At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data-driven operational improvements in aerospace and defence manufacturing.
- Company: Join a top UK aerospace and defence engineering organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, early finishes on Fridays, and a 9% pension.
- Other info: Highly visible role with senior stakeholder exposure and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on strategic operational improvements and career growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in Lean methodologies, ERP systems, and aerospace or defence sectors.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
Lead operational transformation through data, systems and Lean within one of the UK's most respected aerospace and defence engineering organisations. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Continuous Improvement Business Systems Manager to join a globally recognised aerospace and defence manufacturer. This is not a traditional shop-floor Lean role. Instead, you'll lead data-driven operational improvement across Sourcing, Procurement and Supply Chain, using ERP systems, operational performance data and structured Continuous Improvement methodologies to improve business performance, simplify processes and strengthen operational governance.
The Opportunity
Working closely with senior leaders across Sourcing, Procurement, Engineering, Operations, Finance and Manufacturing, you'll identify improvement opportunities through operational data, challenge existing ways of working and deliver measurable improvements across business processes, systems and operational performance. This is a highly visible role where you'll influence stakeholders across the organisation while managing and developing a Continuous Improvement Analyst.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Continuous Improvement initiatives across Sourcing, Procurement and Supply Chain operations
- Analyse ERP (SAP) data, operational KPIs and business performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities
- Improve business processes, governance and operational workflows through data-driven analysis
- Lead Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen workshops and structured problem-solving activities where appropriate
- Develop KPI frameworks, dashboards, governance reporting and Continuous Improvement roadmaps
- Drive operational improvements through systems optimisation, workflow redesign and process standardisation
- Improve planning, material flow, supplier performance and sourcing processes
- Work closely with Engineering, Finance, Manufacturing and Procurement teams to deliver measurable operational improvements
- Coach operational teams in Continuous Improvement methodologies and best practice
- Manage and develop the Continuous Improvement Analyst
Skills Experience
We're particularly interested in professionals currently working within:
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Defence Manufacturing
- Aviation Engineering
- Aerospace Supply Chain
- Defence Operations
- Highly regulated engineering manufacturing environments
who have experience leading operational improvement through both Lean methodologies and business systems. You'll ideally bring:
- Experience leading Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence or Business Process Improvement programmes
- Strong experience using SAP (or equivalent ERP platforms) together with operational data and KPI reporting to identify and deliver improvements
- Experience improving sourcing, procurement, manufacturing or supply chain processes
- Strong analytical capability using operational performance data to support decision making
- Experience developing governance frameworks, operational reporting and Continuous Improvement pipelines
- Practical experience facilitating Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis and structured improvement workshops
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders across Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement and Supply Chain
- Previous experience managing or mentoring Continuous Improvement or Operational Excellence professionals
Highly Desirable
- Aerospace or Defence manufacturing experience
- Experience working within complex engineering manufacturing organisations
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt or equivalent
- SAP super-user or strong ERP systems experience
- Power BI, business reporting or operational analytics experience
- Experience improving procurement, sourcing or supply chain performance
- Knowledge of operational governance, business process optimisation and systems integration
This Role Is Ideal For Professionals Such As
- Continuous Improvement Business Systems Manager
- Operational Excellence Manager
- Business Process Improvement Manager
- Operational Excellence Lead
- Manufacturing Systems Improvement Manager
- Lean Business Systems Manager
- Supply Chain Continuous Improvement Manager
- Operational Performance Manager
- Business Transformation Manager (Manufacturing)
- Operational Excellence Analytics Manager
Why Join?
- Work for one of the UK's leading aerospace and defence engineering organisations
- Influence strategic operational improvement across sourcing and supply chain
- Highly visible role with senior stakeholder exposure
- Manager-level role with clear career promotion and progression opportunities
- Hybrid working following onboarding
- Early finish every Friday
- 9% non-contributory pension
- Healthcare
- Personal development programme
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Apply If you've built your career improving operational performance through ERP systems, operational data, Lean methodologies and business process optimisation within aerospace, defence or highly regulated engineering manufacturing environments, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now for immediate consideration and a confidential discussion.
Continuous Improvement & Business Systems Manager employer: auricoe
Auricoe is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive environment where you can thrive as a Health & Social Care Legal Director. With a generous salary of £110,000 plus profit share, hybrid working arrangements, and a commitment to your professional growth, you'll have the opportunity to build your own practice while being part of a nationally recognised firm dedicated to excellence in the healthcare sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement & Business Systems Manager
✨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 auricoe for a Continuous Improvement & Business Systems Manager. 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 Continuous Improvement & Business Systems Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at auricoe, 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 auricoe, 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 auricoe
✨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 auricoe.
✨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 auricoe. 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 auricoe love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
