At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and drive Continuous Improvement strategies across the business for operational excellence.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defence with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible benefits, competitive salary, early finishes on Fridays, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aerospace while making a real impact through innovative change.
- Qualifications: Lean Sigma Black Belt certified with experience in leading transformation projects.
The predicted salary is between 66150 - 80850 £ per year.
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace, space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated 31.3 billion in revenue in 2025.
Safran Landing Systems is the world leader in landing gear, wheels & brakes, and associated systems for civil and military aircraft and helicopters. We master the entire lifecycle of our products, from design and manufacturing through to maintenance.
Your Role: The Head of Continuous Improvement is a critical role within the Safran Landing Systems OEM site where you'll design, lead and drive the Continuous Improvement strategy across the business. You will work across all functions of the site to shape organisational change, improve operational performance, and deliver sustainable business transformation. You will champion Lean Six Sigma methodologies, QRQC, and operational excellence initiatives to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and value creation throughout the business.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead site-wide Continuous Improvement & transformation programmes, communicating the strategic vision at all levels
- Engage, coach and influence the Senior Leadership Team on QRQC and CI best practice to identify & drive key projects to improve efficiency and effectiveness
- Lead Kaizen events, workshops, business recovery planning activities, and complex problem-solving initiatives
- Develop and standardise CI frameworks, processes, tools, and benchmarks
- Build capability across the organisation through Lean Six Sigma coaching and mentoring
- Monitoring and reporting project performance, milestones, risks, and benefits realisation
- Creating cross-functional engagement frameworks that drive collaboration and continuous improvement
What You'll Bring:
- Lean Sigma Black Belt certified (essential)
- Demonstrable experience leading implementation / organisational transformation through a line role, quality, or continuous improvement environment
- Proven track record of leading and developing multi-function high performing teams at Senior Management level
- Experience in managing large, complex projects successfully
Desirable:
- Ideally, experienced in complex engineering and manufacturing environment, including within relevant business sectors; Engineering/Manufacturing/Utilities
At Safran, we understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone.
Head of Continuous Improvement in Gloucester employer: Safran Group
At Safran, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Gloucester, UK. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored professional development opportunities, flexible benefits, and a culture that champions innovation and collaboration. Join us to be part of a global leader in aerospace and defence, where your contributions will help shape a sustainable future while enjoying a supportive workplace that values diversity and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Continuous Improvement in Gloucester
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Safran Group for a Head of Continuous Improvement. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Continuous Improvement in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran Group, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Safran Group, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran Group
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Safran Group.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Safran Group. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Safran Group love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
