Join to apply for the Group Operations Manager (Group Leader) role at GKN Aerospace
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers with sales of £3.35 bn in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
We’re excited to announce a rare and exceptional opportunity for a talented and experienced Group Operations Manager (internally known as a Group Leader) to join our Operations team at our thriving East Cowes site. As a Group Leader, you’ll lead, develop, and empower a high-performing, cross-functional team within a dynamic aerospace manufacturing environment, with full responsibility and accountability for a portfolio of high-value aerospace manufacturing programmes, overseeing day-to-day business operations, improving efficiency, and ensuring our teams deliver outstanding results. You will work closely with senior leadership to drive continuous improvement across processes, systems, and performance.
Closing date for applications – Monday 27th October 2025.
Responsibilities
* Lead and manage daily operations to ensure smooth and efficient workflows.
* Develop, implement, and monitor operational policies and procedures.
* Identify areas for process improvement and cost improvements.
* Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
* Manage, mentor, and support staff to maximise performance and engagement.
* Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and company standards.
* Collaborate with leadership on strategic initiatives and business planning.
* Monitor KPIs and provide regular reports to senior management.
Qualifications
* Significant previous experience in a similar role within the aerospace (or similar) manufacturing industry.
* Strong people-leadership skills, with a track record of leading, engaging, training, and developing high-performing teams.
* Excellent workplace performance with adherence to standardised work, strong problem-solving skills, and a track record of continuous improvement (Kaizen) implementation.
* Ability to manage budgets and analyse financial data.
* Self-motivated by meeting and exceeding performance targets.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Strong IT skills.
* Lean or Six Sigma certification by a reputable body or benchmark company is desirable, but not essential.
Additional information
* We offer fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities with training on offer in the industry.
* A great place to work needs a great way of working; we encourage diversity, inclusion and belonging and provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process if required.
* We are committed to accessibility in recruitment.
Details
* Seniority level: Director
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Management and Manufacturing
* Industries: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process; if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process, please get in touch.
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