At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supply chain planning and logistics to ensure seamless operations and customer success.
- Company: Thales, a global tech leader shaping the future across various sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 4-day week, private healthcare, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to continuous improvement and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that drives innovation and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain leadership and expertise in MRP2 and ERP systems.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.
Together, we shape the world around us. At Thales, we bring together brilliant people from around the world to design and deliver innovative solutions that make tomorrow possible across aerospace, defence, digital identity, and security. We are looking for a Head of Planning and Logistics to lead a critical function at the heart of our Industrial and Supply Chain operations. This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in delivering operational excellence, enabling customer success, and shaping the future of our UK supply chain capability.
The role
As Head of Planning and Logistics, you will lead the strategy, governance, and performance of planning and logistics activities, ensuring the seamless flow of materials, information, and resources from suppliers through to customers. You will champion the professionalisation of planning and logistics, driving best practice, continuous improvement, and capability development while empowering teams to operate with autonomy and accountability.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the Planning function and associated governance, ensuring alignment with operational and strategic objectives
- Deliver robust Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), developing viable and resilient supply plans
- Oversee the planning of all materials and resources in support of company operating plans
- Drive the implementation and governance of MRP2 best practices and ERP-enabled planning processes
- Ensure effective supply chain analysis and performance insight to support decision-making
- Lead and optimise logistics operations, including 3PL/4PL partner relationships where applicable
- Manage inventory strategy and flows, from goods receipt through to despatch
- Support production and repair units to meet delivery, capacity, and performance commitments
- Contribute to the strategic evolution of supply chain capabilities, including investment, tools, and processes
- Embed a culture of Lean thinking and continuous improvement, reducing lead times, WIP, and inventory
- Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment across Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Projects
- Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and business requirements across all logistics flows
About you
You are a strategic, collaborative leader who brings both technical expertise and a passion for developing people and improving systems.
Skills and expertise
- Deep understanding of complex, multi-site supply chain environments
- Expertise in MRP2, ERP systems, and data-driven decision-making
- Strong knowledge of planning, production, repair, and logistics flows
- Proven ability to lead teams through change and transformation
- Experience applying Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies
- Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to translate strategic priorities into practical, deliverable outcomes
Experience
- Proven success in a senior planning or supply chain leadership role within an industrial or manufacturing environment
- Experience of inventory optimisation and flow management
- Strong track record in ERP/MES implementation and improvement
- Experience delivering change, transformation, and performance improvement initiatives
- End-to-end understanding of supply chain disciplines
Qualifications
- APICS certification (or willingness to achieve)
Our values
At Thales, our behaviours guide everything we do:
- Think Big – shaping the future and anticipating tomorrow’s challenges
- Make It Happen – delivering value for our customers with agility and accountability
- Together – growing ourselves and others while embracing diversity and inclusion
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
What we offer
- A role with real purpose and impact, supporting critical national and global programmes
- Opportunities to develop your career within a global organisation
- A collaborative, innovative environment where your ideas are valued
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
- Performance-related bonus (grade dependent)
- Car cash allowance (grade dependent)
- 4 day week
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
- 24 hours volunteering paid for
- Private healthcare
- Pension scheme
- Life cover
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
- Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
- Gym membership discounts
Ready to help build a future we can all trust? Apply now and be part of a team that is shaping the future of technology, together.
Head of Supply Chain Planning and Systems in Crawley employer: Thales Group
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Crawley. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities, competitive benefits including private medical insurance and annual bonuses, and a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact the future of technology. Join us to be part of a team that values diversity, encourages creativity, and prioritises ethical AI solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Supply Chain Planning and Systems in Crawley
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at Thales Group, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Head of Supply Chain Planning and Systems.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Supply Chain Planning and Systems in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at Thales Group. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research Thales Group and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales Group
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at Thales Group.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Thales Group
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Thales Group might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
