Lean Leader – Dowty (GE Aerospace Company)
Job Description
About the Role
Dowty, a GE Aerospace company, is seeking a Lean Leader to spearhead operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives through GE Aerospace’s proprietary Flight Deck lean operating model.
In this role, you will apply Lean principles to optimize processes, improve quality, enhance safety, ensure on-time delivery, and reduce costs (SQDC). You will report to the Dowty Global Flight Deck Leader and collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement sustainable improvements, promote a problem-solving culture, and support strategic and operational business plans.
The Flight Deck model represents GE Aerospace’s proprietary Lean framework—built to drive continuous improvement, operational excellence, and alignment with the company’s core values: Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost. It integrates key Lean methodologies such as Kaizen, Kata, Hoshin Kanri, and Standard Work, tailored to meet Dowty and GE Aerospace objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the deployment of Flight Deck methodologies to achieve measurable improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost, with safety as the foremost priority.
Coach and promote Lean behaviours, tools, and principles across operations and functional areas to enable cultural transformation and performance enhancement.
Facilitate Kaizen workshops, problem-solving events, and training sessions to build Lean capability across teams.
Act as a change leader, driving adoption of Lean culture and continuous improvement across all departments.
Analyse existing processes to identify waste, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement aligned with Lean principles.
Engage employees at all levels to foster a culture of collaboration, ownership, and innovation.
Ensure the sustainability of improvements through documentation, standard work, and ongoing performance reviews.
Challenge existing processes, inspire innovation, and support the successful integration of Flight Deck into daily operations.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college.
Proven experience in Lean deployment and execution within a manufacturing environment.
In-depth understanding of Lean and continuous improvement tools and methodologies.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills.
Demonstrated ability to deliver impactful presentations and influence teams across all organizational levels.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with proven experience in cross-functional collaboration.
Background in project and change management.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Strong technical capability and attention to detail.
Flexible Working
GE Aerospace encourages and supports flexible working arrangements, recognizing the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Total Reward
GE Aerospace offers a comprehensive benefits package through its FlexChoice program, allowing employees to tailor benefits to suit their individual needs.
Default benefits include:
Non-contributory Pension scheme
Life Assurance cover
Group Income Protection
Private Medical Insurance
26 days of annual leave (pro rata) with the option to buy or sell days
Security Clearance
This position requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which must be obtained and maintained throughout employment.
Further details can be found here: BPSS – GOV.UK
Right to Work
Applications from candidates requiring UK visa sponsorship are welcome and will be considered equally. However, under current UK immigration rules, preference may be given to qualified candidates who already hold the right to work in the UK.
For more information, visit: UK Visas and Immigration – GOV.UK
Join GE Aerospace
At Dowty / GE Aerospace, you’ll play a key role in advancing aviation innovation through Lean excellence. If you’re a forward-thinking professional passionate about continuous improvement and cultural transformation, we invite you to join our team and shape the future of aerospace manufacturing.
