HO Operational Excellence & Transformation

Job Description:

We are now looking for a HO Operational Excellence & Transformation to join our team in Airbus GBS in Portugal.

This senior management position is responsible for shaping  the long-term vision and strategy for Global Business Services (GBS) in translating it into transformation and continuous improvement projects. This person will ensure the GBS strategy evolves into a value-driven proposal by facilitating smooth transitions to GBS, supporting process standardization and automation, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Working closely with stakeholders from GBS and in the central functions, this leader will help track key performance indicators and drive best practices in business process management. Through collaboration and guidance, this leader will ensure teams have the tools, insights, and support needed to achieve operational excellence and deliver value across GBS.

This role will drive the transformation strategy and continuous improvement roadmap for GBS, serving as the central link for all transformation work packages and collaborating closely with the Tech Hub to ensure seamless execution.

Responsibilities - your mission:

• Define, monitor, and report on key performance indicators and performance metrics to ensure targets are met, identify issues in a timely manner, and propose corrective / preventive actions.

• Lead the transformation project portfolio to enable the strategy outlined by the Management Team. Partner with the Tech Hub to translate the strategy into action and manage major initiatives like digital transformation and new market entry, focusing on the long-term continuous improvement of operations. Act as the central functional link for all GBS transformation-related work packages, combining strategic design, program management, process optimization and change management

• Build and nurture a network with key stakeholders up to the Band II level, in Portugal and across Functions. Collaborate closely with the Value Stream Leaders and Functions Focal Points to ensure the success of the GBS program.

• Support or Lead improvements initiatives that address performance gaps and enable value generation.

• Establish the continuous improvement ecosystem, design and drive the CI Roadmap in close collaboration with End-to-End Value Stream Owners and the Tech Hub. This includes leveraging digital solutions like RPA, Process Mining, and ServiceNow.

• Provide advisory to Management on performance, excellence and transformation.

• Lead material transition programs into AGBS.

Performance & Improvement Manager

• Collect, consolidate, and synthesize performance indicators (KPIs, SLAs) across functions, while ensuring data consistency, traceability, and accuracy.

• Perform in-depth performance analysis, identify deviations from targets, conduct root cause analysis, and propose corrective actions.

• Support or lead the performance review cycle (e.g., Monthly Business Reviews, Quarterly Governance Review), ensuring structured preparation and clear outcome tracking.

• Develop and maintain performance management standards, templates, dashboards, and reporting processes to ensure harmonization and alignment across the organization.

• Identify and define improvement projects to close performance gaps or enhance efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.

• Support or lead improvement projects end-to-end — from opportunity identification and root cause analysis to implementation and benefits realization.

• Act as a change agent to embed a continuous improvement mindset and ensure long-term adoption of new practices.

• Establish a functioning continuous improvement ecosystem.

• Act as an internal reference for Business Excellence practices, promoting the systematic use of improvement methods and tools across the organization

• Enable GBS ramp up by ensuring key transitions and service delivery model shifts (e.g. CoC to CoP).

• Provide advisory to Management on performance, excellence and transformation.

Requirements - our ideal candidate will have

• 5-10 yrs experience in leading teams, designing and deploying automation / next generation digital capabilities (Intelligent Automation, RPA, OCR, AI/ML, Process Mining, Analytics etc.)".

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to deliver multiple tasks and projects  simultaneously while meeting challenging deadlines.

• Positive, collaborative and solution-oriented attitude.

• Robust analytical and critical thinking capabilities with strong process orientation and effective decision making skills. 

• Strategic view and ability to turn strategy into concrete tactical and operational plan.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. 

• Leadership skills to motivate, coach and develop teams with different backgrounds.

• Energetic and assertive, collaborative, resilient and motivated by challenges 

• Preference for experience in a Consulting firm or GBS context.

• Knowledgeable in Business Process Reengineering / Lean Methods (e.g. Six Sigma, Agile, Value Stream Mapping, Scrum or another of equal value).

• Knowledge of Finance (R2R, P2P and O2C), Procurement and HR Services (H2R, T2R) processes and ability to manage transition projects in these areas.

• Strong capabilities in Business Process Management / reengineering / Lean (e.g. agile methods such as Six Sigma, Agile, Value Stream Mapping, Scrum or another of equal value).

• Proven track record in process improvements.

• Ideally PMI certified.

• English is mandatory (fluency in other languages will be a plus).

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Benefits - what’s in it for you

• The chance to work in a multicultural environment.

• The opportunity to grow your skills and capabilities thanks to our Airbus learning offer (digital solutions, classroom sessions, certified training....) and career opportunities across the globe. 

• A hybrid working model, allowing you to combine onsite and offsite work. 

• A modern office, well connected to public transportation.

• A motivated and fun crew to grow and build and shape the GBS together.

• An intense and exciting onboarding experience.

• Work in a balanced environment: Beyond the many benefits offered to its employees, joining Airbus is also the guarantee of a respectable work-life balance. At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

Airbus Portugal SA

Employment Type:

Permanent

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Experience Level:

Professional

Job Family:

Leadership

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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.