At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead industrial excellence in Under Water Systems, driving performance and innovation.
- Company: Thales, a global technology leader in defence and digital security.
- Benefits: Private medical insurance, annual bonus, employee discounts, and more.
- Other info: Join a diverse workplace that values your unique strengths.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact while shaping the future of underwater systems.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Manufacturing; lean expertise preferred.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
Location: Templecombe, United Kingdom
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.
The Role
You will lead the full industrial ecosystem, ensuring delivery across planning, procurement, manufacturing, and logistics. With accountability for both performance and customer satisfaction, you'll shape and execute industrial strategy while championing lean principles and Industry 4.0 transformation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end industrial delivery, including planning, procurement, manufacturing, and logistics aligned to S&OP supply plans
- Deploy industrial strategy, ensuring effective use of human, financial, and physical resources
- Oversee supply chain, manufacturing, industrial engineering, and continuous improvement activities (total 300 headcount, 8 direct reports)
- Ensure successful industrialisation of new products from design through to production
- Deliver performance against quality, cost, and delivery targets by optimising inventory, supply, and WIP
- Drive adoption of Industry 4.0 and digital industrial technologies
- Ensure effective use of industrial systems (ERP, MES, QMS)
- Lead change management and embed a culture of continuous improvement
- Manage cost centre (~15M) and industrial throughput (c. 200M+)
- Ensure compliance with Health, Safety & Environmental standards
- Represent industrial operations at bid and gate reviews, approving industrial solutions
- Act as industrial lead within business domains, supporting proposals and programme delivery
About You
- Senior operational leader with experience in complex manufacturing and supply chains
- Strong expertise in lean manufacturing and industrial transformation
- Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and drive change
- Excellent communicator with the ability to influence at all levels
Qualifications
- Degree in Engineering or Manufacturing (essential)
- Lean expertise (e.g., 5S, Kaizen)
- MBA, APICS or Green Belt (desirable)
Why Thales?
Join a global leader at the forefront of defence innovation. Shape the future of underwater systems while making a real-world impact. Apply now and lead industrial excellence at Thales.
At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. 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.
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features.
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 Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!
Summary
Location: Templecombe
Type: Full time
Locations
Head of Industry UWS (Under Water Systems) in Somerset, Templecombe 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 Industry UWS (Under Water Systems) in Somerset, Templecombe
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Industry UWS (Under Water Systems) in Somerset, Templecombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Thales Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Thales Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Thales Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
