First Line Manager - ACI Header Tanker

Join us in managing a newly formed team responsible for the end-to-end transfer of Air Certified Items (ACI) into the Air Centre of Excellence through the ACI Header Tank (HT) process. As the ACI HT Manager, you will take full ownership of ACI stock movements, ensuring operational targets are met and inventory flows into the Air Centre of Excellence with accuracy, consistency, and strong governance.

In this role, you will oversee the complete governance of NSNs moving through the ACI Header Tank, proactively resolving issues, safeguarding data integrity, and driving continuous improvements in process performance. You will set clear priorities through structured weekly work packages, deliver insightful performance reporting to senior stakeholders, and lead cross-functional forums that strengthen collaboration, remove obstacles, and maintain operational momentum.

With a strong focus on compliance, you'll ensure all airworthy materiel is handled, stored, and processed in line with regulatory requirements and organisational standards, maintaining exceptional audit and reporting outcomes. You will also contribute to shaping the future direction of the ACI HT process, developing robust Work Instructions, and implementing scalable, efficient processes that deliver value across the operation.

How you create impact

• Comply with all instructed Safe Working Practices including the reporting of all accidents and incidents within the workplace.
• Promote high standards of hygiene and housekeeping and ensure compliance with all legislative Health & Safety requirements.
• Oversee accurate ACI stock transfers, ensuring relocation targets are met.
• Issue weekly Work Packages to support timely, controlled ACI movements.
• Produce weekly performance and exception reports to highlight progress and risks.
• Lead weekly meetings with Leidos and the CMO to resolve issues and maintain workflow.
• Ensure NSNs progress correctly through the ACI Header Tank process, escalating anomalies and confirming ACI status only once requirements are met.
• Manage NSN flow through the HT process, prioritising stock accuracy and data integrity over throughput.
• Conduct Team Briefs (SQCDP) as required.
• Investigate and complete all CCARs as required and within appointed timeframes.
• Be an Ambassador for Quality and actively participate in continuous quality improvements, including driving changes in quality gates and culture.
• Responsible for effective and efficient Operational Area Management as applicable and as required.
• Undertake Business Continuity Plan (BCP) Management as and when required.
• Conduct Facilities reporting and escalation as required.
• Conduct Management Briefs as required.

What we would like you to bring

• Logistics management experience in a large fast-moving environment.
• Strong warehouse system experience.
• Leadership qualities including the ability to enthuse and motivate.
• Financial and strategic management experience and commercial awareness.
• Drive, determination and a track record in delivering continuous improvement.
• Ability to influence, negotiate and deal with conflict successfully.
• A strong knowledge of Health & Safety at work.
• Experience of working to agreed targets.
• Preferred experience (not essential) of JDA/ Red Prairie systems.
• Intermediate PC Skills: Excel, Word, Outlook.
• Understanding of warehouse practices e.g. picking, loading.
• Ability to work individually or as part of a team.
• Ability to deliver to tight deadlines in an organised and informed manner.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication skills.
• Strong organisation skills.

What's in it for you

• 26 days holidays plus bank holidays.
• 2 volunteering days per year.
• 3 x Life Assurance Option if you join the KN Route2 pension scheme.
• A tailored personal development and training programme.
• Trusted and empowered to deliver and be your best.
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discount on high street stores and local supermarkets (Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys & more).
• Refer a friend scheme.
• Health Cash plans will be available to you.

The easy-to-use plan provides you with a range of valuable cash benefits and services and gives you money back towards the cost of your routine healthcare, up to set limits, helping you to budget for essential health costs such as optical, dental and therapy treatments.

As proud holders of the Gold Covenant, we are a forces-friendly employer who recognise the skills, expertise and value service leavers bring to our organisation.