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- Tasks: Lead initiatives to enhance business processes and operational efficiency in aviation catering.
- Company: Gate Gourmet is the largest independent airline catering provider, serving over 200 million meals annually.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies while working in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a team focused on continuous improvement and make a real impact in the aviation industry.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths/Science; Lean Six Sigma certification preferred; relevant operational experience required.
- Other info: Must have the right to work in the UK and pass a CRC check.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Gategroup are currently looking for a Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence Specialist to join our Continuous Improvement team. In this role, the job holder will be responsible for identifying, leading, and executing initiatives that improve business processes, drive operational efficiency, and optimize performance across departments. The role is focussed on our Northern UK aviation catering Sites as well as our UK trains sites currently operating in the East of the UK (London to Scotland). You’ll partner with key stakeholders to deliver measurable improvements using Lean, Six Sigma, and change management methodologies.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Highlights and develops business improvement opportunities to benefit quality, cost and delivery.
- Develops, trains, and rolls out standards and best practices using lean manufacturing and Six-Sigma tools and principles.
- Problem solves to identify root causes of selective issues restricting or affecting the business using process improvement and problem-solving tools such as process mapping, kaizen events, value-stream mapping, SMED, Poka-yoke, FMEA, C&E analysis, 5S etc.
- Seeks and analyses data for evidence-based analysis and planning of value-added solutions.
- Develops and implements performance management systems that will help to measure and manage operational performance, compliance and quality.
- Partners with facilities operations managers, shift team leaders (in the operation) and compliance colleagues to plan and execute operational and tactical improvements.
- Drives development and rollout of technology tools into the operation.
- Acts as a mentor to coach and develop staff in the mind-set of lean and continuous improvement.
- Supports adherence to, and sustainment of, the groups global Operational Excellence program (gateOPEX).
Qualifications
Education:
- Educated to GCSE/ O-Level in Maths / Science.
- Lean Six Sigma change related qualified (Blackbelt or Greenbelt certification advantageous).
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical related field (advantageous).
Work Experience:
- Previous experience in an operational environment within the manufacturing, pharmaceutical, healthcare, electronics/engineering or automotive industry.
- Previous management or supervisory experience.
- Previous experience in facilitating and applying Continuous Improvement / Lean tools and methodologies over a significant period with proven delivery & results.
- Previous Project Management experience.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of manufacturing systems (BOM’s, ERP, production planning, scheduling, purchasing, supply chain management etc.).
- Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop long term relationships and facilitate sometimes diverse groups of people to work together to achieve shared objectives.
- Excellent organisational skills, detailed, ability to schedule/manage workload & multiple activities within similar timelines.
- Strong characteristics in communications, team building, facilitation/deployment change management.
- Ability to evaluate, consult, coach, influence, implement, present and deliver.
- Good negotiating and persuasive skills.
Other:
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK, undertake a CRC (Criminal Record Check) and provide 5 years of checkable referencing history. For anytime spent outside the UK exceeding 6 months, you must be able to provide a CRC (Criminal Record Check) for that country.
About the Company:
Gate Gourmet is the world's largest independent provider of catering services for airlines and are the core business behind gategroup, whose eleven associated brands offer customers a comprehensive scope of products and services for virtually any on-board need. We provide more than 200 million meals a year to our 270-plus customers at some 120 airport locations around the globe.
Contact Detail:
gategroup Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, as these are crucial for the role. Consider obtaining a certification if you haven't already, as it demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aviation catering and operational excellence sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about best practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented process improvements in previous roles. Use metrics to showcase the impact of your initiatives, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Gategroup and their operational challenges, particularly in the Northern UK aviation catering sector. Tailor your discussions during interviews to show how your skills can directly address their needs and enhance their operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in continuous improvement and operational excellence. Emphasise your familiarity with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, as well as any specific tools you've used in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you're passionate about operational excellence and how your skills align with the role at Gategroup. Mention specific examples of past projects where you successfully implemented process improvements.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your problem-solving abilities and experience with data analysis. Discuss your knowledge of manufacturing systems and how you've used them to drive efficiency in previous positions.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with Lean and Six Sigma. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them using continuous improvement techniques.
How to prepare for a job interview at gategroup
✨Showcase Your Lean and Six Sigma Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your understanding of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific tools you've used, such as process mapping or kaizen events, and how they have led to measurable improvements in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities. Discuss situations where you identified root causes of issues and implemented effective solutions using Continuous Improvement tools. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and practical experience.
✨Emphasise Interpersonal Skills
Since this role involves partnering with various stakeholders, it's crucial to convey your strong interpersonal skills. Share experiences where you successfully facilitated collaboration among diverse teams to achieve shared objectives, highlighting your ability to build long-term relationships.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Data Analysis
The role requires evidence-based analysis for planning value-added solutions. Be prepared to talk about your experience in seeking and analysing data to drive operational efficiency. Mention any specific metrics or performance management systems you've developed or implemented.
