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- Tasks: Lead process improvement and knowledge management in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation supporting the Armed Forces and promoting freedom.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team driving productivity and innovation in missile systems production.
- Qualifications: Level 3 NVQ or equivalent, with a passion for continuous improvement and Lean methodologies.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; must undergo security checks post-offer.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
If you are motivated by governance and a collaborative approach to problem solving that will increase productivity as we drive towards trebling our production rates while reducing our costs, this new and exciting role may suit you.
Salary: Circa £50,000 - depending on experience
Location: Bolton
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 4-5 days per week on-site due to workload classification
Security Clearance: Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
The opportunity: To be part of the Manufacturing Function team delivering functional excellence and knowledge management support to manufacturing business units. You will support production in the delivery of missile systems to our UK & international customers, leading and supporting process investigations. You will also promote collaborative working between functional disciplines, which will increase productivity as we drive towards trebling our production rates while reducing our costs. There will be a requirement to liaise with other functions within MBDA ensuring they are fully aware of all governance activities that are ongoing within the business.
In this role you will provide leadership, direction and support across production at all levels of the organisation, promoting and delivering knowledge management initiatives across Manufacturing UK, producing UK-wide metrics.
As a Functional Team member your main responsibilities will involve:
- Promote and deliver Knowledge Management initiatives across MBDA Manufacturing UK.
- Removal of inefficiencies from manufacturing processes.
- Leading the development and implementation of collaborative systems of work, promoting excellent behaviours across functions and business units.
- Cross functional interaction to ensure necessary standards of work are maintained in accordance with the demands of the wider Manufacturing UK business.
- Responsible for process confirmation that all deployed resource (within the relevant skill pool) are working in accordance with the requirements set by the MBDA policies and procedures.
- Reduce defective issues within the business which include concessions, rework and non-conformances using a structured approach (8D / PDCA / DMAIC, etc).
- Quality Defect Report engagement and resolution.
- Create and maintain the foundation for standard work for business processes, and facilitate improvement activities within the manufacturing facility.
- Assess the ramifications of the self-audit process and recommend/support remedial and corrective actions in proportion to the level of business risk.
- Responsible for the maintenance of functional excellence within the relevant skill pool.
- Working closely with CI teams to ensure improvement initiatives adhere to process or confirm when the process needs change.
What we're looking for from you:
- Level 3 (NVQ) or equivalent apprenticeship AND Formal further education certificate to HNC (Level 3) or equivalent in a relevant subject OR BEng in relevant Engineering or Science Degree required
- Passion for Continuous Improvement.
- Working in or supporting operations in a fast paced production environment.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence teams outside of your direct reporting structure.
- Experience in the use & understanding of Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma methodologies, including leading practical problem solving exercises with multi-functional teams.
- The ability to produce, maintain and interpret data using a structured approach.
- Manage projects and/or improvements from ‘cradle to grave’.
- Good Manufacturing Operations knowledge achieved through experience and understanding of industry best practice.
- A Credible facilitator, skilled in Knowledge Management techniques.
Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more… We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
Process Excellence & Knowledge Management Lead employer: MBDA
Contact Detail:
MBDA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Process Excellence & Knowledge Management Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies, as these are crucial for the role. Consider joining online forums or local workshops to deepen your understanding and connect with others in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the defence industry, especially those who work at MBDA or similar companies. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections that could help you learn more about the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led process improvements in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, showcasing your problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research MBDA's current projects and initiatives related to manufacturing excellence. Being knowledgeable about their recent developments will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and the role during any discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Process Excellence & Knowledge Management Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in process excellence and knowledge management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to improve productivity and reduce costs, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for continuous improvement and your experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Interpersonal Skills: Since the role requires excellent interpersonal skills, provide examples of how you've successfully influenced teams outside your direct reporting structure. This will show your ability to collaborate effectively across functions.
Showcase Project Management Experience: Detail any project management experience you have, especially in fast-paced production environments. Highlight your ability to manage improvements from start to finish, as this is crucial for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Process Excellence & Knowledge Management Lead. Familiarise yourself with concepts like Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, as well as the specific goals of the role, such as increasing productivity and reducing costs.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with problem-solving methodologies like 8D, PDCA, or DMAIC. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in resolving issues in a fast-paced production environment.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Leadership
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively across different functions. Share examples of how you've influenced teams outside your direct reporting structure and promoted excellent behaviours in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Since the role involves producing and interpreting data, be prepared to discuss your experience with data management. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive improvements and support decision-making in manufacturing processes.
