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    3. Engineering, Energy & Infrastructure
    4. Lean Manufacturing Graduate Blythe 2023
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    GKN Aerospace is the original aerospace innovator. For decades, GKN Aerospace technologies have inspired and industrialized the aerospace industry, combining engineering excellence and technology leadership. All major aircraft and engine manufacturers rely on our advanced technologies. Our aerostructures, engine systems and special products improve the performance of more than 100,000 flights every day. By working closely together with universities, knowledge institutes, suppliers and customers, we lead the industry in developing new technology to improve aircraft efficiency: lowering aircraft cost, weight and emissions.

    Together as “one GKN” we’re moving our business and industry forward developing technologies that rapidly decarbonise aircraft, and innovating to help build a new generation of planes that produce zero emissions.  We’re putting sustainability at the heart of what we do; driving our objective to becoming a net zero greenhouse gas emissions business before 2050!

    What You'll Be Doing

    During your placements you will be working as part of a global team, giving you the opportunity to experience different cultures and work with a diverse range of people.  Whether you envisage yourself as a Team or Group Leader, Lean Deployment Leader, Site Lean Deployment Leader or Site Director, a career in LEAN choosing GKN Aerospace, means you are joining a global engineering network with wide-ranging opportunities.

    Throughout your graduate journey, we give you the opportunity to test and grow your technical and personal skills. We provide support and mentoring as you work on real projects, solving real problems and delivering real change. We aim to match your capabilities and aspirations to our strategic and operational needs – ensuring a thriving business for us and fulfilling career for you. As part of our Lean Graduate Prgramme you can expect the following:

    • Journey to become a Lean Thinker with a high level of understanding of Business and Lean Transformation
    • Rotation through Manufacturing Sites across multiple business lines, supported by the Lean Centre of Excellence global team
    • Support the development and deployment of the Lean Operating Model
    • Coach and influence Leadership, ensuring rigour and fidelity to the Lean Operating Model
    • Contribute to the Lean Operating Model Deployment delivery against the targeted key performance indicators and Lean Maturity improvements
    • Support our journey to achieve significant improvement in our key metrics; People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cash and Cost (PSQDCC)
    • Active involvement in making problems immediately visible, allowing problem solving to take place
    • Ensuring site and business line Lean Operating Model compliance
    • Contribute to the Performance Centres becoming self-sufficient in running the Lean Operating Model
    • Role modelling a culture that is aligned to the GKN Aerospace “Great Place to Work” value drivers and Culture Principles

    We are committed to your continued development and success, and so throughout your journey you will engage in our on boarding and structured development programme; alongside our Global Graduate Community, providing you support and networking opportunities throughout your career at GKN Aerospace. You will also have the opportunity to take part in additional activities outside of your role, whether it be supporting local community initiatives, or our young people strategy, and you are given the encouragement and time to participate.

    What We're Looking For

    • Have an understanding of Lean Thinking and Lean Leadership
    • Demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for the change to a Lean Thinking organisation; within the Aerospace industry
    • Be able to receive and act on instruction, guidance and direction from others, together with performing effectively and collaboratively with various stakeholders
    • Possess good communication skills; fluent in English language, both written and spoken
    • A degree in business management
    • Talented individuals with skills, enthusiasm and passion to become leaders of the future in what they do
    • Aerospace supply chain experience desirable, although not essential
    • Awareness of Project / Programme Management methods desirable, although not essential
    • Experience working with a Lean Operating Model / Production System desirable, although not essential

    What We'll Offer

    • 27 month programme with a guaranteed permanent opportunity on Graduation.
    • A variety of rewarding placements across different programs and sites
    • Working at the forefront of engineering, technology and innovations
    • Potential for an international assignment (government restrictions permitting)
    • A structured development journey
    • A mentor to support you throughout your programme
    • An opportunity to understand and therefore work to your personal strengths
    • Competitive Salary including joining bonus
    • High Levels of Exposure to different parts of the business; be it sites, countries or even stakeholders
    • A level of steer over your opportunities – control in your career
    • Act as an ambassador for the organisation at various global air shows and corporate functions 
    • Engage with future talent at STEM and Future Careers events