Planning & Logistics Manager in Glasgow

Location: Glasgow, United KingdomThales 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. Head of Planning and LogisticsTogether, we shape the world around usAt 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 roleAs 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 responsibilitiesLead the Planning function and associated governance, ensuring alignment with operational and strategic objectivesDeliver robust Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), developing viable and resilient supply plansOversee the planning of all materials and resources in support of company operating plansDrive the implementation and governance of MRP2 best practices and ERP-enabled planning processesEnsure effective supply chain analysis and performance insight to support decision-makingLead and optimise logistics operations, including 3PL/4PL partner relationships where applicableManage inventory strategy and flows, from goods receipt through to despatchSupport production and repair units to meet delivery, capacity, and performance commitmentsContribute to the strategic evolution of supply chain capabilities, including investment, tools, and processesEmbed a culture of Lean thinking and continuous improvement, reducing lead times, WIP, and inventoryLead cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment across Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and ProjectsEnsure compliance with regulatory frameworks and business requirements across all logistics flowsAbout youYou are a strategic, collaborative leader who brings both technical expertise and a passion for developing people and improving systems. Skills and expertiseDeep understanding of complex, multi-site supply chain environmentsExpertise in MRP2, ERP systems, and data-driven decision-makingStrong knowledge of planning, production, repair, and logistics flowsProven ability to lead teams through change and transformationExperience applying Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologiesExcellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skillsAbility to translate strategic priorities into practical, deliverable outcomesExperienceProven success in a senior planning or supply chain leadership role within an industrial or manufacturing environmentExperience of inventory optimisation and flow managementStrong track record in ERP/MES implementation and improvementExperience delivering change, transformation, and performance improvement initiativesEnd-to-end understanding of supply chain disciplinesQualificationsDegree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or Logistics (or equivalent experience)APICS certification (or willingness to achieve)Our valuesAt Thales, our behaviours guide everything we do: Think Big – shaping the future and anticipating tomorrow's challengesMake It Happen – delivering value for our customers with agility and accountabilityTogether – growing ourselves and others while embracing diversity and inclusionWe are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. What we offerA role with real purpose and impact, supporting critical national and global programmesOpportunities to develop your career within a global organisationA collaborative, innovative environment where your ideas are valued CCompetitive salary and comprehensive benefitsPerformance-related bonus (grade dependent)Car cash allowance (grade dependent)4 day week28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)24 hours volunteering paid forPrivate healthcarePension schemeLife cover24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing appEmployee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailersGym membership discountsReady to help build a future we can all trust? The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here. If this role isn't quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here. SummaryLocation: GlasgowType: Full time