Process Lean Leader

· Teach Lean principles, tools, and mindset to teams across engineering, operations, and support functions. 

· Communicate confidently using Lean language that aligns with aerospace clients’ expectations. 

· Plan, facilitate, and follow through on Kaizen events that deliver measurable improvements. 

· Lead structured problem‑solving using A3, PDCA, 5‑Why, and other Lean methods. 

· Identify waste and improvement opportunities through gemba walks and data‑driven analysis. 

· Support cultural transformation by coaching leaders and teams to adopt daily Lean behaviours.

Role Purpose

The person in this role is responsible for building Lean capability across the organisation and driving continuous improvement initiatives within engineering, operations, and support functions. This role teaches Lean principles, engages effectively with aerospace clients who expect strong Lean fluency, and leads impactful Kaizen events that deliver measurable improvements in flow, cost, quality, and delivery. The Lean Leader acts as both a coach and change agent to help embed a culture of Lean thinking.

Key Responsibilities

Lean Teaching & Capability Development

• Deliver training on Lean fundamentals, mindset, and tools (e.g., value stream mapping, standard work, A3 thinking, PDCA Plan, Do , Check Act, 5S, visual management).
• Coach teams and leaders in daily management, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement behaviours.
• Translate Lean concepts into practical, aerospace‑relevant applications that resonate with engineering and technical teams.

Client Engagement & Lean Alignment

• Communicate confidently using the Lean language and practices commonly used by aerospace clients.
• Engage with customer teams to align on improvement priorities, ways of working, and operational expectations.
• Represent the organisation as a Lean subject‑matter expert during customer discussions, reviews, and collaboration forums.

Kaizen Leadership & Improvement Execution

• Plan, organise, and facilitate high‑impact Kaizen events across engineering, operational, and cross‑functional processes.
• Lead structured problem-solving using A3s, 5‑Why, Ishikawa, and PDCA to address root causes and sustain improvements.
• Ensure Kaizen outcomes translate into lasting improvements with clear controls, ownership, and follow‑up.

Performance & Process Improvement

• Conduct Go, Look, Sees to identify waste, bottlenecks, and opportunities to improve flow and cycle times.
• Support the development of standard work, visual controls, and Lean operating rhythms.
• Analyse performance metrics (e.g., delivery performance, cycle time, productivity, quality) to target improvement initiatives.

Change Enablement & Cultural Transformation

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement across all levels of the organisation.
• Influence and support leaders to adopt Lean behaviours and create an environment where improvement is part of daily work.

Share success stories and develop communication materials to reinforce Lean adoption

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Practical experience applying Lean principles in aerospace, engineering services, or advanced manufacturing.
• Demonstrated ability to teach Lean tools and concepts to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Experience planning and facilitating Kaizen events with measurable results.
• Strong ability to communicate Lean principles using industry‑recognised terminology.
• Knowledge of structured problem-solving methods (A3, 8D, PDCA, etc.).

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills; able to engage and influence at all levels.
• Strong coaching and mentoring capability.
• Analytical thinker with the ability to diagnose waste and identify improvement opportunities.
• Hands‑on, gemba‑focused approach to understanding processes.
• Ability to work effectively with engineering, programme management, and operations teams.