovation and collaboration across teams. Located in the heart of the aerospace sector, we provide our employees with unique opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology while contributing to the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Supervisor - Plating
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with AMETEK for a Operations Supervisor - Plating. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Supervisor - Plating
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at AMETEK, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At AMETEK, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at AMETEK
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with AMETEK.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with AMETEK. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like AMETEK love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
