Head of Operational Excellence and Integrated Plant Performance

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader for the Head of Plant Production Support, Communities & Performance and Improvement to integrate and empower our community functions within our Belfast site. This pivotal role will be responsible for fostering collaboration, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring optimal performance across our plant network. You will champion the integration and development of the support functions to facilitate knowledge sharing, implement best-in-class methodologies to enhance efficiency, quality, and overall operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Supporting the HO Site Belfast, you will develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for building and nurturing plant production support organisation and driving performance and improvement initiatives aligned with overall business objectives.
• Community Development & Engagement: Establish governance and integrate the communities across the Belfast Plant (e.g. Corporate Security, Legal and Compliance, Facility Management and Public Affairs and Communications) through regular facilitation of communication, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving within these communities in support of the overall Plants objectives.
• Performance Management Framework: Working within Airbus Operating System (AOS) to define and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor the effectiveness of plant production support activities and identify areas for improvement.
• Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Lead the identification, prioritisation, and implementation of continuous improvement projects; utilising the foundation of AOS Lean production methodology (Airbus Operating System) monitor progress, measure impact, and ensure sustainability of improvements.
• Best Practice Implementation: Research, identify, and promote the adoption of best practices and standardized processes across the plant network to enhance efficiency, reduce variability, and improve quality.
• Cost & Capex Management: Managing budgets and cost effectively in respect of the planning process. Strategically planning, budgeting, and overseeing capital expenditures to ensure effective investment in long-term assets and alignment with organisational goals.
• Capability Building: Develop and implement training programs and resources to enhance the technical and problem-solving skills of plant production support teams. Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate effectively with plant leadership, production teams, engineering, and other relevant stakeholders to understand their needs, gain buy-in for initiatives, and ensure alignment.
• Performance Reporting & Analysis: Prepare and present regular reports on the performance of plant production support communities and the impact of improvement initiatives to senior management.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Provide guidance, coaching, and mentorship to community leaders and improvement project teams. Foster a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Change Management: Effectively manage change associated with the implementation of new processes, technologies, and improvement initiatives.
• Maintenance Integration: Overseeing the planning, execution, and optimisation of maintenance activities to ensure asset reliability, operational efficiency, and cost control.
• Planning: Ensuring that plans for the future are clearly defined to ensure the business is adequately resourced. This involves acting as a liaison and stakeholder manager to senior management and internal customers.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Educated to Degree level or above.
• Proven track record of progressive experience in plant production support, manufacturing operations, or continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated experience in building and leading successful communities of practice or cross-functional teams.
• Strong knowledge and application of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen). Certification (e.g., Green Belt, Black Belt) is highly desirable.
• Excellent understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and quality systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and drive data-based decisions.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams, foster collaboration, and drive change.
• Experience with project management methodologies and tools.
• Willingness to travel to different plant locations as required.

Who you are: You are an experienced and dynamic leader with a proven track record in operational excellence, continuous improvement, and building collaborative communities within a complex manufacturing or industrial setting. You possess exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing across all levels of an organization. You are driven by results, passionate about developing people, and thrive in an environment that values innovation and continuous growth.