At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead continuous improvement initiatives and drive operational excellence across the site.
- Company: Join Safran Nacelles, a global leader in aerospace and defence.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, generous holiday, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with great career growth and mobility opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and proven leadership experience in continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Safran Nacelles is a worldwide leader in aircraft engine nacelles. Our site in Burnley provides employment to almost 700 people and we are proud to be one of the largest private sector employers in Burnley.
At Safran, excellence is a journey - and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.
We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you-both in and out of work, including:
- 37 hour working week over 4.5 days with a 1pm Finish on Fridays (Role dependant)
- 25 days' holiday + bank holidays (plus the option to buy an additional 5 days)
- 10% employer pension contribution (5% employee contribution with the option to increase via salary exchange)
- Flex-time scheme that allows you to take two half days or one full day off per month (Role dependant)
- 4X life insurance benefit as a member of the pension scheme
- Non-contributory BUPA private medical insurance plan (Role Dependant)
- Excellent training, education, and development schemes
- Enhanced sickness, maternity, adoption and paternity leave
- Option to purchase Safran shares with additional free shares from the company
- Corporate membership at the Crow Wood Hotel & Spa: Use of fitness suites, classes, pool & sauna, offering 54% discount as a gold member.
- Cycle to work scheme, along with a range of flexible benefits chosen by you!
Your role: As Head of Continuous Improvement, you will lead the development and delivery of the site's improvement strategy, ensuring alignment with wider business objectives and group transformation programmes. You will manage a team of Continuous Improvement professionals, oversee multiple strategic projects, and champion Lean methodologies to deliver sustainable operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, lead and deliver the annual Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence strategy.
- Create and manage a site-wide improvement roadmap aligned with business objectives.
- Lead Lean Six Sigma and process improvement initiatives across all business functions.
- Prioritise and coordinate improvement projects to maximise business value.
- Manage the site's Balanced Scorecard and performance reporting processes.
- Monitor project performance, benefits realisation, and return on investment.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimise business processes.
- Facilitate Lean workshops including Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, and problem-solving sessions.
- Lead organisational change initiatives from concept through implementation.
- Identify and mitigate project risks while ensuring successful delivery.
- Develop and mentor a team of Improvement Managers, Project Managers, and Engineers.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
- Present progress and recommendations to senior leadership and group stakeholders.
Here, we craft excellence together. We understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger. We are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone.
We know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert. We encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role. Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the hiring process that may better facilitate your participation.
Why Safran?
- A global presence: Be part of a global aerospace, defence & space business with over 100,000 colleagues, across 300 sites in 30 countries.
- Inclusive & empowering environment: We celebrate our differences and believe they make us stronger.
- Innovation at the core: Join our mission to decarbonise aerospace and make the world a safer place. Your ambitions can take us further.
- Mobility & training opportunities: We can support your ambitions with training, development, a personalised career plan and mobility opportunities. If you have big dreams, we'll support you to make them a reality.
- Get involved: We have a number of groups and forums across our sites that you can get involved with, including Women at Safran, Diversity at Safran, Sports Clubs, STEM ambassadors, Employee Forum, Charity Partnerships and Wellbeing Programs.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (minimum).
- Proven Continuous Improvement/Operational Excellence leadership experience.
- Strong Lean and process improvement expertise.
- Experience leading and developing teams.
- Project and change management experience.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to influence and engage at all organisational levels.
Desirable Skills & Experience:
- Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related discipline.
- Experience within aerospace or a regulated manufacturing environment.
- Project Management qualification (PRINCE2, APM, or PMP).
- Experience with ERP systems and performance reporting tools.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Continuous Improvement (12 month FTC) in Burnley
✨Tap into Aerospace Communities
Join aerospace engineering forums and social media groups. These spaces are often buzzing with opportunities, and you'll get to know industry pros who can give insider tips on temporary roles at places like Safran UK.
✨Be Ready for Seasonal Hiring
Keep an eye out for seasonal hiring windows when big projects ramp up. Many companies in aerospace will bring in temporary staff for peak times, so it’s worth checking back regularly for opportunities at places like Safran UK.
✨Showcase Your Skills at Events
Attend industry events or job fairs focused on aerospace; these can be great places to meet recruiters and hiring managers face-to-face. Bring your A-game, and don’t hesitate to mention your interest in temporary positions.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you find temp roles listed on our website, apply directly! It shows you're genuinely interested in the position at Safran UK and makes it easier for their team to spot your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Continuous Improvement (12 month FTC) in Burnley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a temporary role in aerospace engineering, make sure to highlight any relevant projects you've worked on. Include details about your role, the technologies or methodologies used, and the impact of your work. This not only demonstrates your hands-on experience but also your understanding of the field.
Tailor Your CV to Engineering Standards:Your CV should follow industry conventions, so make sure it's structured to showcase your technical skills, like CAD software or simulation tools. Also, include any certifications relevant to aerospace engineering, as these can make a strong impression on Safran UK.
Inject Some Personality into Your Cover Letter:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see why you're excited about this opportunity with Safran UK. Let your personality shine through your cover letter, perhaps by discussing why aerospace engineering fascinates you or sharing a project that ignited your passion. We want to see your motivation and enthusiasm!
Highlight Teamwork and Communication Skills:Aerospace engineering often involves collaboration, so be sure to showcase your teamwork and communication skills in your written application. Use examples that demonstrate how you've effectively worked with others, especially in high-pressure situations, as this will resonate well with Safran UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran UK
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given you're aiming for a role in aerospace engineering, make sure you’re clear on key principles relevant to the role. Expect to tackle questions about materials, aerodynamics, and engineering principles. Revisit any projects or concepts you’ve studied, especially those that highlight problem-solving in design processes.
✨Showcase Relevant Projects in Your Portfolio
Even for a temporary role, it's crucial to present any relevant aerospace projects you’ve worked on. We should be ready to discuss the tools you used, the methodology behind your designs, and the specific outcomes. It's your chance to showcase not just your skills but also your passion for engineering.
✨Understand the Temporary Nature of the Role
Since this is a temporary position, we want to be prepared to discuss how we can quickly add value to the team. Be ready to articulate what you can bring to the company during this short-term engagement and show eagerness to learn and adapt quickly within the environment at Safran UK.
✨Prepare for Practical Technical Assessments
Expect potential technical assessments where you might need to solve engineering problems or even design a small project on the spot. We should practice common scenarios that could arise in aerospace to demonstrate our hands-on ability, whether it's through CAD software or analytical thinking.
