Operational Excellence Manager - SAP, Business Systems & Supply Chain

Operational Excellence Manager – SAP, Business Systems & Supply Chain

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Aerospace & Defence Manufacturing | Business Process Improvement | ERP | Operational Performance

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Transform operational performance through systems, data and business process improvement within one of the UK's leading aerospace and defence engineering organisations.

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We're looking for an experienced Operational Excellence Manager to drive measurable operational improvements across Sourcing, Procurement and Supply Chain within a complex, highly regulated aerospace manufacturing environment.

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Success will come from your ability to combine ERP systems, operational performance data, business process optimisation and structured Continuous Improvement methodologies to improve efficiency, governance and operational performance across the business.

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If you're passionate about using SAP, operational analytics, KPI reporting and business systems to solve complex operational challenges, this is an outstanding opportunity to make a genuine impact.

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About the Role

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Reporting into senior leadership, you'll work across Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Sourcing, Operations and Finance, identifying opportunities to improve operational performance through data, business process redesign and structured Continuous Improvement.

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This is a highly visible role where you'll influence stakeholders at all levels while managing and developing a Continuous Improvement Analyst.

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What You'll Be Doing

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Operational Excellence

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Lead operational excellence initiatives across sourcing, procurement and supply chain operations.

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Identify improvement opportunities through analysis of ERP data, operational KPIs and business performance metrics.

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Simplify and optimise business processes to improve efficiency, delivery performance and operational governance.

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Deliver measurable operational improvements through structured problem-solving and data-driven decision-making.

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Business Systems & Data

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Maximise the use of SAP (or equivalent ERP systems) to improve operational performance.

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Develop KPI frameworks, dashboards and performance reporting to support business decision-making.

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Analyse operational data to identify trends, bottlenecks and opportunities for continuous improvement.

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Drive business process standardisation through systems optimisation and workflow redesign.

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Improve governance, reporting accuracy and operational visibility.

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Supply Chain & Sourcing

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Improve sourcing, procurement and material flow processes.

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Partner with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing and Finance teams to improve supplier performance and operational efficiency.

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Support operational readiness for new products, engineering changes and supply chain improvements.

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Improve planning, inventory performance and operational workflows.

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Continuous Improvement

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Lead Value Stream Mapping workshops and structured business process reviews.

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Facilitate Root Cause Analysis and problem-solving sessions.

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Apply Lean methodologies where appropriate to support operational improvements.

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Develop Continuous Improvement governance, roadmaps and improvement pipelines.

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Coach operational teams in Continuous Improvement best practice.

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Manage and develop the Continuous Improvement Analyst.

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What We're Looking For

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We're particularly interested in professionals currently working within:

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• Aerospace Manufacturing
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• Defence Manufacturing
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• Aviation Engineering
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• Complex Engineering Manufacturing
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• Automotive OEM or Tier 1 Manufacturing
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• Rail Engineering
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• Medical Device Manufacturing
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• Other highly regulated manufacturing environments
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who have experience improving operational performance through both business systems and Continuous Improvement.

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Essential Experience

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Proven experience leading Operational Excellence, Business Process Improvement or Continuous Improvement programmes.

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Strong experience using SAP or equivalent ERP systems to identify and deliver operational improvements.

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Experience analysing operational performance data, KPIs and business metrics to support decision making.

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Experience improving business processes across manufacturing, procurement, sourcing or supply chain operations.

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Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations and Procurement teams.

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Experience developing governance frameworks, KPI reporting and operational performance dashboards.

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Practical experience facilitating structured problem-solving and process improvement workshops.

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Experience managing or mentoring Continuous Improvement professionals or project teams.

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Highly Desirable

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Aerospace or Defence manufacturing experience.

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Strong SAP knowledge (or equivalent ERP platform).

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Power BI or operational analytics experience.

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Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt or equivalent.

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Experience supporting sourcing, procurement or supply chain transformation.

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Experience improving business systems, ERP processes or digital operational workflows.

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Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis and Lean facilitation experience.

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You May Currently Be Working As

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• Operational Excellence Manager
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• Business Improvement Manager
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• Business Process Improvement Manager
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• Manufacturing Systems Manager
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• Operational Performance Manager
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• Manufacturing Excellence Manager
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• Continuous Improvement Manager
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• Supply Chain Excellence Manager
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• Lean Business Systems Manager
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• Industrial Engineer
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• Manufacturing Improvement Manager
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• ERP Process Improvement Manager
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• SAP Business Process Lead
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• Operations Transformation Manager
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This is a rare management opportunity to combine business systems, operational analytics and Continuous Improvement within a highly visible role offering genuine influence across the organisation.

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Apply

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If you've built your career improving operational performance through SAP, ERP systems, operational analytics, business process improvement and Continuous Improvement within aerospace, defence or highly regulated engineering manufacturing, we'd love to hear from you.

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Apply today for a confidential discussion.