Business Transformation Director

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry were inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. Were proud to play a part in protecting the worlds democracies. And were committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do opening up and protecting our planet.With over 16000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the worlds aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of 3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

Were looking for a Business Transformation Director to join our team at GKN Aerospaces Luton manufacturing facility.

In this high-impact leadership role you will be responsible for driving the delivery of the sites strategic transformation agenda including Site Development Programme Growth New Product Introduction (NPI) management breakthrough initiatives and business process improvement activities. You will also lead a range of strategic projects aligned to the Luton sites long-term growth and transformation plans.

GKN Luton is a stable high-performing facility with ambitious plans for growth and development in the months and years ahead. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with the Site Director and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the site.

Our Luton facility is where innovation meets heritage. Since 1993 the site has been at the forefront of aerospace technology specialising in commercial and military ice protection systems and transparencies. With a strong reputation for engineering excellence and a proud legacy of innovation we are now entering an exciting new phase of transformation.

Significant investment is being made across the site including modernising our facilities upgrading equipment enhancing operational capability and creating the foundations for future growth. As Business Transformation Director you will be instrumental in leading this journey helping to deliver strategic change improve business performance and ensure the site is well-positioned to meet increasing customer demand and seize new opportunities.

Job Responsibilities

Site Development

• Accountable for the full development of the Canopies Advanced Coating Facility Upgrade program. Delivered in compliance with the business case and customer agreement throughout the complete life cycle. Inclusive of all construction equipment and broader enabling activities.
• Lead the delivery of large multifaceted capital projects that significantly impact the operation of the site.
• Deliver a path to external funding and plan to expand the Luton site with an additional facility for future programmes. Interface with internal/external stakeholders for all aspects of the initiatives.

Programme Growth & NPI management

• Support business development to host strategic business opportunities for new customers highlighting the technical and commercial opportunities that collaborating with Luton site can achieve.
• Deliver new product introduction projects leading integrated project teams to design develop and certify new products at Luton

Breakthrough Initiatives

• Lead the definition and monthly reporting of Annual Improvement Plans (AIP)
• Ensure action closure of all items generated on the AIP supporting the transformation of Luton business.
• 2026 Priorities are to eliminate arrears and improve productivity

Business Process Improvement

Accountable for the development and deployment of Sales Inventory and Operational planning. Including the:

• Demonstration of available/forecast orders for existing and new business
• Analysis of capacity availability for equipment and headcount and actions necessary to achieve constrained and unconstrained demand
• Calculation of Inventory entitlement dependent upon rate
• Identification of indirect resource needs for sustaining and NPI
• Financial reconciliation of proposed plans
• Publication of identified actions and holding all functions accountable for respective closure
• Accountable for the integration of all variables that impact available capacity and determination of a reporting methodology to monitor progress of actions. Focus on Cost of Poor Quality and Productivity.

Strategic Planning

• Partner with the Site Director Operations Director and Finance Director to define the vision strategy objectives operational plan and budget for the future of the Luton site

Chronic Issue Resolution

• Where necessary engage with local project and operations teams to resolve specific challenges impacting external stakeholders or achievement of budgeted financial targets.
• Actively manage risk and opportunities to mitigate risk exposure and understand opportunities
• Responsible for creating a Great Place to Work and for championing the GKN Aerospace 5 culture principles

What Youll Bring

To help us make a difference youll bring your passion and talent for what you do along with the following skills experience qualifications and attributes:
Essential:
Significant 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
Proven ability to influence across functional boundaries both internally and within supplier organisations
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
Be able to demonstrate interpersonal negotiation organisational and communication skills

Desirable:
A degree or advanced degree in Business such as an MBA
Experience operating within a Lean-based Production System
Broad understanding of the Aerospace industry

We are seeking a driven and highly organised transformation leader who is passionate about delivering meaningful change and shaping the future. You will be resilient solutions-focused and able to inspire others bringing teams together to achieve ambitious goals. With the ability to influence at all levels you will lead the site on its transformation journey with a strong focus on growth innovation and continuous improvement.

Note: Some GKN programmes are subject to regulatory restrictions which may impact certain nationalities. As part of the application process you will be asked to declare when applying for this role. The position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC) due to the nature and responsibilities of the work carried order for us to obtain an SC you usually need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years to current date (but we do assess each case individually).

Core operational hours at our Luton site are: 07:30 - 16:30 Monday to Thursday & 07:30 - 12:30 Friday.

What Well Offer

Once youre on board youll get the following perks and benefits:
Comprehensive salary and benefits package
Benefits package including annual bonus car allowance fuel allowance private medical cover
Industry Leading Pension Scheme well match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
Life Assurance 8 x salary
185 hours holiday bank holidays
Income protection
Shopping discounts
Cycle To Work Scheme
Employee Assistance Programme
Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
Electric Vehicle (EV) salary sacrifice scheme (Insurance servicing maintenance roadside assistance and more included)
Free onsite parking
Local gym discount
Free airport parking
Enhanced family friendly leave
A collaborative dynamic working environment

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

Join us and keep the world moving click on the link below to apply

#LI-ONSITE

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Well offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry who knows how far you can go

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

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 weve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. Its a culture that won us The Best Workplace Culture Award. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

Were 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.

We arethe place where human dreams plus humanendeavour shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.

Required Experience:

Director

Employment Type : Full Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1