Engineering Team Lead

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.

The Engineering Team Lead will be based at our GTC site in Bristol or in Cowes Isle of Wight. This newly created position is part of our defence portfolio development programmes. The role supports the UK Ministry of Defence initiatives and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), contributing to next‑generation aerostructure and associated systems. You will manage the delivery of Engineering Work Packages and Tasks, report to the Director of Engineering & Technology or Chief Engineer, and lead a team of 10 to 20 colleagues.

The position requires flexibility for monthly travel within the UK and offers hybrid working (up to two days per week).

• Delivery of the Engineering Deliverables meeting the applicable Technical Requirements (including Manufacturability, Certification / Qualification Requirements) against agreed Schedule and Cost Objectives.
• Implementation and Execution of Cost & Schedule Control: NRC Planning, Tracking / Control and Reporting through Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Support Chief Engineer in the Execution of Programme Risk Management by identifying Technical Risks and determining associated Mitigation Actions.
• Initiate Corrective Measures in the Case of Deviations from the planned Schedule & Budget Objectives.
• Manage Change & Scope Control; support the internal Change Control Process and the Customer Change Control Board Process.
• Provide day‑to‑day Operational Management to the Engineering Project Team.
• Ensure application of effective Design‑Build Team Best / Working Practices & Standards and encourage a culture of continuous improvement, including Lean Initiatives.
• Contribute to establishing Knowledge and Experience (Knowledge Management, Tool and Process Enhancements and Lessons Learned).
• Provide effective Communication within the Programme Team and with stakeholders outside the Team.
• Act as link to other Internal Departments (Operations and Procurement) to provide general support and achieve specific agreements on Manufacturing Philosophy, Design‑to‑Cost, Supplier Quotations, etc.
• Identify Work Packages suitable for off‑load to external Suppliers, including drafting Statements of Work.
• Support Functional Heads in the PDP Process (Job Appraisals, Career Development Reviews).

Essential:

• Bachelor or Master Degree in (Aerospace) Engineering or equivalent, or equivalent experience and knowledge.
• High level of engineering functional knowledge across multiple disciplines to successfully manage and guide the technical team.
• Problem‑solving skills in both technical and programme management disciplines.
• Experience managing complex Projects; ability to rationalise, assess and evaluate information that may not always be clear or mature.
• Ability to clearly present data, reports and presentations to facilitate decision‑making at all levels of the business.
• Experience in related functions (Operations/Production, Sales/Customer Relationship Management, Supplier Management and Development).
• Ability to mentor and coach Engineers in the delivery of their specific tasks and support their professional growth.

Additional attributes: strong interpersonal skills, ability to build relationships up to and including senior management, strong‑minded, convincing, committed, focused on delivery, able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.

This role may be subject to regulatory restrictions that could impact certain nationalities. Applicants will be asked to declare their status during the application process.

The position…