At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead change and improve processes in a dynamic operations environment.
- Company: Join Thompson Aero Seating, a leader in the aerospace industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, 33 days leave, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Great career growth, learning opportunities, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by empowering your team and driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in high-volume operations, strong leadership, and KPI knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The post holder will be responsible for leading change and process improvements across assigned departments, ensuring targets are consistently met.
Responsibilities
- Continuously look to improve the way work is conducted within your department and empower your team members to do the same.
- Constantly evolve processes and resources to improve quality, cost, and delivery across the department.
- Conduct capacity planning within budgeted manning and cost levels, optimising workflow.
- Operate to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, objectivity and accountability.
- Ensure adherence to legal, statutory, and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure that Health, Safety and Wellbeing takes priority, and that Company policies and procedures are consistently applied.
- Assist in developing standard work and processes for department.
- Support projected improvements implementation.
- Develop and empower your team to become high performing.
- Participate in customer events and audits.
- Prioritise and delegate tasks to ensure productivity, quality & improvement targets are met in accordance with set KPI's and reporting on Weekly Key Performance indicators to Senior Management.
- Holiday management and resource planning.
- Administration and reporting as necessary.
- Develop & maintain visual management systems in line with visual factory.
- Co-ordinate cross-training to maximise versatility of employees.
- Maintain a high standard of housekeeping at all times.
Reward
- Annual bonus (linked to company performance).
- 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years' service).
- 37.5 hours per week.
- Health cash plan.
- Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme.
- Holiday Purchase Scheme - Salary Sacrifice.
- Electric Car Scheme - Salary Sacrifice.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay.
- IVF & Assisted Conception Policy.
- Women in Business - Corporate Member.
- Service Awards.
- Local charity/sponsorship activities.
- Dedicated employee parking.
- Discounted Gym membership.
- Learning and development opportunities.
Requirements
- 3+ years relevant experience in a high volume, highly regulated operations environment, particularly automotive or aerospace.
- Experience leading a team.
- Working knowledge of KPIs and operational processes.
- Demonstrated understanding of the basic principles of Operational Excellence.
- Experience of operating and influencing key stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience of leading and implementing change/improvement activity.
- Experience of achieving Financial, Production and Quality Targets within a Manufacturing Environment.
- Professional and Credible.
- Excellent leadership skills with a passion for team performance and development.
- Competent with MS Office and MRP systems.
- Third level qualification or equivalent.
We reserve the right to enhance criteria on shortlisting. Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer. The closing date for applications is the 31st May 2026 at 17:00.
Operations Lead in Portadown employer: Thompson Aero
Thompson Aero Seating is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a supportive work culture where innovation and teamwork thrive. With competitive benefits such as a generous annual leave policy, health cash plans, and opportunities for professional development, employees are empowered to excel in their roles while contributing to meaningful change in the aerospace industry. Located in a dynamic environment, the company fosters a commitment to operational excellence and community engagement, making it an attractive place for those seeking a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Lead in Portadown
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect 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 culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their values and goals. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Lead in Portadown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading teams and implementing process improvements. We want to see how your skills align with the Operations Lead role, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to meet targets and improve processes. Use numbers and examples to make your case stronger – we love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thompson Aero
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the operations of the company. Understand their processes, KPIs, and how they align with operational excellence. This will help you speak confidently about how you can lead change and improve efficiency.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in high-pressure environments. Discuss how you've empowered teams to meet targets and implemented successful changes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to develop a high-performing team.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific operational challenges. Think about past experiences where you had to optimise workflow or manage resources effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of health, safety, and regulatory requirements in this role, be prepared to discuss how you've prioritised these aspects in your previous positions. Highlight any initiatives you've led that improved safety standards or compliance within your team.
