Associate Value Stream Director- Composites

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 is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

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.

What does the role look like?

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. Furthermore, a broad knowledge of Engineering or Manufacturing will 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.
·To 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 both within the site strategy and with all the business interfaces, leading and motivating the team through the development and performance management of employees ·
·Delivery of 2026 Improvement Target #2 Cost Competitiveness
·Leading 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:

*A 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