At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and drive Continuous Improvement strategies to enhance operational performance.
- Company: Global leader in aerospace, defence, and space with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Flexible benefits, competitive salary, early finishes on Fridays, and professional development.
- Other info: Engage in diverse groups and forums for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a mission to innovate and decarbonise aerospace while shaping a sustainable future.
- Qualifications: Lean Sigma Black Belt certified with experience in organisational transformation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Safran Landing Systems are a global leader in aircraft landing and braking systems, from commercial and business travel to military and defence fleets. Our expertise covers the entire life cycle of our products from end-to-end; Design, Engineering & Manufacturing, through to Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO). Looking after the people who make Safran great is our priority. We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you both in and out of work, including:
- Early finish on Fridays
- Competitive salary, annual profit share bonus and pay review
- 25 days' holiday + bank holidays (option to buy/sell)
- Up to 8% employer matched pension scheme and life assurance
- Health cash plan, cycle and tech purchase schemes
- Professional development, ongoing training, mentoring
- Onsite amenities: parking, restaurant, bicycle storage, showers
- Family-friendly and accessible workplace policies
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 are looking for passionate individuals to join our Quality team as a Head of Continuous Improvement at our Gloucester site. 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. We also know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert, however, 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 application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation.
Your Role
As Head of Continuous Improvement, you will lead and drive the Continuous Improvement strategy across the Gloucester site, working across all functions 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.
- Leading site-wide Continuous Improvement and transformation programmes.
- Coaching and influencing the Senior Leadership Team on QRQC and CI best practice.
- Driving organisational change initiatives and embedding sustainable improvements.
- Leading Kaizen events, workshops, business recovery planning activities, and complex problem-solving initiatives.
- Developing and standardising CI frameworks, processes, tools, and benchmarks.
- Building capability across the organisation through Lean Six Sigma coaching and mentoring.
- Supporting and developing Green Belt and Black Belt practitioners.
- 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
Essential
- Lean Sigma Black Belt certified
- Proven experience leading large-scale organisational transformation, operational excellence, or continuous improvement programmes within a complex manufacturing, engineering, or industrial environment
- Strong coaching and leadership skills
Desirable
- Technical/Engineering background beneficial
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. We know that a fulfilling work environment is a key driver for innovative ideas and team success.
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.
A culture of excellence: Join a team that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. Whatever your background, together we aim for excellence.
Get involved: We also 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.
Head of Continuous Improvement in Gloucester employer: Safran UK
At Safran, we prioritise our people and offer a supportive work environment that fosters diversity, innovation, and opportunity. With an impressive range of benefits including 33 days of holiday, a leading pension scheme, and enhanced family-friendly policies, we are committed to employee growth and well-being. Join us in Cwmbran, where you can be part of a global leader in aerospace and defence, contributing to a sustainable future while enjoying a vibrant work culture and numerous engagement opportunities.
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 UK 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 UK, 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 UK, 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 UK
✨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 UK.
✨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 UK. 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 UK love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
