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 experiencedContinuous 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 leaddata-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 combinesLean thinking with strong business systems, ERP and analytical capability, and who has developed their career withinaerospace, defence or highly regulated engineering manufacturing environments.

The Opportunity

Working closely with senior leaders acrossSourcing, 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 bothLean methodologies and business systems.

You'll ideally bring:

Experience leading Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence or Business Process Improvement programmes

Strong experience usingSAP (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.