Site Director - Large Site

Job Summary

Are you ready to take the next step in your career and lead with purpose? GKN Aerospace is seeking a driven and committed individual to join us as Site Director at our GKN Filton site. At Filton, 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.

In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for delivering results across People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cash, and Cost, while shaping the future of the site through the effective execution of our Industrial Strategy. You will play a key role in building a great place to work, fostering a culture of safety, openness, and continuous improvement, and developing those around you.

We are looking for a dynamic and well-rounded leader with a strong technical background and a proven track record in operations management. The ideal candidate will bring cross-functional expertise, strong financial acumen, and a data-driven approach to problem solving. You are a strategic and innovative thinker who leads high-performing teams through change, drives execution, and manages performance effectively. A confident decision-maker and excellent communicator, you build collaboration across functions and take accountability with courage and conviction. If you bring the passion, mind-set, and commitment to operational excellence—we want to hear from you.

How You'll Contribute

• Champion a site-wide culture that reflects GKN Aerospace’s “Great Place to Work” values and Culture Principles, consistently role modelling behaviours that foster engagement, respect, and collaboration.
• Lead with a safety-first mind-set, ensuring full compliance with GKN Aerospace’s Health, Safety, and Environmental policies. Set the standard for an excellent, healthy, and safe working environment across the site.
• Develop and mentor emerging leaders, preparing them to step into future leadership roles and ensuring they embody the core values and cultural expectations of GKN Aerospace.
• Drive performance in People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cash, and Cost (PSQDCC), consistently meeting or exceeding customer and stakeholder expectations.
• Lead the rigorous implementation of a Lean based programme, actively engaging in structured problem solving and daily management. Apply the “Go to Gemba” approach to gain first-hand insight and drive effective, sustainable solutions.
• Ensure disciplined execution of Daily Management, including strict adherence to Leader Standard Work across all levels of the organisation.
• Uphold full compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring all staff understand their individual responsibilities, including:
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action policies
• Export Control regulations
• Relevant Airworthiness Authority standards (e.g., CAA, EASA, FAA), serving as Accountable Manager where required

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:

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (BSc/ BEng.) or equivalent in an Engineering or Science discipline
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant business experience, with a strong record of performance
• Demonstrated experience in roles with executive accountability
• Significant experience within the manufacturing industry, ideally in complex operational environments
• Deep understanding of metric-driven performance management and data-informed decision-making
• Proven ability to influence across functional boundaries, both internally and within supplier organisations
• Strong financial acumen and the ability to interpret and act on financial data
• Capability to lead, coach, and mentor highly skilled and experienced direct reports
• A strong track record of providing leadership and direction through effective communication and the development of high-performing teams

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• A second or advanced degree in Business, such as an MBA
• Experience operating within a Lean-based Production System
• Lean or Six Sigma certification from a recognised certifying body or benchmark organisation
• Experience within the aerospace industry, particularly within the aerospace supply chain
• In-depth knowledge of government contracting processes and the development of proprietary contracts

What We'll Offer

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

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Attractive Car Allowance
• Competitive Bonus Paid annually 
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
• Life Assurance 8 x salary
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Flexible working hours 
• Income protection
• Shopping discounts
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment 

As well as a competitive package we’ll offer you a world of opportunity. We want to see your career fly!  We’ll support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. That’s the beauty of being part of a global business, once you’re on board you never know where you career journey may take you!