Site Director

Job description

Site Director

Vacancy details

General information

Entity

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors. By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space.

Reference

2026-170017

Position description

Domain

Production

Job field / Job profile

General managers - General manager

Job title

Site Director

Employment type

Permanent

Professional category

Employees / Staff

Part time / Full time

Full-time

Job description

What does the role look like?

We are seeking a commercially focused Site Director to lead our manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement across our Banbury site. You will possess deep expertise in lean manufacturing principles, quality management systems, and production processes.

In this strategic role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive plans that align with our business objectives, managing cross-functional teams, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Your ability to analyse data, identify inefficiencies, and implement cost-effective solutions will be crucial in enhancing our operational efficiency and profitability. Leadership, communication, and collaboration skills are essential, as you will work closely with various departments, suppliers, and customers. Furthermore, a broad knowledge of Engineering or Manufacturing will be critical.

What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?

· Accountable and responsible for site profitability · Delivery of Operational, Programme and Engineering objectives for the site to or ahead of plan managing and mitigating all risks to the business

· Own the Customer relationship for all current and future programmes within the site

· Responsible for the implementation of site strategy

· Establish target conditions for improvement supported by measurable driver measures

· Identifying and implementing Continuous Improvement ideas and methodology

· Improve site performance by executing lean manufacturing initiatives such as Kanban, SIOP, 5S, and Kaizen while maintaining focus on Quality improvements.

· To create and maintain an environment that encourages and supports change while maintaining compliance and protecting the business

· Ensure contractual compliance with external agencies, customer requirements and supplier contracts, applying sound business principles within the Value Stream

· Support Business Development activity in line with delivering the site strategy

· Develop a culture of teamwork and accountability both within the site strategy and with all the business interfaces, leading and motivating the team through the development and performance management of employees ·

· Delivery of 2026 Improvement Target #2 Cost Competitiveness

· Leading Site Policy deployment process · Delivering organic growth on existing programs · Deliver new business

· Increase sales from $35 million in 2025 to potentially $100 million by 2035

But what else? (benefits, specificities, etc.)

• Competitive salary

• Car or car allowance

• Company performance bonus scheme

• Pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution

• Private medical insurance

• Comprehensive health cash plan

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays

• Flexible benefits programme (buy & sell holiday allowance, discounted gym memberships, Maternity/ adoption leave- up to 52 weeks, first 26 weeks at full pay, subsequent 26 at 50% (basic pay) and Paternity/Non-Pregnant Parent/ Co-adopter leave 4 weeks full pay)

• Structured training & opportunities to progress

Candidate skills & requirements

What will you bring to the role?

Essential skills:

• A track record demonstrating significant progression in management; in a senior level role with direct P&L responsibility

• Ability to manage multi-disciplined teams including ability to manage conflicting priorities

• Proven experience in managing high performing teams

• Proficiency in leading change initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Desirable skills:

• Expertise in lean principles and methodologies, such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, and 5S, to streamline processes and eliminate waste.

• Strong analytical skills to identify root causes of inefficiencies and implement effective solutions.

• Understanding of cost accounting and financial principles to manage budgets, control costs, and enhance profitability

• Proficiency in using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and other manufacturing-related software tools.

• Extensive experience in manufacturing operations, with a track record of successful site management and process improvement initiatives.

Position location

Job location

Europe, UK, England, South East

City (-ies)

Chalker Way OX16 4X Banbury