Lead NPI Manufacturing Coordinator in Cheltenham

At GE Aerospace, we design, manufacture, and support cutting‐edge aerospace systems that power the future of flight. The Lead NPI Manufacturing Coordinator will play a key role in bridging the gap between Manufacturing Engineering (ME) and Operations during the development phase of new products. This hands‐on leadership role focuses on ensuring the smooth flow of production articles through the shop floor, proactively identifying and resolving issues, and driving collaboration across teams. The ideal candidate will have a solutions‐driven mindset, strong technical expertise, and the ability to anticipate challenges, take initiative, and implement sustainable improvements.

Production Management

• Oversee production articles on the shop floor, ensuring timely progress and delivery.
• Anticipate and resolve bottlenecks to maintain production flow and meet delivery targets.

Sustaining and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain a lessons‐learned register to prevent recurring issues and sustain improvements.
• Lead structured problem‐solving activities (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, 8D) to optimize processes and improve key metrics like throughput, yield, and cycle time as well as responding to immediate challenges.

Design for Manufacturability

• Collaborate with design engineering to ensure manufacturing considerations are prioritized during product development.
• Contribute to robust solutions for equipment layouts, process design, and product flow to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.
• Define tooling, settings and calibration requirements to ensure a consistent and well‐defined manufacturing process.
• Define the sequence of workforce operations for manufacturing a low volume prototype part in a manufacturing facility.
• Create work instructions that document a safety‐first process, considerate of operator ergonomics and is tried and tested.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Provide technical leadership to the ME team, mentoring junior engineers and fostering collaboration across Operations, EHS, Planning, and Quality.
• Represent ME in cross‐functional forums, driving alignment and solutions to meet Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) targets.

Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., CAA, EASA, FAA) and internal procedures.
• Drive and act decisively to ensure safe and compliant work area where the manufacturing teams health and safety is paramount.
• Define equipment lists, training requirements, and safety documentation.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Minimum Level 3 qualification. We also welcome applications from individuals with equivalent relevant experience in engineering or a related technical field. HNC or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Proven expertise in manufacturing engineering, production management, or a similar role.
• Knowledge of New Product Introduction (NPI) processes and project planning.
• Experience in facilities containing robotics, automation, and conveyor technologies.
• Proven ability to optimize existing processes for throughput, quality, and availability during design and commissioning phases.
• Knowledge of problem‐solving methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, 8D, Red X) and APQP requirements.
• Proficiency in lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping, run charts, Pareto analysis, and other methods for tracking production and identifying problems.
• Self‐starter able to find solutions to new and novel problems and work without clear instructions to a desired aim.

Desired Skills

• Experience with composite (CFRP/RTM) or high‐tolerance machined parts manufacturing.
• Experience in facilitating Kaizen events and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., 3D Catia, 2D AutoCAD) and virtual manufacturing tools.
• Knowledge of 3D printing/rapid prototyping tools and part production.
• Experience in highly regulated industries (aviation preferred).
• Ability to define and discern GD&T product tolerancing requirements.
• Expertise in line balancing to optimize operator efficiency and achieve maximum production output.

Flexible Working

GE supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work‐life balance.

Total Reward

At GE Aerospace we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.

As a new joiner to GE we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs:

• Non‐contributory Pension
• Life Assurance
• Group income protection
• Private medical cover
• Holiday Hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell

Security Clearance

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security.

Right to Work

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes