Head of Sales Operations

Job title: Head of Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP)

Location : Belfast – (hybrid working arrangement – 3 days per week on site)

Are you an experienced S&OP professional looking for your next high-profile role? Do you possess the right mix of data analytic and interpersonal skills to question and challenge Supply and Demand forecasts submitted by other managers? Then look no further…

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Head of Sales and Operations Planning to join our Integrated Airspace-protection Systems (IAS) UK team in Belfast.

Core Benefits:

On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;

• Performance-related bonus
• Company car allowance
• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00pm
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
• 24 hours volunteering paid for
• Private healthcare (grade dependent)
• 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

Key responsibilities:

The Head of Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) will lead the strategic integration of sales, production, and inventory management processes to ensure the seamless alignment of supply and demand in the production of product and the delivery of customer projects.

The role is key in driving business performance through the optimisation of the S&OP process, ensuring that the company meets customer requirements while maintaining efficient and cost-effective operations.

This individual will work cross-functionally with senior leadership to establish and implement long-term forecasting, planning, and resource allocation strategies that align with the company's overall goals and objectives.

They meet with business and function leads to challenge and agree the demand picture (driving correction and validation) to ensure ‘clean’ inputs to the S&OP cycle. They Question and challenge the Supply and Demand forecasts submitted by other managers.

About you:

• Proven track record of managing complex S&OP processes in a fast-paced, manufacturing-focused environment with experience in a senior or leadership role.
• Experience in the defence or aerospace industry is highly preferred, with a solid understanding of the unique challenges and regulatory environment.
• In-depth knowledge of the S&OP process, including demand forecasting, inventory management, and production planning.
• Expertise in the use of ERP systems and advanced planning tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Kinaxis, etc.).
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable insights.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across various levels of the organisation.

Security Clearance statement:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a sole British National from birth and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.