AOS Leader/ Lean Expert

About the Role

The Airbus Operating System (AOS) Senior Expert contributes directly to the Airbus Industrial strategy by defining and deploying ways of working within operational teams with direct contact with key stakeholders. The role involves setting the overall strategic approach for AOS development and deployment, conducting industrial maturity assessments, and providing guidance to local senior management on AOS deployment and performance improvement opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Deployment (50%)
  • Set up and drive governance and steering at all levels (with Senior Leadership Teams), securing an AOS deployment roadmap and consolidated AOS strategy.
  • Define overall AOS architecture for new production lines from project phase to entry into service, ensuring consistency across Airbus.
  • Respond to questions regarding AOS philosophy, strategy, tactics, and techniques, and promote AOS + MES benefits.
  • Advise plant stakeholders on business priorities and AOS standards to achieve benchmark and best-in-class manufacturing.
  • Facilitate workshops on topics like vision, Hoshin Kanri, macro VSM, kaizen, etc.
  • Run and facilitate Gembas and shop floor exercises, coaching and influencing senior management.
  • Pilot the first implementation of AOS standards in new FALs following a "we do, you do" logic.
• Development, Industrial Assessment and Diagnosis (20%)
  • Support development of AOS standards to address business issues using the AOS/Lean brick 6-phase methodology.
  • Assess standard implementation through checklists and lead industrial maturity assessments.
  • Lead industrial task forces for diagnosis, solution definition, and implementation.
  • Advise managers on performance improvement through AOS diagnosis (Macro-VSM, shop-floor observations, etc.).
• Coaching, Influencing and Training (30%)
  • Deploy training on AOS for all levels of the new production line population.
  • Design and provide on-the-job coaching for AOS deployment architecture strategy.
  • Develop strategies for coaching, mentoring, and training in change management, Lean, and AOS standards/tools.
  • Facilitate knowledge transfer to local plant/FAL teams.
  • Support implementation of AOS/Lean standards and continuous improvement solutions.
  • Facilitate, co-lead, or support training development and deployment.
  • Promote internal good practices and external benchmarking across manufacturing communities.

Requirements

• 5-year degree in Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering.
• Solid knowledge of industrialization principles, manufacturing processes, and production management.
• 10-15 years of proven experience in Airbus Operating System/Lean/operations demonstrating tangible and sustainable results.
• Experience in project management, including multi-functional teams and financial aspects.
• Operational experience in implementing and optimizing industrial systems (conception, implementation, management of production processes).
• Strong communication skills, active listening, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• Proven coaching, training, leadership, and assertiveness to influence and challenge the status quo.
• Lean Six Sigma, Master Black Belt, or equivalent certification.

Physical Requirements

• Vision: Adequate to read computer screens and identify individuals for interactions.
• Hearing: Sufficient to engage in conversations and hear safety alerts.
• Speaking: Able to engage in conversations and deliver information to groups.
• Equipment Operation: Able to operate personal and office electronic equipment.
• Carrying: Occasionally carry up to 30lbs/14kg for training or production-related tasks.
• Lifting: Occasionally lift up to 30lbs/14kg.
• Pushing/Pulling: Able to push/pull items in office areas.
• Sitting: Able to sit for extended periods at a computer or in meetings.
• Squatting/Kneeling: Occasionally squat or kneel to retrieve items.
• Standing: Able to stand for extended periods.
• Travel: Able to travel overseas and domestically, sometimes for extended periods, including working outside hangars in changing locations.
• Walking: Able to walk through office and production areas, around flight lines, airstrips, and uneven surfaces.

Benefits

• Financial Rewards: Competitive pay, incentive compensation (including profit-sharing schemes), retirement savings plan, and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Work/Life Balance: Paid time off (including personal time, holidays, and paid parental leave).
• Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage (medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, disability), Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and other supplemental benefits.
• Individual Development: Upskilling and development opportunities through Airbus’s global Leadership University, including unlimited access to 10,000+ e-learning courses, certifications, career path development, accelerated development programs, and national/international mobility.

About the Team

Our team at Airbus Aerosystems Kinston manufactures crucial aircraft components. On the shop floor, you’ll collaborate with individuals passionate about aviation and skilled in electrical, structural, and quality domains. Join us to help build the next generation of aircraft.

Working Environment

The Airbus Aerosystems Kinston facility is at the forefront of aerospace manufacturing, specializing in large, advanced composite aerostructures. The team builds critical components for the Airbus A350 XWB, including the composite center fuselage and wing spar.