Team Leader

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we're inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We're proud to play a part in protecting the world's democracies. And we're committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of 3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

At our GKN Filton site, we specialise in the design and manufacture of large complex structural wing assemblies, detailed metallic components and wing systems for a combination of both civil and military aircraft. We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Team Leader to foster a culture that aligns with GKN Aerospace's "Great Place to Work" values. In this role, you will lead, inspire, and develop your team, ensuring a culture of openness, continuous learning, and operational excellence. The Team Leader will be accountable for achieving PSQDCC (People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cash, and Cost) targets by deploying Lean principles across designated zones, while actively participating in problem-solving and continuous improvement efforts. The successful applicant will join our Surface Treatments business on a full-time, permanent basis and lead a team of between 10-15 operators, working a 37 hour, 4 day week. You may rotate between a Mon - Thur or Tue - Fri pattern. Expected to start on Tue - Fri.

What You'll Be Doing

• Culture and Leadership: Role model GKN Aerospace's culture principles, motivating and recognizing contributions of individuals and teams to establish an inclusive, collaborative environment
• Performance Management: Conduct open, honest performance evaluations, provide coaching, and support team members in bridging performance gaps while developing their strengths
• Safety and Compliance: Maintain a "safety first" mindset, ensuring adherence to GKN Aerospace's Health, Safety, and Environmental policies, and fostering a healthy and safe workspace
• Operational Excellence: Actively lead the deployment of the Lean Operating Model (LOM) to meet PSQDCC targets and customer commitments, engaging in hands‑on management and coaching
• Team Development: Build a pipeline of first‑class Team Members with the potential to advance into leadership or other critical roles within the organization
• Problem‑Solving and Accountability: Promote a "go to Gemba" approach, aiming to resolve 95% of issues at the source and cooperating with other Team Leaders to achieve optimal area performance
• Communication and Engagement: Facilitate effective communication across zones, fostering material flow and accountability among functional support staff, while driving team engagement and following up on engagement actions
• Budget and Resource Management: Manage the zone's budget in collaboration with the Group Leader, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet performance goals
• Compliance: Uphold all legal and regulatory standards, including Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity & Inclusion policies, Compliance and Ethics Policy, and Export Control Regulations

What You'll Bring

• Essential: Previous experience in a similar role or demonstrated competence in key tasks within the designated work zone
• Essential: Proven track record of Kaizen implementation and adherence to standardized work processes
• Essential: Background working in a regulated industry.
• Essential: Self-motivated, with a strong drive to meet and exceed PSQDCC performance targets
• Essential: Excellent communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Essential: Proven ability to lead, engage, train, and develop team members
• Desirable: Qualification in Engineering, Science, or a related field
• Desirable: Knowledge of surface treatment
• Desirable: Experience with Lean Operating Model/Production Systems and Lean or Six Sigma certification
• Desirable: Background in operational planning and scheduling
• Desirable: Passion for the aerospace industry

What We\'ll Offer

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Up to 15% Bonus
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme = 1.5x employee contribution (max 12%)
• Life Assurance 8 x salary
• Income protection
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Shopping discounts
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment

Once you're on board you'll get the following perks and benefits:Competitive salary dependent on experienceUp to 15% BonusIndustry Leading Pension Scheme = 1.5x employee contribution (max 12%)Life Assurance 8 x salaryIncome protection25 days holiday + bank holidaysShopping discountsCycle To Work SchemeEmployee Assistance ProgrammeVirtual GP Clinic for you and immediate familyA collaborative, dynamic working environmentAs well as a competitive package we'll offer you a world of opportunity. We want to see your career fly! We'll support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. That's the beauty of being part of a global business, once you're on board you never know where your career journey may take you!

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we've created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It's a culture that won us 'The Best Workplace Culture Award'. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.We're also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.

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