At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence initiatives and drive improvements in sourcing, procurement, and supply chain.
- Company: Join a leading aerospace and defence engineering organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Highly visible role with opportunities to influence across various teams.
- Why this job: Use your skills in SAP and continuous improvement to solve complex operational challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational excellence, business process improvement, and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Transform operational performance through systems, data and business process improvement within one of the UK's leading aerospace and defence engineering organisations. We're looking for an experienced Operational Excellence Manager to drive measurable operational improvements across Sourcing, Procurement and Supply Chain within a complex, highly regulated aerospace manufacturing environment. Success will come from your ability to combine ERP systems, operational performance data, business process optimisation and structured Continuous Improvement methodologies to improve efficiency, governance and operational performance across the business.
If you're passionate about using SAP, operational analytics, KPI reporting and business systems to solve complex operational challenges, this is an outstanding opportunity to make a genuine impact.
About the Role
Reporting into senior leadership, you'll work across Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Sourcing, Operations and Finance, identifying opportunities to improve operational performance through data, business process redesign and structured Continuous Improvement. This is a highly visible role where you'll influence stakeholders at all levels while managing and developing a Continuous Improvement Analyst.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead operational excellence initiatives across sourcing, procurement and supply chain operations.
- Identify improvement opportunities through analysis of ERP data, operational KPIs and business performance metrics.
- Simplify and optimise business processes to improve efficiency, delivery performance and operational governance.
- Deliver measurable operational improvements through structured problem-solving and data-driven decision-making.
Business Systems Data
- Maximise the use of SAP (or equivalent ERP systems) to improve operational performance.
- Develop KPI frameworks, dashboards and performance reporting to support business decision-making.
- Analyse operational data to identify trends, bottlenecks and opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Drive business process standardisation through systems optimisation and workflow redesign.
- Improve governance, reporting accuracy and operational visibility.
Supply Chain Sourcing
- Improve sourcing, procurement and material flow processes.
- Partner with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing and Finance teams to improve supplier performance and operational efficiency.
- Support operational readiness for new products, engineering changes and supply chain improvements.
- Improve planning, inventory performance and operational workflows.
Continuous Improvement
- Lead Value Stream Mapping workshops and structured business process reviews.
- Facilitate Root Cause Analysis and problem-solving sessions.
- Apply Lean methodologies where appropriate to support operational improvements.
- Develop Continuous Improvement governance, roadmaps and improvement pipelines.
- Coach operational teams in Continuous Improvement best practice.
- Manage and develop the Continuous Improvement Analyst.
What We're Looking For
We're particularly interested in professionals currently working within:
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Defence Manufacturing
- Aviation Engineering
- Complex Engineering Manufacturing
- Automotive OEM or Tier 1 Manufacturing
- Rail Engineering
- Medical Device Manufacturing
- Other highly regulated manufacturing environments
who have experience improving operational performance through both business systems and Continuous Improvement.
Essential Experience
- Proven experience leading Operational Excellence, Business Process Improvement or Continuous Improvement programmes.
- Strong experience using SAP or equivalent ERP systems to identify and deliver operational improvements.
- Experience analysing operational performance data, KPIs and business metrics to support decision making.
- Experience improving business processes across manufacturing, procurement, sourcing or supply chain operations.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations and Procurement teams.
- Experience developing governance frameworks, KPI reporting and operational performance dashboards.
- Practical experience facilitating structured problem-solving and process improvement workshops.
- Experience managing or mentoring Continuous Improvement professionals or project teams.
Highly Desirable
- Aerospace or Defence manufacturing experience.
- Strong SAP knowledge (or equivalent ERP platform).
- Power BI or operational analytics experience.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt or equivalent.
- Experience supporting sourcing, procurement or supply chain transformation.
- Experience improving business systems, ERP processes or digital operational workflows.
- Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis and Lean facilitation experience.
You May Currently Be Working As
- Operational Excellence Manager
- Business Improvement Manager
- Business Process Improvement Manager
- Manufacturing Systems Manager
- Operational Performance Manager
- Manufacturing Excellence Manager
- Continuous Improvement Manager
- Supply Chain Excellence Manager
- Lean Business Systems Manager
- Industrial Engineer
- Manufacturing Improvement Manager
- ERP Process Improvement Manager
- SAP Business Process Lead
- Operations Transformation Manager
This is a rare management opportunity to combine business systems, operational analytics and Continuous Improvement within a highly visible role offering genuine influence across the organisation.
Apply
If you've built your career improving operational performance through SAP, ERP systems, operational analytics, business process improvement and Continuous Improvement within aerospace, defence or highly regulated engineering manufacturing, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today for a confidential discussion.
Operational Excellence Manager – SAP, Business Systems & Supply Chain 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 Operational Excellence Manager – SAP, Business Systems & Supply Chain
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨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 auricoe, 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Manager – SAP, Business Systems & Supply Chain
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 auricoe 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 auricoe
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with auricoe, 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 auricoe 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.
