Smart Manufacturing Manager / Senior Manager – Aerospace & Defence – London
Reference Code: 555163-en_GB
Contract Type:Permanent
Professional Communities: Strategy & Transformation
CAPGEMINI INVENT
At Capgemini Invent, we believe difference drives change. As inventive transformation consultants, we blend our strategic, creative and scientific capabilities, collaborating closely with clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Join us to drive transformation tailored to our client’s challenges of today and tomorrow. Informed and validated by science and data. Superpowered by creativity and design. All underpinned by technology created with purpose.
YOUR ROLE
We help leading aerospace and defence manufacturers transform how they design, build and deliver complex products. Combining deep sector expertise with strategy, engineering, data, AI and cloud capabilities, we turn ambitious manufacturing visions into measurable business outcomes.
From defining smart factory strategies and accelerating production ramp-up, to deploying Industry 4.0 technologies and transforming end-to-end operations, we deliver change at scale. Our rare blend of strategy, transformation, engineering and cloud expertise sets us apart. Joining our team means working at the forefront of manufacturing innovation, shaping mission-critical programmes, and helping clients build the resilient, digital and intelligent factories of the future.
As a Manager or Senior Manager with a specialism in Aerospace & Defence manufacturing in our Intelligent Industry practice, you will:
- Lead large-scale Smart Manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and Digital Operations transformation programmes across leading aerospace and defence organisations.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, including Manufacturing Directors, Operations Leaders, Supply Chain Executives and Digital Transformation leaders.
- Define and deliver manufacturing transformation strategies focused on production ramp-up, operational excellence, supply chain resilience, quality improvement and industrial performance.
- Lead manufacturing assessments, maturity diagnostics and value discovery engagements, identifying opportunities to improve throughput, productivity, quality, cost and agility.
- Develop compelling transformation roadmaps, operating models and business cases that secure executive sponsorship and investment.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams across strategy, manufacturing, engineering, data, AI, cloud and technology disciplines to deliver business outcomes at scale.
- Shape and oversee the deployment of Industry 4.0 solutions, including MES, Industrial IoT, AI-powered manufacturing analytics, digital work instructions, connected worker and digital twin capabilities.
- Develop Capgemini’s offerings for Physical and Agentic AI at our manufacturing clients.
- Drive client value realisation by ensuring transformation programmes deliver measurable operational and financial benefits.
- Coach and develop consultants and senior consultants, building capability across manufacturing transformation, leadership and client engagement.
- Build and strengthen executive-level client relationships, identifying opportunities to expand engagements and create long-term partnerships.
- Lead complex stakeholder environments, aligning business, operational and technology leaders around a common transformation vision.
- Act as a thought leader both internally and externally, contributing to market‑facing propositions, industry insights and innovation within the aerospace and defence sector.
As part of your role, you will also have the opportunity to contribute to the business and your own personal growth, through activities that form part of the following categories:
- Business Development – Leading/contributing to proposals, RFPs, bids, proposition development, client pitch contribution, client hosting at events.
- Internal contribution – Campaign development, internal think‑tanks, whitepapers, practice development (operations, recruitment, team events & activities), offering development.
- Learning & development – Training to support your career development and the skills demand within the company, certifications etc.
YOUR PROFILE
We’d love to meet someone with:
- Significant experience leading manufacturing or supply chain transformation within the Aerospace & Defence sector, gained within leading defence or aerospace organisation, or top-tier consulting firm
- Deep expertise in discrete manufacturing operations, including production systems, assembly operations, industrialisation, production ramp-up, quality management and supply chain performance.
- Proven experience leading large, complex transformation programmes from strategy and business case development through to implementation and value realisation.
- Strong knowledge of Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies including Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Industrial IoT, advanced analytics, AI, digital work instructions and connected worker solutions.
- Demonstrable track record of delivering measurable improvements in productivity, lead time, quality, operational efficiency and cost competitiveness.
- Strong business acumen, with experience leading compelling business cases, shaping transformation strategies and securing stakeholder buy‑in for investment and change.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior executives, align diverse stakeholder groups and operate as a trusted advisor to operational and C‑suite leaders.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to transform data and insights into practical recommendations and measurable business outcomes
- A strong people leadership capability, with experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams, coaching, mentoring and developing high‑performing teams.
- A passion for operational excellence, innovation and the future of manufacturing, with the ability to translate emerging technologies into practical business value while driving sustainable change.
- Proven ability to be successful in a matrixed organization, and to enlist support and commitment from peers in selling and delivering consulting solutions.
- Experience contributing to propositions, thought leadership and business development activities (e.g., proposals, RFPs, client pitches, and asset development).
- Ability to obtain UK Security Check (SC) clearance.
WHAT YOU’LL LOVE ABOUT WORKING HERE
No matter the project or customer, your work will have a meaningful impact on society, businesses and lives. It’s really rewarding. And it’s also really varied. You’ll potentially work on a huge variety of projects (some larger than others), so you could gain lots of experience in a short amount of time.
You will work directly alongside our clients in their manufacturing facilities, keeping the focus of digitisation on the user experience and the business outcomes. You will typically work with colleagues from Capgemini’s Engineering and Cloud Services businesses, collaborating to design, build and implement digital solutions that enable our clients to improve service levels, reduce costs and improve sustainability outcomes.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
At Capgemini we don’t just believe in inclusion, we actively go out to making it a working reality. Driven by our core values and Inclusive Futures for All campaign, we build environments where you can bring you whole self to work.
We aim to build an environment where employees can enjoy a positive work-life balance. We embed hybrid working in all that we do and make flexible working arrangements the day‑time reality for our people. All UK employees are eligible to request flexible working arrangements.
Employee wellbeing is vitally important to us as an organisation. We see a healthy and happy workforce a critical component for us to achieve our organisational ambitions. To help support wellbeing we have trained ‘Mental Health Champions’ across each of our business areas. We have also invested in wellbeing apps such as Thrive and Peppy.
WE ARE A DISABILITY CONFIDENT EMPLOYER
Capgemini is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) under the UK Government’s Disability Confident scheme. As part of our commitment to inclusive recruitment, we will offer an interview to all candidates who:
- Declare they have a disability, and
- Meet the minimum essential criteria for the role.
Please opt in during the application process.
CSR
We’re also focused on using tech to have a positive social impact. So, we’re working to reduce our own carbon footprint and improve everyone’s access to a digital world. It’s something we’re really serious about. In fact, we were even named as one of the world’s most ethical companies by the Ethisphere Institute for the 10th year. When you join Capgemini, you’ll join a team that does the right thing.
Whilst you will have London, Manchester or Glasgow as an office base location, you must be fully flexible in terms of assignment location, as these roles may involve periods of time away from home at short notice.
We offer a remuneration package which includes flexible benefits options for you to choose to suit your own personal circumstances and a variable element dependent grade and on company and personal performance.
ABOUT CAPGEMINI
Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
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Smart Manufacturing Manager / Senior Manager – Aerospace & Defence – London employer: Capgemini
Capgemini is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. With a hybrid working model, employees enjoy the flexibility of blending office, client site, and home working, while also benefiting from extensive growth opportunities and professional development within the Capital Markets sector. Join us to be part of a team that values governance excellence and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in complex programme environments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Smart Manufacturing Manager / Senior Manager – Aerospace & Defence – London
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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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!
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Capgemini, 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 Capgemini 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 Capgemini
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Capgemini, 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 Capgemini 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.
