Operational Excellence Placement (12.5 months)

Job Description:

Start date: 19 July 2027

Location: Brize Norton

Duration: 12.5 months

Applications close on 25 October 2026! 

We love your interest in joining Airbus! There is no limit on the number of positions you can apply for, however, please be aware that you can only progress in the selection process for one position at a time. We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and applying to those that best match your experience and aspirations.

AI Guidance: We know you might be thinking about using AI to help you in your application - before you do, please read our guidelines on the use of AI for recruitment at Airbus https://www.airbus.com/en/careers/faqs#using-ai-in-your-application.

Benefits:

Salary: £24,246

35 hours per week // Flexible working hours // Hybrid working options available depending on the role // Half day Fridays! // 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

About us: 

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2022 it generated revenues of € 61 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world's leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

Our people work with passion and determination to make the world a more connected, safer and smarter place. Taking pride in our work, we draw on each other's expertise and experience to achieve excellence. Our diversity and teamwork culture propel us to accomplish the extraordinary - on the ground, in the sky and in space.

As part of the Delivery team for the RAF A400M in-service support contract at Brize Norton, this internship offers a unique opportunity to be part of the operational backbone of a major defense contract. You will support the Head of Operational Excellence and Business Management to drive the Operational Improvements required for the A400M SC.

This role is ideal for a student interested in organizational management and corporate governance.

What you will be doing:

This internship provides hands-on experience in driving business transformation and continuous improvement within a complex defense environment. You will support the Operational Excellence team, providing the data, project coordination, and analytical support required to align Airbus objectives with UK MoD operational needs.

Your core responsibilities will include: 

1. Strategic Support to Leadership;

• Assist in managing the communication loop between Airbus and the MoD to ensure service delivery alignment;
• Support the Senior Leadership Team by preparing high-quality briefing packs, reports, and meeting documentation;
• Help ensure all organizational improvements align with customer requirements and QMS standards.

2. Transformation & Project Coordination;

• Support in project governance by tracking milestones, managing and monitoring resource optimization;
• Assist in the "human side" of transitions by creating engagement materials and supporting cultural adoption initiatives.

3. Operational Excellence & Data Analytics;

• Support the rollout of the Airbus Operational Excellence System (OES) through data collection and digital tool deployment;
• Facilitate Lean activities and document process improvements;
• Monitor data to track "benefit realization" as a result of projects; 
• Take end-to-end ownership of one specific Continuous Improvement (CI) initiative. 

Requirements:

Our placements are open to Undergraduates only. Therefore it is mandatory for candidates to be an undergraduate for the whole duration of the placement. Please inform your graduation date on your application.

*Your application should include a CV along with a Cover Letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the role.*

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Studying towards a degree in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent;
• Knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft tools for editing, preparing presentations, analyzing data, and creating charts is advantageous;
• You must be confident, proactive, and self-motivating, and able to work with minimal supervision;
• Good personal communication skills, both spoken and written, are essential;
• Having a UK driving licence and having access to a car would be beneficial.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: You will be subject to a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) check. You may also need to gain UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control, depending on the role.

Contact

Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments to allow you to access and participate fully in the recruitment process. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us. ​Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

#UK_PLA

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 Operations Limited

Employment Type:

Internship

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Experience Level:

Student

Job Family:

Improvement & Performance Management

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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 [email protected].

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.