Stephen Sumner
Operational Excellence Coach @Civil Aviation Authority
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WORK HISTORY
Operational Excellence Coach @Civil Aviation Authority
Providing high-impact internal consultancy services to optimise productivity and cultivate a high-performance culture across Shared Services, directly enhancing team engagement and operational efficiency.Key achievements• Delivering a 25% uplift in productivity over a 9-month period, controlling WIP and meeting internal SLA targets:o Simplified daily management and reporting to allow effective resource allocation and performance measurement.o Provided visible productivity validation across task type and team members enabling 1to1 coaching.o Restructured management team to support culture shift and drive improved team engagement.o Implemented training program to develop team enabling greater flexibility in resource allocation.o Introduced a costing model to understand annual operating budget and operational capability.o Created a predictive capacity tool to align resources with demand, proactively optimising service levels and performance trends. o Developed a forecasting model predicting WIP levels and aiding in operational planning.o Led team through multiple strategic changes such as AI/Automation implementation.o Introduction of Root Cause Analysis tools to fully understand issues and implement robust preventative actions.
EDUCATION
Harlow College, Essex
BTEC National Diploma
ABOUT STEPHEN SUMNER
Dynamic and results-focused leader and coach with extensive experience in military aviation and highly regulated manufacturing and operational environments providing production, business, technical, and project management. Proven ability to influence with or without formal authority, bridging the gap between engineering technicians, commercial stakeholders, and regulators fostering collaboration, achieving measurable results and driving strategic change. Ability to develop world-class Manufacturing, Aftermarket, R&D and Regulatory operations delivering high-quality products and services. Highly analytical, with expertise in streamlining processes, resolving problems, and optimising performance using Lean 6 Sigma methodology. Skilled in continuous improvement, managing change and creating engaged teams to drive P&L and business growth. Key Skills• Operational Leadership: Full accountability for complex manufacturing, overhaul plants and operational facilities, strategically aligning day-to-day execution with customer demand and business growth targets while ensuring uncompromising safety and regulatory compliance.• Health & Safety Leadership: Proven track record of embedding a safety-first culture that protects both the workforce and operational continuity, achieving over 2,500 days without a lost-time incident.• Quality & Compliance Excellence: Extensive experience in highly regulated sectors, implementing industry-specific accreditations and ISO standards to ensure product integrity and customer trust• Continuous Improvement: Expertise in Lean methodologies and Root Cause Analysis to drive customer-focused outcomes, resulting in significant gains in yield, productivity and reductions in failure rates.• Commercial & Customer Stewardship: Strategic budget and operational P&L management to drive on-time high-quality customer delivery, leveraging rigorous cost control to provide maximum value and operational resilience for multiple global clients.• Strategic Planning & Data Insights: Ability to translate complex data into long-term initiatives that drive business transformation, ensuring the organisation and teams remain agile and responsive to evolving market and customer needs.• Change Management & Culture: Led large-scale cultural and strategic shifts, implementing tools that empower teams to deliver enhanced service levels and operational efficiency.
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