Head of Work Preparation & Tooling

About the role

The Head of Work Preparation & Tooling will lead the Work Preparation department at Airbus Aerostructures, ensuring manufacturing processes for aerostructure components are efficiently planned, scheduled, and executed. This senior position drives continuous improvement, automation, and lean practices to meet on‑time delivery and quality targets.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Work Preparation team, managing performance, resources, and career growth.
• Design, implement, and refine work preparation processes, tools, work instructions, process sheets, and BOMs.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, supply chain, and quality to integrate preparation activities seamlessly.
• Identify and execute automation, digitisation, and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Prioritise tasks to align with production schedules and project deadlines.
• Analyse manufacturing data, monitor KPIs, and drive corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies.
• Lead cost‑reduction and waste‑elimination projects and report performance to senior management.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 8‑10 years of manufacturing engineering or work preparation experience in aerospace, with 3‑5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven expertise in composite fabrication, metallic assembly, machining and surface treatment.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma and continuous‑improvement tools.
• Fluency in English and ability to work under pressure.

Required skills

• SAP (ERP/MRP) proficiency
• Lean manufacturing principles
• Six Sigma methodologies
• Composite fabrication techniques
• Metallic assembly processes
• Machining operations
• Surface treatment processes