Introduction
If you’re energised by solving complex challenges, enjoy collaborating with others and are passionate about making a meaningful impact, your next opportunity could be at KLM UK Engineering. We are looking for a Senior Innovation and Continuous Improvement Lead to join our team on a permanent basis. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape positive change.
KLM UK Engineering are market leaders in airframe base maintenance, line maintenance, and technical training in regional and narrow-body types. Focused on creating partnerships with a global base of customers, we offer excellent, safe, and innovative maintenance services. We pride ourselves on our skilled and knowledgeable team who are committed to delivering excellent service. This role is based at our head office at Norwich Airport.
The Role
In this role, you will drive meaningful change across KLM UK Engineering. Your curiosity, creativity and problem‑solving approach will support the way our business operates and evolves. Whether using data-informed insights, introducing new technologies, or supporting teams through change, the improvements you help deliver will contribute to cost efficiency, operational performance, and sustainability.
You will work collaboratively with colleagues across all levels of the organisation, from operational teams’ experts to senior leaders, and partner with the wider Air France – KLM Innovation and CI network, giving you exposure to new ideas, shared learning and industry best practice.
In this role, you will:
- Promote and facilitate a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across KLM UK Engineering.
- Deliver sustainable improvements that reduce unit costs and Turn Around Time (TAT).
- Identify and prioritise improvement opportunities, evaluate benefits, and deliver measurable outcomes.
- Coordinate and manage the planning and delivery of innovation projects, leading larger initiatives and supporting smaller projects as needed.
- Support teams in reducing process waste through coaching, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technical guidance.
- Embed and sustain new ways of working and continuous improvement initiatives Drive sustainability-focused projects and initiatives.
- Collaborate with Innovation and Continuous Improvement teams across the group to share knowledge, encourage learning, and bring external innovation best practice into KLM UK Engineering.
Your profile
You are energised by solving complex challenges, enjoy collaborating with others and are passionate about making a meaningful impact. Ideally you will have experience within an industrial or production environment, including working in complex, regulated, and unionised settings. You will also bring experience of leading projects or supporting teams to deliver positive outcomes.
We are looking for the successful candidate to bring the following knowledge, skills and competences to the role:
- A University degree or equivalent in business, technical or operational discipline.
- Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma.
- Experience leading and supporting change initiatives, building trust and embedding sustainable ways of working, gained through at least four years in a similar role.
- Project and Process management qualification or relevant practical experience.
- A proactive and positive approach, with the ability to focus on achieving meaningful results.
- Strong relationship building and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
- The ability to lead, develop and inspire teams to achieve shared goals.
- Confident in the use of IT systems
- Good commercial awareness and financial acumen understanding.
What we offer you
We’re proud to offer more than just a job — we want our people to feel valued, supported, and part of a workplace that genuinely cares. If you join us, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Financial Rewards
- A competitive salary of up to £60,000.00 per annum that reflects your skills and experience
- A stakeholder pension to help you plan for the future
- A Cycle to Work scheme to save on a new bike and accessories
- EV Car Scheme for a greener, more cost-effective commute
- A subsidised on-site canteen to make meal planning easier and affordable
- A wide range of retailer discounts to help your money go further
- Long service awards to recognise your commitment
Life outside work
- Extra holiday allowance as a thank-you for long service
- An active social club and regular events to help you connect and have fun
Taking care of you
- Enhanced sick pay – extra support when you’re unwell, meaning you can rest a little easier while you recover. An enhancementthat grows with your time with us.
- Access to the Health Shield cash plan for a contribution to everyday healthcare costs
- A focus on wellbeing, with support available when you need it
- Life assurance for added peace of mind
- And of course, free on-site parking!
Closing Date: 1st June 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
In addition to submitting your CV, we would like you to answer the questions we have asked as part of the Indeed application which form part of the recruitment process for this opportunity. These questions are designed to help us better understand your motivations, working style, and approach to collaboration and influencing others.
KLM UK Engineering is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, respectful, and supportive workplace where everyone can succeed. Selection for employment will be based on merit, skills, and experience, regardless of protected characteristics or background.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Canteen
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- Life insurance
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Norwich NR6 6ER: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- When seeking to convince stakeholders to adopt an idea or approach, what is your influencing style? Please describe a situation where this approach was successful.
- Why do you believe this role is the right next step in your career, and what are you hoping to find in this opportunity?
- What does collaboration mean to you, and what do you value or expect from your colleagues?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
