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.

The vacancy

We are looking for an enthusiastic Operations Manager MRO (Maintenance Repair & Overhaul) to direct and coordinate the MRO operations in our site in Papendrecht. You will be responsible for on-time-delivery and improving performance and productivity. In this role, you provide direct leadership, support and guidance to the MRO team and you lead a multidisciplinary team (midfield including Quality lead, Technical Lead and Logistical Lead).
As the MRO volume needs to grow considerably on the short term, the Operations Manager MRO, will take part in managing daily MRO operations, also needs to grow and develop his team and put the required structure, including KPI’s, in place, to enable this growth.

Our preferred candidate has a proven track record in meeting MRO results in a changing environment, has an eye for continuous improvement and can develop teams through intensive coaching. You are able to put structure in place, follow through and make it happen.

As the Operations Manager, you are entrusted with the responsibility of achieving targets in People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cash, and Cost (PSQDCC) through the disciplined implementation of the Lean Operating Model. Your accountability extends to ensuring Operational Excellence within your designated area of responsibility, aligning closely with the objectives set by the Performance Centre.
Furthermore, as an Operations Manager MRO within our dynamic team, you will spearhead efforts to cultivate a 'Great Place To Work' environment. This involves the development and empowerment of top-tier Team Leaders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, safe working practices, and open dialogue. If you're eager to make a significant impact and thrive in a challenging yet rewarding role, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

What you'll do

• Delivering the Landing Gear production objectives which results in a 100% On Time Delivery with Zero Defects against the set budgets / demand of the programs.
• Create and sustain a culture that is aligned to the GKN Aerospace “Great Place To Work” value drivers and Culture Principles by role-modelling behaviours, motivating, encouraging and recognising the contribution of individuals and teams.
• Hold Team Members and Team Leaders accountable to embody the GKN culture principles
• Be Open and Honest when appraising and managing individuals’ performance whilst supporting and coaching individuals to close performance gaps
• Exemplifying a safety-first mindset and ensuring that the GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards are applied and that their assigned areas are a model of a world class healthy and safe working environment
• Developing first-class Team Leaders who embody the GKN culture principles and are readily able to progress to become Group Leaders or take other key roles in the business
• Leading and developing their teams to understand the context, mechanics and the delivery of PSQDCC targets to meet customer and stakeholder commitments
• Driving the disciplined and rigorous deployment of the Lean Operating Model (LOM) across their assigned areas

What you'll bring

To succeed in this role, you have completed a Bachelor/Master education, preferably related to engineering (e.g. mechanical engineering, aerospace or TPM). Our ideal candidate has proven 10+ years’ experience in Manufacturing/MRO operations within Aerospace and thereafter 5+ years’ experience in people management and proven experience in improving processes within an operations environment.

In addition, the Operations Manager MRO carries a track record in:

Operations leadership, preferably internally from a Team Leader role, 5+ year experience MRO Aerospace, Understanding of performance numbers and trends, Meeting and exceeding PSQDCC performance targets, Using effective communication to build a high performing team, Influencing across functional lines, The ability to Lead, Coach and Develop direct reports, Consistently working to standards as defined in the site Business/Quality Management System (B/QMS), Good standard of English language.

Desirable qualifications/skills::

Qualifications in an Engineering or Science discipline, Proficient in English language (written and verbal), Experience working with a Lean Operating Model / Production System, Lean or Six Sigma certification by a reputable certifying body or benchmark company, Aerospace supply chain experience.

We are GKN Fokker Aerospace / Landing Gear

Landing Gear, part of GKN Fokker Aerospace, is a recognized specialist in landing gear and related systems. We focus on the design and development, production and assembly of complete landing gears, as well as the repair and reassembly of systems already in use. In doing so, we work on the most famous aircraft and helicopters; think of the Apache combat helicopter, the F-35 Lightning II (JSF), the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 and the multipurpose NH90 maritime combat helicopter.

What we'll offer

We are committed to offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities, within an international team of expert leaders in aerospace. By being part of GKN Fokker Aerospace that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry, you will know that you will be working towards being the most trusted partner in the aerospace industry. 
Furthermore, we will offer you among others:
A gross monthly salary based on F grade of WTW GGS job evaluating system
30 Paid holidays
Pension scheme
performance-related bonus

Extra information or apply directly?

You can expect a first chat with Marina and a couple of online/F2F interviews with the hiring manager and members of the senior leadership team. 

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN Fokker Aerospace. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created an environment where everyone can be at their best.

We are 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. 
Be part of our journey!

*Due to privacy regulations we only accept applications via the website. You can apply directly via the button.

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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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