Operational Excellence Leader

The Role of an Operational Excellence Leader 

As Operational Excellence Leader, you will be the strategic architect of transformation across Ascent Flight Training. You will lead the design and deployment of enterprise-wide improvement programmes that enhance operational performance, embed a culture of continuous improvement, and align delivery with strategic objectives. This role is pivotal in driving measurable outcomes across safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Lead Operational Excellence Strategy - develop and execute a multi-year Operational Excellence roadmap aligned with corporate goals. Drive transformation across functions, ensuring integration of Lean, Six Sigma, and systems thinking into core operations.
2. Embed Continuous Improvement Capability - institutionalise CI as a business-wide capability. Deploy standard work, visual management, and performance control systems. Build maturity through coaching, training, and structured problem-solving.
3. Drive Cross-Functional Change Initiatives - facilitate high-impact improvement projects across departments. Apply DMAIC, A3, and Kaizen methodologies to resolve systemic issues and unlock value. Ensure alignment with regulatory and contractual frameworks.
4. Establish Governance and Performance Monitoring - design and implement governance structures to track progress, manage risks, and report performance to senior leadership. Use KPIs and dashboards to ensure transparency and accountability.

Influence Culture and Capability Development - act as a change leader, fostering a mindset of operational discipline and innovation. Build internal capability through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge transfer. Partner with HR and L&D to embed CI into leadership development.

What will make you successful in Operational Excellence Leader 

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading Operational Excellence, Lean, or Continuous Improvement programmes within complex, regulated environments such as aerospace, defence, manufacturing, or high-reliability training delivery.
• Advanced proficiency in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, with formal certification at Black Belt level or equivalent. Demonstrated ability to apply structured problem-solving and process optimization techniques to drive measurable business outcomes.
• Proven capability in coaching and developing cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement through facilitation, mentoring, and capability building.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with a track record of successfully navigating senior leadership, operational teams, and external partners to align on transformation goals.
• Working knowledge of regulatory and performance frameworks like ISO 9001, Experience in embedding compliance within operational improvement initiatives.

Desirable Attributes

• Sector experience in aviation, defence, or military training environments and understanding of the operational constraints and performance expectations unique to these domains would be a benefit but not essential and other industry experience in OpEx will be considered too.
• Exposure to digital transformation initiatives, including the integration of operational systems, data analytics, and performance dashboards to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Strategic execution capability, with the ability to translate high-level business objectives into actionable operational plans, KPIs, and governance structures that ensure delivery and sustainability.

If you feel that you don’t meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we’d still love to hear from you!

Working Arrangements

This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week. Worked on a 9 in 10 day working pattern, with a minimum requirement of two days per week in the office or onsite, and up to three days working from home. Alternative hybrid working arrangements may be considered

We’re proud to foster a flexible and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued. Whether you're working onsite or remotely, we support a culture that encourages collaboration, individuality, and work-life balance.

Security Clearance

Please note that many roles within Ascent Flight Training are subject to strict security restrictions. These may affect your eligibility based on factors such as, your nationality (current and former), place of birth or residency history

All applicants must, at a minimum, meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). In addition, many positions require higher levels of National Security Vetting, which typically demand more thorough background checks. This role requires the successful candidate to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance. For further details, please refer to the official guidance on United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK

Our Values

We believe that great training starts with great people and our values guide how we work, lead, and grow together:

• Accountability & Empowerment – We take ownership of our actions and empower others to succeed. Everyone is trusted to make a difference.
• Integrity – We act with honesty, fairness, and professionalism in everything we do.
• Courage – We face challenges head on, speak up for what’s right, and embrace change with confidence.
• Teamwork – We collaborate, support one another, and celebrate shared success.

These values aren’t just words, they’re how we build trust, deliver excellence, and create a workplace where everyone can thrive.

We champion diversity and inclusion because we believe that embracing different perspectives fuels creativity and growth. As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we actively support individuals with disabilities through fair recruitment, tailored accommodations, and inclusive workplace schemes, including apprenticeships and work experience. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process, please get in touch and let us know