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- Tasks: Lead manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement at our Banbury site.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aviation, defence, and space technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to create a safer, more sustainable world through innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in management, lean principles, and team leadership required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation, defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024.
We are seeking a dynamic Associate Director to lead our manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement across our Banbury site. You will possess deep expertise in lean manufacturing principles, quality management systems, and production processes. In this strategic role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive plans that align with our business objectives, managing cross-functional teams, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Your ability to analyse data, identify inefficiencies, and implement cost-effective solutions will be crucial in enhancing our operational efficiency and profitability. Leadership, communication, and collaboration skills are essential, as you will work closely with various departments, suppliers, and customers. Furthermore, a broad knowledge of Engineering or Manufacturing will be critical.
What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?
- Accountable and responsible for site profitability.
- Delivery of Operational, Programme and Engineering objectives for the site to or ahead of plan managing and mitigating all risks to the business.
- Own the Customer relationship for all current and future programmes within the site.
- Responsible for the implementation of site strategy.
- Establish target conditions for improvement supported by measurable driver measures.
- Identifying and implementing Continuous Improvement ideas and methodology.
- Improve site performance by executing lean manufacturing initiatives such as Kanban, SIOP, 5S, and Kaizen while maintaining focus on Quality improvements.
- Create and maintain an environment that encourages and supports change while maintaining compliance and protecting the business.
- Ensure contractual compliance with external agencies, customer requirements and supplier contracts, applying sound business principles within the Value Stream.
- Support Business Development activity in line with delivering the site strategy.
- Develop a culture of teamwork and accountability both within the site strategy and with all the business interfaces, leading and motivating the team through the development and performance management of employees.
- Delivery of 2026 Improvement Target #2 Cost Competitiveness.
- Leading Site Policy deployment process.
- Delivering organic growth on existing programs.
- Deliver new business.
- Increase sales from $35 million in 2025 to potentially $100 million by 2035.
What will you bring to the role?
Essential skills:
- A track record demonstrating significant progression in management; in a senior level role with direct P&L responsibility.
- Ability to manage multi-disciplined teams including ability to manage conflicting priorities.
- Proven experience in managing high performing teams.
- Proficiency in leading change initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Desirable skills:
- Expertise in lean principles and methodologies, such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, and 5S, to streamline processes and eliminate waste.
- Strong analytical skills to identify root causes of inefficiencies and implement effective solutions.
- Understanding of cost accounting and financial principles to manage budgets, control costs, and enhance profitability.
- Proficiency in using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and other manufacturing-related software tools.
- Extensive experience in manufacturing operations, with a track record of successful site management and process improvement initiatives.
Associate Value Stream Director- Composites in Banbury employer: Safran
Contact Detail:
Safran Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Value Stream Director- Composites in Banbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand what makes Safran tick and how your skills align with their mission. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement can benefit Safran. Keep it concise and focus on how you can contribute to their goals, especially around operational efficiency and profitability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s make things happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Value Stream Director- Composites in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Associate Value Stream Director role. Highlight your experience with lean manufacturing principles and any relevant leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about contributing to a safer, more sustainable world through your work at Safran. Share specific examples of how you've driven continuous improvement in past roles.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you lead a project that improved efficiency or reduced costs? We love numbers, so make sure to include them to demonstrate your impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran
✨Know Your Lean Principles
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of lean manufacturing principles like Six Sigma, Kaizen, and 5S. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methodologies in past roles to drive continuous improvement and streamline processes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing multi-disciplined teams and leading change initiatives. Think about specific situations where you motivated your team through challenges and achieved significant results.
✨Understand the Business Objectives
Familiarise yourself with Safran's core business objectives and how they align with the role. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to site profitability and operational efficiency while maintaining compliance and quality standards.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Since the role involves analysing data to identify inefficiencies, be ready to talk about your analytical skills. Bring examples of how you've used data to implement cost-effective solutions and improve performance in previous positions.