Executive Assistant to Managing Director in Glasgow

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom

Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us.

Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times.

We are looking for a highly proactive and solutions‑driven Executive Assistant to support the Managing Director of Thales UK Optronics and Missile Electronics (OME). This role sits at the centre of a fast‑paced, complex business and requires someone who can anticipate needs, solve problems creatively, and keep the organisation moving with clarity and structure.

You’ll act as a trusted partner to the MD, managing priorities, streamlining operations, and enabling effective leadership. If you thrive on variety, responsibility, and making things happen, this role offers real influence and long‑term growth.

• Manage complex diaries, international travel, and day‑to‑day executive operations.
• Serve as the MD’s first point of contact, handling sensitive information with discretion.
• Anticipate requirements and ensure the MD is fully prepared for meetings, decisions, and events.
• Coordinate senior leadership meetings, including agendas, documentation, minutes, and action tracking.
• Improve and streamline business processes to support efficient decision‑making.
• Build strong relationships across Thales UK, Thales Group, and with senior external stakeholders.
• Lead and support critical projects, using initiative and creativity to overcome challenges.
• Draft and refine communications on behalf of the MD, working with internal/external comms teams.
• Collaborate with the wider business support team to share best practice and drive team success.

• Advanced Microsoft Office capability.
• Expertise in complex calendar management and international travel coordination.
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities calmly and effectively.
• Confidence using video‑conferencing platforms (Teams, Jabber, Zoom, Webex).
• Experience organising corporate events or senior stakeholder engagements.

• Highly proactive — anticipates issues before they arise.
• Creative problem‑solver who enjoys finding smart, efficient solutions.
• Adaptable, calm under pressure, and resilient in a fast‑moving environment.
• Discreet, professional, and trusted by senior leaders.
• Enjoys working closely with leadership and being the person who makes things happen.

• Experience as an Executive Assistant or senior business support role.
• Experience supporting senior leadership or managing operational admin in a growing business.

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.

Great journeys start here, apply now!