Team Leader

Company: GKN Aerospace
Apply for the Team Leader
Location: Bristol
Job Description:

Job Summary

At our GKN Filton site, we specialise in the design and manufacture of large complex structural wing assemblies, detailed metallic components and wing systems for a combination of both civil and military aircraft.

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Team Leader to foster a culture that aligns with GKN Aerospace’s “Great Place to Work” values. In this role, you will lead, inspire, and develop your team, ensuring a culture of openness, continuous learning, and operational excellence. The Team Leader will be accountable for achieving PSQDCC (People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cash, and Cost) targets by deploying Lean principles across designated zones, while actively participating in problem-solving and continuous improvement efforts.

The successful applicant will join our Wing Assembly business on a full-time, permanent basis and lead a team of between 10-15 operators, working a 37 hour, 4 day week.

How You’ll Contribute

  • Culture and Leadership: Role model GKN Aerospace’s culture principles, motivating and recognizing contributions of individuals and teams to establish an inclusive, collaborative environment
  • Performance Management: Conduct open, honest performance evaluations, provide coaching, and support team members in bridging performance gaps while developing their strengths
  • Safety and Compliance: Maintain a “safety first” mindset, ensuring adherence to GKN Aerospace’s Health, Safety, and Environmental policies, and fostering a healthy and safe workspace
  • Operational Excellence: Actively lead the deployment of the Lean Operating Model (LOM) to meet PSQDCC targets and customer commitments, engaging in hands‑on management and coaching
  • Team Development: Build a pipeline of first‑class Team Members with the potential to advance into leadership or other critical roles within the organization
  • Problem‑Solving and Accountability: Promote a “go to Gemba” approach, aiming to resolve 95% of issues at the source and cooperating with other Team Leaders to achieve optimal area performance
  • Communication and Engagement: Facilitate effective communication across zones, fostering material flow and accountability among functional support staff, while driving team engagement and following up on engagement actions
  • Budget and Resource Management: Manage the zone’s budget in collaboration with the Group Leader, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet performance goals
  • Compliance: Uphold all legal and regulatory standards, including Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity & Inclusion policies, Compliance and Ethics Policy, and Export Control Regulations

What You’ll Bring

To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your passion and expertise/ talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:

  • Previous experience in a similar role or demonstrated competence in key tasks within the designated work zone
  • Proven track record of Kaizen implementation and adherence to standardized work processes
  • Self‑motivated, with a strong drive to meet and exceed PSQDCC performance targets
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively with diverse stakeholders
  • Proven ability to lead, engage, train, and develop team members
  • Degree or certification in Engineering, Science, or a related field
  • Experience with Lean Operating Model/Production Systems and Lean or Six Sigma certification
  • Background in aerospace supply chain management
  • Passion for the aerospace industry

What We’ll Offer

Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits:

  • Competitive salary dependent on experience
  • Up to 15% Bonus
  • Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis (Total contribution up to 20%)
  • Life Assurance 8 x salary
  • 25 days holiday + bank holidays
  • Income protection
  • Cycle To Work Scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
  • A collaborative, dynamic working environment

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.

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.

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Posted: May 28th, 2026