Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
Are you ready to take the next step in your career and lead with purpose? GKN Aerospace is seeking a driven and committed individual to join us as Site Director at our GKN Filton site. At Filton, we specialise in the design and manufacture of large complex structural wing assemblies, detailed metallic components and wing systems for a combination of both civil and military aircraft.
In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for delivering results across People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cash, and Cost, while shaping the future of the site through the effective execution of our Industrial Strategy. You will play a key role in building a great place to work, fostering a culture of safety, openness, and continuous improvement, and developing those around you.
We are looking for a dynamic and well-rounded leader with a strong technical background and a proven track record in operations management. The ideal candidate will bring cross-functional expertise, strong financial acumen, and a data-driven approach to problem solving. You are a strategic and innovative thinker who leads high-performing teams through change, drives execution, and manages performance effectively. A confident decision-maker and excellent communicator, you build collaboration across functions and take accountability with courage and conviction. If you bring the passion, mind-set, and commitment to operational excellence—we want to hear from you.
How You'll Contribute
1. Champion a site-wide culture that reflects GKN Aerospace’s “Great Place to Work” values and Culture Principles, consistently role modelling behaviours that foster engagement, respect, and collaboration.
2. Lead with a safety-first mind-set, ensuring full compliance with GKN Aerospace’s Health, Safety, and Environmental policies. Set the standard for an excellent, healthy, and safe working environment across the site.
3. Develop and mentor emerging leaders, preparing them to step into future leadership roles and ensuring they embody the core values and cultural expectations of GKN Aerospace.
4. Drive performance in People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cash, and Cost (PSQDCC), consistently meeting or exceeding customer and stakeholder expectations.
5. Lead the rigorous implementation of a Lean based programme, actively engaging in structured problem solving and daily management. Apply the “Go to Gemba” approach to gain first-hand insight and drive effective, sustainable solutions.
6. Ensure disciplined execution of Daily Management, including strict adherence to Leader Standard Work across all levels of the organisation.
7. Uphold full compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring all staff understand their individual responsibilities, including:
8. Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action policies
9. Export Control regulations
10. Relevant Airworthiness Authority standards (e.g., CAA, EASA, FAA), serving as Accountable Manager where required
What You'll Bring
To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your passion and expertise/ talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:
Essential Qualifications and Experience
11. Bachelor’s degree (BSc/ BEng.) or equivalent in an Engineering or Science discipline
12. Minimum of 10 years of relevant business experience, with a strong record of performance
13. Demonstrated experience in roles with executive accountability
14. Significant experience within the manufacturing industry, ideally in complex operational environments
15. Deep understanding of metric-driven performance management and data-informed decision-making
16. Proven ability to influence across functional boundaries, both internally and within supplier organisations
17. Strong financial acumen and the ability to interpret and act on financial data
18. Capability to lead, coach, and mentor highly skilled and experienced direct reports
19. A strong track record of providing leadership and direction through effective communication and the development of high-performing teams
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
20. A second or advanced degree in Business, such as an MBA
21. Experience operating within a Lean-based Production System
22. Lean or Six Sigma certification from a recognised certifying body or benchmark organisation
23. Experience within the aerospace industry, particularly within the aerospace supply chain
24. In-depth knowledge of government contracting processes and the development of proprietary contracts
What We'll Offer
Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits:
25. Competitive salary dependent on experience
26. Attractive Car Allowance
27. Up to 58% Bonus paid annually
28. Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
29. Life Assurance 8 x salary
30. 25 days holiday + bank holidays
31. Flexible working hours
32. Income protection
33. Shopping discounts
34. Cycle To Work Scheme
35. Employee Assistance Programme
36. Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
37. A collaborative, dynamic working environment
As well as a competitive package we’ll offer you a world of opportunity. We want to see your career fly! We’ll support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. That’s the beauty of being part of a global business, once you’re on board you never know where you career journey may take you!
We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?
A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.
We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.
We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.
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