About this role
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:20.0px"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0px">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.</span></span></p><div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">Job Summary</H2> </div><div><p><span style="font-size:12.0pt">GKN Aerospace is currently hiring for a VP of Engineering & Technology - Aerosystems. The role is a permanent opportunity in which we're happy to receive applications from individuals based in the UK, the Netherlands, or Germany; based at any of the following sites:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">UK</span> <ul> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Luton</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">East Cowes</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Bristol</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Netherlands</span> <ul> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Hoogeveen</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Papendrecht</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Germany</span> <ul> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Munich</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12.0pt">We offer the ability to have some hybrid working with an expectation for regular travel; on average this will be 5 - 7 days per month.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The VP E&T Aerosystems is responsible for defining and delivering the GKN Aerospace airframe-level system integration capabilities and outputs required to architect, integrate, certify, industrialise, and sustain higher-level aero-system solutions across the Airframe product portfolio.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12.0pt">As the senior technical authority for Aerosystems, the role holds accountability for the integration of multiple Product Line solutions. The role executes system-level technical governance in line with corporate frameworks. The role drives development of architecture-led integration capabilities and owns the Aerosystems integration strategy that informs Airframes investment priorities.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12.0pt">In partnership with customers, Product Line leaders, Manufacturing Engineering, Airworthiness, and external stakeholders, the role ensures delivery of integrated solutions, early opportunity shaping, and participation in risk-sharing partnerships.</span></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">What You'll Be Doing</H2> </div><div><p>In this role you will be leading across multiple accountabilities. These include:</p> <ul> <li>Engineering and Technology Vision.</li> <li>Technical Community Leadership.</li> <li>Product and Process Development Oversight.</li> <li>Airworthiness & Regulatory Compliance.</li> <li>Engineering Execution & Delivery.</li> <li>Research & Technology Development (R&T).</li> <li>Customer & Stakeholder Engagement</li> <li>Cross Airframe Functional Engineering Support.</li> <li>Governance, Risk & Quality Assurance.</li> <li>Commercial & Financial Accountability.</li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">What You'll Bring - Essential</H2> </div><div><p><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Technical Expertise</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Extensive experience in airframe systems integration, systems engineering, or multi-domain aerospace design.</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Strong capability in systems engineering, architecture, integration, requirements, and interface control.</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Credibility to act as a system-level technical authority with regulators, customers, and partners.</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Product Development Leadership</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Proven leadership of complex product lifecycles (design, integration, certification, in-service support).</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Experience across design, manufacturing, and operations interfaces.</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Strong understanding of CS/FAR/MIL requirements and compliance.</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Programme Delivery</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Ownership of large, complex aerospace projects with multiple subsystems.</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Proven track record of delivering to schedule, cost, and quality targets.</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Strong risk management and problem resolution capability.</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Leadership & Organisation</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Experience leading large, multi-site engineering teams in regulated environments (e.g. AS9100).</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Ability to build and scale teams, processes, and operating models.</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Effective decision-making in high-pressure environments.</span></li> </ul> <p><br><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Governance, Safety & Quality</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Experience in technical governance, reviews, and customer engagement.</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Strong understanding of lifecycle controls, safety, risk, and compliance.</span></li> </ul> <p><br><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Commercial Acumen</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Experience managing engineering budgets and supporting financial planning.</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Involvement in bids, pricing, and margin improvement.</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Understanding of make/buy decisions and supply chain strategy.</span></li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">What You'll Bring - Desirable</H2> </div><div><p><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Broader Experience</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Experience beyond Tier 1 OEMs (e.g. systems integration, propulsion, MRO).</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Direct engagement with regulators (CAA, EASA, FAA, MAA).</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Exposure to MBSE, digital engineering, PLM transformation.</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">International and cross-sector (civil/defence) experience.</span></li> </ul> <p><br><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Innovation & Strategy</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Experience introducing new technologies into certified products.</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Proven track record of building strategic partnerships.</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Contribution to engineering/technology strategy and roadmaps.</span></li> <li style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Awareness of emerging technologies (e.g. automation, digital engineering).</span></li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">What We'll Offer</H2> </div><div><p>Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits:</p> <ul type="disc"> <li>Competitive salary dependent on experience.</li> <li>Annual Bonus (STIP) - up to 58%.</li> <li>Long term bonus scheme (LTIP) - up to 50%.</li> <li>Car Allowance - £7,500/year.</li> <li>Industry Leading Pension Scheme = 1.5x employee contribution (max 12%).</li> <li>Full family private medical.</li> <li>Annual personal health check.</li> <li>Life Assurance 8 x salary.</li> <li>25 days holiday + bank holidays.</li> <li>Flexible working hours.</li> <li>Income protection.</li> <li>Shopping discounts.</li> <li>Cycle To Work Scheme.</li> <li>Employee Assistance Programme.</li> <li>Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family.</li> <li>A collaborative, dynamic working environment.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>As well as a competitive package we’ll offer you a world of opportunity. We want to see your career fly! We’ll support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. That’s the beauty of being part of a global business, once you’re on board you never know where you career journey may take you! </p></div></div></div><p><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0px">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?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:20.0px"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0px">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.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0px">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.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16.0px"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.</span> </span><br></p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto" src="https://app.papirfly.com/original/gallery/38932/files/original/987ee258-6736-49d7-9079-7b5e993917a6.jpg?cacheVersion=1761223513" alt="" width="600" height="150"></p>