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- Tasks: Lead initiatives to enhance business processes and operational efficiency in aviation catering.
- Company: Join Gate Gourmet, the world's largest independent airline catering provider, serving over 200 million meals annually.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational excellence while collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths/Science; Lean Six Sigma certification preferred; experience in operational environments required.
- Other info: Must have the right to work in the UK and pass a Criminal Record 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.
Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence Specialist employer: gategroup
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 taking a short online course or reading up on case studies that demonstrate successful implementations in similar industries.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the operational excellence field, especially those who have experience in aviation catering or similar sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to make connections that could help you learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented process improvements in your previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Gategroup and their operational excellence programme, gateOPEX. Understanding their specific goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your skills can directly contribute to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence Specialist position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially those related to Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in operational environments and your proficiency with Continuous Improvement tools. Make sure to include specific examples of how you've successfully implemented Lean or Six Sigma principles in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your background to the job requirements. Emphasise your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with diverse teams. Mention any relevant certifications, such as Lean Six Sigma, and how they apply to the role.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and professional, reflecting your attention to detail which is crucial for this role.
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 groups to achieve shared objectives, highlighting your ability to build long-term relationships.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Performance Management
Familiarise yourself with performance management systems and be ready to discuss how you've developed or implemented them in the past. Highlight any experience you have in measuring operational performance and compliance, as this is a key aspect of the role.
