At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement at our Banbury site.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aviation and defence technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to create a safer, more sustainable world.
- Qualifications: Experience in management, lean principles, and team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Safran is an international high‑technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), 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, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.
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. A broad knowledge of Engineering or Manufacturing will also 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 within the site strategy and with all the business interfaces, leading and motivating the team through development and performance management of employees.
- Delivery of 2026 Improvement Target Cost Competitiveness.
- Lead 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
- 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 Operations. Job in Hook Norton LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
At Safran, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and continuous improvement. Our Banbury site is not only a hub for cutting-edge manufacturing operations but also a place where employees are encouraged to grow through leadership opportunities and collaborative teamwork. With a commitment to sustainability and a strong focus on employee development, joining Safran means becoming part of a global leader in the aerospace and defense industry, dedicated to making air transport safer and more environmentally friendly.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Value Stream Director - Composites Operations. Job in Hook Norton LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Safran or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement. We all know that confidence is key, so the more you rehearse, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your experience, focus on specific examples where you've led teams or improved processes. Numbers speak volumes, so if you can quantify your success, do it!
✨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 that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Value Stream Director - Composites Operations. Job in Hook Norton LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Associate Value Stream Director role. Highlight your experience in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, as these are key for us at Safran. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements in similar roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your skills align with our mission at Safran. Be sure to mention your leadership experience and how you’ve driven operational efficiency in the past.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves analysing data and identifying inefficiencies, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous positions. We love candidates who can demonstrate their problem-solving abilities!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Lean Principles
Make sure you brush up on lean manufacturing principles like Kaizen and 5S. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methodologies in your previous roles, as this will show your deep expertise and alignment with the company's focus on continuous improvement.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing multi-disciplined teams and driving change initiatives. Safran values strong leadership, so be ready to share how you've motivated teams and fostered a culture of accountability in past positions.
✨Understand the Business Objectives
Familiarise yourself with Safran's core business objectives and how your role as Associate Value Stream Director fits into their strategy. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to site profitability and operational efficiency during the interview.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Since the role involves analysing data to identify inefficiencies, be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've used data analysis to implement cost-effective solutions. Highlight your analytical skills and how they can enhance operational performance at Safran.
