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, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career. Job Summary Are you ready to shape the future of aerospace manufacturing excellence? A rare and exciting opportunity has emerged at our thriving facilities in East Cowes for a Manufacturing Engineering Director. As the strategic leader and visible champion of our Manufacturing Engineering Group, you’ll play a pivotal role on the Site Leadership Team. Your mission? To drive innovation, embed a Zero Defect culture using our advanced ZDM (Zero Defect Manufacturing) toolkit, and deliver world-class quality and on-time performance across our operations. This is more than a leadership role—it’s a chance to make a lasting impact. You’ll be at the forefront of driving year-on-year productivity improvements, collaborating closely with senior leaders to meet ambitious cost and performance goals. We’re looking for someone who doesn’t just meet the criteria—but exceeds them. A true engineering enthusiast who leads with passion, inspires by example, and thrives in a high-visibility, high-impact environment Job Responsibilities + Exemplifying a safety-first mindset and ensuring compliance with the GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards. + Building and leading a high performance, multi-disciplined Manufacturing Engineering organisation encompassing the whole ME perimeter including Facilities & Maintenance. This includes managing talent selection, training, development, engagement, ongoing performance and succession planning. + Budgetary ownership for the site Manufacturing Engineering, Facilities & Maintenance team. + Accountable for delivering annual quality improvement targets for the site, enabling year on year conversion cost target realisation. + Accountable for delivering Facilities & Maintenance performance results in accordance with Site Budget and Strategic Plan. + Developing the Zero Defects Manufacturing (ZDM) mindset and culture into the site Manufacturing Engineering organisation through implementation of standard ZDM tool suite and APQP process. + Developing close relationships with Program teams to deliver manufacturing engineering solutions in line with customer requirements and expectations. + Accountable for sustaining and improving Program & Product manufacturing engineering systems in line with business case expectations. + Functionally leading the Technology Insertion Team with specific focus on capturing requirements and deploying future technology, digitalisation, process improvement and automation. Job Qualifications Suitable candidates will be able to demonstrate the following: Essential + Technical expertise in Manufacturing Engineering, with experience of working within the Aerospace Manufacturing industry; + Proven problem-solver, with experience of managing New Product / Process introduction (industrialisation) & existing production process improvements, and delivering projects from concept through to completion; + Capability of working effectively at SLT level; + Commercial awareness, with the ability to manage budgets; + Strong communicator, with the ability to influence people, build trust, and establish effective working relationships within a global organisation; + Working knowledge of LEAN processes and practices; + Proven leadership experience with a track record of managing and developing high-performing, multifunctional teams + Working knowledge of quality system models such as ISO9000, AS9100, or D1-9000 + Familiarity with AS9145 APQP process or equivalent Desirable: + Degree-level education (demonstrated commitment to learning) We’ll 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 we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s 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. We’re 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 are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology. ​ ​