Digital Transformation and Operational Excellence Director

As a key member of Safran Nacelles UK senior leadership team, the role is accountable for delivering the company’s end-to-end transformation plans, integrating Digital, Information Systems, and Operational Excellence to enhance Industrial Performance, Competitiveness as well as Scalability.

The role will lead the deployment of Manufacturing 4.0, Data 4.0, and Supply Chain 4.0 initiatives, ensuring alignment with Safran Nacelles and Safran Group strategy while driving measurable improvements in manufacturing performance, cost efficiency, quality, and delivery. It will also lead the different continuous improvement plans for the company

This position combines leadership and operational execution, embedding transformation across people, processes, technology, and culture.

The role will be responsible for leading the Information Systems and Technology function, the Digitalisation team and the Continuous Improvement team. It will act as the primary interface with Safran Nacelles Chief Digital & Information Officer as well as Quality Vice President

PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES

1. Transformation Leadership * Develop and implement the organisations transformation and change strategy aligned to long term business objectives. * Act as a strategic adviser to the Executive Team on transformation priorities, risks, and opportunities. * Define clear transformation roadmaps, KPIs, and success measures. * Lead and develop a high-performing Transformation & Change team.

2. Digital & Technology Leadership * Lead Safran Nacelles UK Information Technology function as part of the wider Digital & IS organization including:

o Manufacturing systems (MES, PLM, IIoT) o Data platforms & analytics o IT Infrastructure Development o IT User Support

• Implement IT/OT development & convergence
• Safran Nacelles / Group Information Systems initiatives and standards across Safran Nacelles UK
• Ensure cybersecurity, system resilience, and regulatory compliance
• Drive technology-enabled transformation in manufacturing environments

1. Process Improvement & Operational Excellence * Lead process optimisation initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce cost, and enhance quality. * Work closely with operations, engineering, finance, HR, and other functions to streamline end-to-end processes. * Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and digital transformation principles across the organisation.

2. Organisational Change Management * Design and execute change management strategies to foster adoption and embed new ways of working. * Oversee communication, engagement, and training strategies to ensure stakeholder buy-in. * Assess change impact and readiness across teams and functions. * Build a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, * Develop and execute the organisation’s data transformation strategy aligned with business goals. * Ensure alignment with transformation, IT/OT, Industry 4.0, and digitalisation strategies. * Establish and maintain data governance frameworks, standards, and policies. * Champion data ownership, stewardship, and accountability across business functions. * Implement processes for improving data quality, consistency, integrity, and lifecycle management. * Monitor data quality KPIs and implement corrective actions.

3. Project Management * Own the portfolio of transformation initiatives, ensuring effective prioritisation and governance. * Lead large-scale, cross-functional projects covering process optimisation, digitalisation, and operational excellence. * Establish and oversee management standards, tools, and methodologies (e.g., Lean, Agile, PMO frameworks). * Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to budget.

4. Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Collaboration * Partner with senior leaders to ensure alignment of transformation initiatives with business needs. * Facilitate effective cross-functional collaboration, breaking down silos. * Influence and challenge business leaders to ensure successful change delivery.

5. Risk, Compliance & Performance Management * Manage transformation-related risks and dependencies * Ensure compliance with aerospace, regulatory, and IT standards * SEE Separate JD

Do you have experience in Six Sigma?, * Proven leadership in Digital Transformation within industrial or aerospace environments

• Demonstrated track record in Technology leadership (IT/OT, ERP, Digital systems)
• Significant experience in Process Improvement (Lean, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence)
• Delivery of significant scale transformation programmes
• Experience with Manufacturing systems (MES, PLM) and ERP
• Exposure to Industry 4.0 technologies and smart factory initiatives

KNOW-HOW:

Leadership & Influence:

• Executive-level stakeholder management
• Ability to drive change in complex, matrix organizations

Business & Technical Acumen:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and value chains
• Ability to bridge business strategy and technology execution

Analytical & Performance Focus:

• Strong financial and data-driven mindset
• Focus on measurable business outcomes

Personal Attributes

• Resilient, pragmatic, and delivery-focused
• High energy with a strong drive for transformation
• Credible with both shopfloor teams and executive leadership

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine’s “World’s best companies 2024” ranking.

Safran Nacelles designs, integrates and provides support and after-sales service for aircraft nacelles. The company is a global leader in the market for commercial aircraft with more than 100 seats, business aircraft and regional aircraft. At the cutting edge of technology, Safran Nacelles offers nacelles that are ever more integrated with the engine, aerodynamic, lightweight with advanced acoustic treatments in order to contribute to the reduction of CO2 and noise emissions from aircraft.