Operations Supervisor – Plating
As the Operations Supervisor you will plan, lead and deliver the daily operations of the Plating department, ensuring safe, compliant and efficient surface treatment of aircraft landing gear components.
The role is accountable for maximising operational throughput, achieving production schedules aligned to forward-load demand, and maintaining on‑time delivery. The post holder will also lead training, development, safety, quality and continuous improvement, ensuring full compliance with Part 145 and all applicable environmental, health and safety regulations.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Delivery
- Lead, plan and organise the Plating operations to achieve safety, quality, cost and delivery targets
- Continuously review production schedules to optimise efficiency, capacity and throughput
- Identify operational risks, constraints and bottlenecks, deploying robust and timely recovery plans
- Drive effective communication through daily operations meetings, handovers, visual management boards and weekly production reviews
Resource & Performance Management
- Develop and sustain operational plans that maximise productivity and minimise cost
- Ensure correct use, calibration and maintenance of all plating equipment and tooling
- Monitor labour efficiency through analysis of labour hour bookings and ERP data
- Use operational metrics and performance dashboards to identify trends and improvement opportunities
- Identify and justify plant and capital investment to support growth, safety, compliance and operational excellence
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping across all operational areas
People Leadership, Capability & Culture
- Recruit, onboard, develop and performance‑manage operational teams
- Maintain accurate skills matrices, training records and succession plans
- Lead teams positively through change, including process improvement, organisational change and capability development
- Role‑model AEM values and behaviours, ensuring consistent application of policies and prompt resolution of employee issues
- Build strong cross‑functional relationships with Engineering, QEHS, Facilities, Stores, Logistics and Customer Support
Safety, Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
- Champion continuous improvement and lean manufacturing through Kaizens, GEMBA walks and 5S
- Proactively manage hazards, unsafe behaviours and operational risks
- Conduct plating-specific risk assessments and toolbox talks
- Ensure full compliance with Quality, Environmental, Health & Safety standards and regulatory requirements
- Support and promote AEM’s Part 145 Safety Management System (SMS) policies and procedures
- Ensure all non‑conformances are fully investigated, with root causes identified and corrective/preventative actions implemented
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- Experience in an engineering or aerospace manufacturing environment
- Proven leadership experience in a production workshop setting
- Working knowledge of electroplating processes (Chrome, Nickel, Silver, Cadmium)
- Strong understanding of lean principles and their practical application
- High level of digital competence, including Microsoft 365, ERP systems, Power BI and approved AI tools
- Excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills
Desirable
- Engineering qualification
- Lean certification
- Working knowledge of Part 145 (CAA / EASA / FAA) requirements
Personal Attributes
- Results‑driven with strong problem‑solving ability
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail
- Confident communicator at all organisational levels
- Enthusiastic, motivational leader able to perform under pressure
- Capable of interpreting detailed compliance manuals, specifications and technical documentation
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Combination of office‑based and shop‑floor activities
- Mandatory use of PPE including safety footwear, glasses, hearing protection and chemical‑resistant PPE
- Exposure to chemicals, fumes and workshop equipment
- Manual handling required
- Good eyesight (with or without correction) for inspection and quality tasks
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
About Us
AMETEK MRO, part of the Aerospace & Defense Division, is a recognised global provider of third‑party Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services across commercial, regional, general aviation, military, helicopter and business jet markets.
AEM Limited, acquired by AMETEK in 2007, has over 60 years’ experience as Europe’s leading independent overhaul and repair organisation. Operating from three UK sites, AEM supports over 5,000 aircraft components, specialising in windings, electrical power, hydraulics, landing gear and safety equipment.
