Operational Excellence Lead

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Lead – cross-class

Location: Barrow-in-Furness. (full time on site)

Salary: From £42,271 (DOE)

Who we are: 

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

An Operational Excellence (OpEx) Lead role is held by someone who has a substantial background and exposure to management and deployment of OpEx in manufacturing and large programme environments. They demonstrate the ability to build, lead, engage and drive a small team, while earning and maintaining respect and trust. They demonstrate absolute accountability for their core duties and act as a key member of the Operational Excellence leadership. They are aware in terms of understanding the importance of blending strategic direction and tactical response activities.

Core duties:

• Responsible for the successful delivery of programmes/projects with measurable benefits to the business, often with the cost of the change programmes paid for through anticipated benefits to the cost accounts
• Assisting in the development of capability training, coaching and mentoring for the wider team/programme in Tools, Techniques and best practice
• Ensuring viable and sustainable solutions are developed that consider process, systems, and people dynamics
• Building and managing project plans capable of delivering the required results in a timely manner; Regular engagement with senior leaders to ensure effective prioritisation against strategic objectives
• To govern project delivery against applicable Operational Frameworks
• Delivery of Productive Utilisation studies

Essential Skills:

• Lean six sigma qualified green belt- And/or extensive relevant Industry Experience
• Degree/ HNC in a relevant subject or significant experience in Defence/ Manufacturing
• Leadership experience in Project Management
• Proven track record of Continuous Improvement delivery

The Continuous Improvement team:

You will be part of an improvement team, which forms part of the greater Dreadnought cross-class team, that is responsible for making impactful change to the Dreadnought programme. You will engage with senior leaders (SDA where appropriate) to develop cost improvement strategies. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 10th September 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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