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- Tasks: Lead initiatives to enhance business processes and operational efficiency in aviation catering.
- Company: Join gategroup, the world's largest independent airline catering service provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths/Science; Lean Six Sigma certification preferred; relevant 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.
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 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 fields. 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. Be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills and the impact of your initiatives on operational efficiency.
✨Tip Number 4
Research gategroup and their operational challenges. Understanding their business model and current projects will help you tailor your discussions during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
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. Use specific examples of how you've applied Lean and Six Sigma methodologies in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for operational efficiency and detail how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention any specific tools or methodologies you are proficient in.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Provide concrete examples of past challenges you've faced in an operational environment and how you successfully resolved them using process improvement tools. This will demonstrate your ability to drive change.
Highlight Interpersonal Skills: Since the role involves partnering with various stakeholders, emphasise your strong interpersonal skills. Share instances where you've facilitated collaboration among diverse teams to achieve shared objectives.
How to prepare for a job interview at gategroup
✨Showcase Your Continuous Improvement Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your experience with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully implemented these tools to drive operational efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect questions that assess your ability to identify root causes of issues. Use examples from your past work where you applied problem-solving techniques like process mapping or kaizen events.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves partnering with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've built relationships in previous roles. Share examples of how you facilitated collaboration to achieve shared objectives.
✨Prepare for Data Analysis Questions
As data analysis is crucial for this role, brush up on your skills in evidence-based decision-making. Be ready to explain how you've used data to inform your strategies and measure performance improvements.
