Meet Edurne

Define your job title in one sentence

I’m responsible for a team of project managers delivering and executing the projects needed to achieve our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Roadmap Strategy.

What’s one thing that makes your job exciting or special?

Our organisation is currently undergoing a significant ERP transformation initiative. We are collaborating closely with our business and digital teams to ensure its success. This presents a distinctive opportunity to align our functional processes with our business strategy, address new challenges, and anticipate the needs of future programmes.

What inspired you to join Airbus? 

Upon completing my university studies, I began my career at a consultancy firm engaged with Airbus (then known as EADSCASA). During this time, I had the opportunity to work closely with Airbus employees and was particularly impressed by their strong team spirit and the company's evident commitment to its people.

Is there something that surprised you about working for Airbus?

The company's complexity, coupled with the diverse range of products and services we offer, necessitates a multitude of specialised teams and expertise to ensure successful delivery.

Explain what you do in simple terms.

One of our projects successfully developed a unified strategy to migrate Air Power’s SAP landscape to the latest SAP S/4HANA platform. This strategy addresses key business pain points throughout the value chain, identifying processes that require convergence in subsequent migration projects. By default, we prioritise business continuity, efficiency, and enhanced maintainability.

To accomplish this mission, we have established a comprehensive roadmap comprising several projects. My team plays a pivotal role in supporting this transformation and aligning business strategies. We drive synergies and harmonisation to maximize value and ensure coherence among the projects and solutions implemented across various systems. Our responsibilities include overseeing project execution and delivery, technical programme management, and contract management.

In addition to these duties, I serve as the local manager in Spain for my department. In this role, I provide support to all team members based in Spain whose managers are based in other countries, as well as supporting those managers leading teams in Spain, addressing specific local topics.

How does your role contribute to Airbus’ mission or the success of its products?

At Airbus Defence and Space, we currently face a significant challenge: our operations rely on over 60 different ERP systems, each with unique configurations and structures. This fragmentation creates silos, limits transparency and consistency across the division, increases administrative overheads, and ultimately reduces our operational effectiveness and efficiency.

Our vision is to achieve planning transparency and operational excellence throughout the entire value chain—from customer order to supply chain and shop floor—through our upgrade programme.

Our roadmap represents a comprehensive transformation initiative with the following objectives:

• Unifying collaboration: Foster a 'one team' mindset with harmonised end-to-end processes across sites and functions to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness.
• Integrate and simplify: Integrate sites, streamline complex processes, and increase transparency.
• System enhancement: Implement new systems and functionalities to fully leverage the capabilities of our new platform, thereby supporting and enhancing our operations. This is particularly crucial for new programmes such as Eurodrone

How has Airbus supported your career growth or personal development?

My managers and HR have an instrumental role in my professional development. Their continuous support, guidance, and challenges have been invaluable in helping me reflect on my career aspirations and the steps needed to achieve my goals. Their commitment to my growth has been a key factor in my progress and success within the organisation

How has your career evolved since you joined Airbus?

I joined EADSCASA in 2013 as a Business Intelligence (BI) Developer within the Digital department, the team was based entirely in Spain, focusing on supporting the Spanish business. However, this scope evolved when Airbus Defence and Space was created, when I had the opportunity to contribute to defining the corporate reporting requirements.

After a couple of years, I transitioned into a leadership role, heading the BI team within Airbus Defence and Space. Two years ago, I additionally took on the role of local support  manager for Spain within my department. This year, I embarked on a new challenge as part of the Head of the ERP Programme’s technical team, continuing my journey within the Digital organisation

What’s your most memorable experience at Airbus? Why does it stand out?

The team spirit that emerges during complex projects is truly remarkable, and the shared pride upon successful delivery is immensely rewarding. Our mission within the digital department is to equip businesses with the tools and support they need to excel. While the effort behind our work may not always be visible to end-users, the impact of any failure can be significant. Therefore, we take great pride in delivering new projects and tools seamlessly, ensuring business continuity and success.

Is there a specific project or moment you’re particularly proud of? Why?

When I first took on the leadership role, the team was small, consisting of a few colleagues working primarily as individual developers. Over time, we have grown and evolved together significantly. We have completely transformed our make/buy strategy, gaining full responsibility and control over our systems. Moreover, we have internalised the knowledge of our systems and tools, and most importantly, we have cultivated a strong team dynamic. We now support and train each other, fostering a collaborative and cohesive work environment. I am immensely proud of that team. Now I am just beginning in my new position, I am confident that my new team will also make me incredibly proud.

What advice would you give to someone starting a career in aerospace?

A career in aerospace can be challenging and demanding. Stay passionate about your work and persistent in pursuing your goals. The industry rewards dedication, innovation, and a strong work ethic.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Airbus?

Airbus offers a wide range of career opportunities, catering to diverse backgrounds, interests, and ambitions. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance, Airbus provides a dynamic and supportive environment where you can grow and thrive. Additionally, you'll find exceptional colleagues and mentors who will accompany you on your professional journey, making the experience both enriching and enjoyable.

What would you say to someone who doesn’t think they “fit” in aerospace?

Airbus is not solely focused on aeronautical engineering. The company welcomes professionals from all backgrounds, offering numerous opportunities beyond the aerospace field. Airbus provides excellent career prospects for various profiles, including financial controllers, marketing and sales specialists, procurement experts, and digital professionals. In the digital realm, Airbus works with cutting-edge technologies such as SAP, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security, making it an attractive destination for tech-savvy individuals.

If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

Airbus offers numerous opportunities for growth, but these opportunities won't come to you automatically. If you want to develop yourself, you need to take the initiative and seek them out. The company is home to many exceptional leaders and professionals. Reach out to them, learn from their expertise, and leverage their guidance to advance your career.

What do you appreciate most about Airbus as a workplace?

The most valuable asset of Airbus is its people. They are the ones who make Airbus an exceptional place to work.

Which Airbus value resonates with you, and why?

Integrity and reliability are closely related values, both of which are essential for building trust and fostering strong relationships. These principles are crucial not only in my professional life but also in my personal life.

How does Airbus support you in maintaining work-life balance?

As a parent of two young children, work-life balance is a necessity for me, not just an option. I genuinely enjoy my work and the contributions I make at Airbus. However, my family is my top priority. I have always had managers who trusted me and provided me with the flexibility I need. I have found that remote working, flexible hours, and other employee benefits are effective tools that enhance commitment, deliver high-quality work, and make work-life balance a reality.

What motivates you to keep growing in your career?

I aspire to be involved in the decision-making process and contribute to improvements where I see opportunities. The most effective way to achieve this is by continuously learning and growing.

What’s one message you’d like to share with the next generation of aerospace professionals?

If you are looking to work in a cutting-edge, multidisciplinary, and promising sector that offers challenging opportunities and state-of-the-art technology, then aerospace is the right choice for you.

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that inspires you in your work?

You are what you do, not what you say you'll do.