Business Improvement Specialist in Bristol

This role provides expertise and support to BDUK Fixed Wing Programmes and associated functional teams to develop and sustain a culture of continuous improvement. The Business Improvement Specialist will act as a focal point for Continuous Improvement within Fixed Wing Programmes, providing facilitation, coaching, mentoring, training development, project management, problem-solving support, and delivery of high-value, high-impact improvement initiatives. The role carries joint accountability for supporting Fixed Wing Programmes in achieving productivity, performance, and business improvement targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expertise in Lean and Six Sigma continuous improvement methodologies and approaches.
• Drive delivery of the Continuous Improvement process in accordance with the Continuous Improvement Capture Standard Work, ensuring benefits are captured and reported across Fixed Wing Programmes and other assigned business areas.
• Partner with Operations teams to deploy the Lean Boeing Production System (BPS) and drive productivity improvements across P8 and E7 Programmes and associated functional areas.
• Partner with teams and employees to deploy the Lean Ambassador Programme (LAP), strengthening Lean culture and capability across Fixed Wing Programmes and assigned business areas.
• Provide hands-on problem-solving support to employee teams to enable delivery of high-value, high-impact projects and initiatives.
• Support the development of High Performance Work Teams across Fixed Wing Programmes and other assigned business areas using systems such as Employee Involvement 2.0 and BPS.
• Utilise the company’s Lean tools and methods to identify and adopt best practices that enhance the existing toolkit.
• Facilitate large-scale step-change improvement initiatives and develop business unit productivity improvement plans and strategies.
• Represent the Continuous Improvement function in new business acquisitions, providing expertise in Lean Production Systems and complementary business improvement models.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and complete reporting of results and status, including Continuous Improvement Capture, Lean Ambassador, BPS Programmes, and Quality of Service Surveys.
• Drive personal development and achievement of competencies, including Lean Facilitator/Instructor, Six Sigma, and other role-specific certifications and requirements.
• Support the coaching and development of new Business Improvement Specialists to ensure they achieve strong Lean capability and can effectively support the business.
• Support Fixed Wing Programmes in detailed workshops as required by Programme Managers.
• Provide detailed reporting support within the BIT function.
• Represent BIT as a member of the E7 and P8 leadership teams.

Basic Requirements (Experience and Qualifications)

• Eligibility for UK SC Security Clearance: Applicants must be able to obtain the necessary clearance.
• Skilled in coordinating cross-functional teams and applying collaborative working techniques.
• Experienced in developing and delivering training materials in Lean and other continuous improvement methods and systems.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build effective professional relationships at both senior management and shop floor levels.
• Good understanding of Quality Management Systems and relevant regulatory bodies.
• Strong coaching and training skills, with the ability to transfer knowledge and develop others.
• Competent in MS Project and Microsoft Office applications.
• Able to facilitate improvement events ranging from one-day Kaizen events to five-day step-change or value stream mapping events.
• Experienced in a range of Lean, Six Sigma, and process improvement systems and methods.

Preferred Requirements

• Proven experience in deploying Continuous Improvement methods, systems, and training across a range of organisations, ideally including Aerospace and Defence, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Information Technology, and Service sectors.
• Strong practitioner experience in facilitation, value stream analysis, problem solving, best practice development, and project/portfolio management.
• Demonstrated success in delivering measurable business improvements within complex stakeholder environments, including customers, suppliers, internal stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Relevant education in Manufacturing, Maintenance Operations, Engineering, or Quality Systems.
• Professional certifications in Business Operations, Lean, Quality, and Process Improvement are expected.
• A Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in a related discipline would be advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual incentive plans.
• Continuous learning - you’ll develop the approach and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you - we’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Inclusive culture - you’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.
• Excellent Adoption and Parental leave options.
• 23 days plus UK public holidays and a Winter Break between Christmas and New Year.
• Pension Plan with up to 10% employer contribution.
• Company paid BUPA Medical Plan.
• Short Term Sickness: 100% pay for the first 26 weeks.
• Long Term Sickness: 66.67% of annual salary from 27th week.
• 6x annual salary life insurance.
• Learning Together Programme to support your ongoing personal and career development.
• Access to Boeing’s Well Being Programs, tools and incentives.

This is an onsite position with flexible working hours.

PLEASE NOTE: The successful candidate will be expected to undergo a Security Clearance Process, which will require 5 years uninterrupted residency in the UK prior to applying.