Continuous Improvement & Business Systems Manager
Continuous Improvement & Business Systems Manager
Aerospace & Defence Manufacturing | Operational Excellence | SAP | Data-Driven Improvement
Lead operational transformation through data, systems and Lean within one of the UK's most respected aerospace and defence engineering organisations.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Continuous Improvement & Business Systems Manager to join a globally recognised aerospace and defence manufacturer.
This is not a traditional shop-floor Lean role.
Instead, you'll lead data-driven operational improvement across Sourcing, Procurement and Supply Chain, using ERP systems, operational performance data and structured Continuous Improvement methodologies to improve business performance, simplify processes and strengthen operational governance.
We're looking for someone who combines Lean thinking with strong business systems, ERP and analytical capability, and who has developed their career within aerospace, defence or highly regulated engineering manufacturing environments.
The Opportunity
Working closely with senior leaders across Sourcing, Procurement, Engineering, Operations, Finance and Manufacturing, you'll identify improvement opportunities through operational data, challenge existing ways of working and deliver measurable improvements across business processes, systems and operational performance.
This is a highly visible role where you'll influence stakeholders across the organisation while managing and developing a Continuous Improvement Analyst.
Key Responsibilities
✔ Lead Continuous Improvement initiatives across Sourcing, Procurement and Supply Chain operations
✔ Analyse ERP (SAP) data, operational KPIs and business performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities
✔ Improve business processes, governance and operational workflows through data-driven analysis
✔ Lead Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen workshops and structured problem-solving activities where appropriate
✔ Develop KPI frameworks, dashboards, governance reporting and Continuous Improvement roadmaps
✔ Drive operational improvements through systems optimisation, workflow redesign and process standardisation
✔ Improve planning, material flow, supplier performance and sourcing processes
✔ Work closely with Engineering, Finance, Manufacturing and Procurement teams to deliver measurable operational improvements
✔ Coach operational teams in Continuous Improvement methodologies and best practice
✔ Manage and develop the Continuous Improvement Analyst
Skills & Experience
We're particularly interested in professionals currently working within:
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Defence Manufacturing
- Aviation Engineering
- Aerospace Supply Chain
- Defence Operations
- Highly regulated engineering manufacturing environments
who have experience leading operational improvement through both Lean methodologies and business systems.
You'll ideally bring:
✔ Experience leading Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence or Business Process Improvement programmes
✔ Strong experience using SAP (or equivalent ERP platforms) together with operational data and KPI reporting to identify and deliver improvements
✔ Experience improving sourcing, procurement, manufacturing or supply chain processes
✔ Strong analytical capability using operational performance data to support decision making
✔ Experience developing governance frameworks, operational reporting and Continuous Improvement pipelines
✔ Practical experience facilitating Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis and structured improvement workshops
✔ Ability to influence senior stakeholders across Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement and Supply Chain
✔ Previous experience managing or mentoring Continuous Improvement or Operational Excellence professionals
Highly Desirable
⭐ Aerospace or Defence manufacturing experience
⭐ Experience working within complex engineering manufacturing organisations
⭐ Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt or equivalent
⭐ SAP super-user or strong ERP systems experience
⭐ Power BI, business reporting or operational analytics experience
⭐ Experience improving procurement, sourcing or supply chain performance
⭐ Knowledge of operational governance, business process optimisation and systems integration
This Role Is Ideal For Professionals Such As
- Continuous Improvement & Business Systems Manager
- Operational Excellence Manager
- Business Process Improvement Manager
- Operational Excellence Lead
- Manufacturing Systems Improvement Manager
- Lean Business Systems Manager
- Supply Chain Continuous Improvement Manager
- Operational Performance Manager
- Business Transformation Manager (Manufacturing)
- Operational Excellence & Analytics Manager
Why Join?
✔ Work for one of the UK's leading aerospace and defence engineering organisations
✔ Influence strategic operational improvement across sourcing and supply chain
✔ Highly visible role with senior stakeholder exposure
✔ Manager-level role with clear career promotion and progression opportunities
✔ Hybrid working following onboarding
✔ Early finish every Friday
✔ 9% non-contributory pension
✔ Healthcare
✔ Personal development programme
✔ 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Apply
If you've built your career improving operational performance through ERP systems, operational data, Lean methodologies and business process optimisation within aerospace, defence or highly regulated engineering manufacturing environments, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now for immediate consideration and a confidential discussion.