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- Tasks: Lead Lean Continuous Improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing efficiency and quality.
- Company: Thales, a global tech leader with a focus on defence, space, and digital security.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, pension scheme, gym discounts, and paid volunteering hours.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming manufacturing processes and driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in Lean manufacturing and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Glasgow, 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.
We need a Lean Leader who lives continuous improvement in everyday manufacturing. Your mission is to sharpen, speed up and improve our manufacturing operations through embedding Lean thinking into daily work.
The Role
You will be the go‑to expert for Lean Continuous Improvement (LCI) across our Glasgow site, embedding robust problem solving (PDCA) and Lean thinking into daily operations and leading the transformation of teams and processes to deliver measurable gains in quality, delivery and cost.
What You Bring
- Proven experience in Lean manufacturing and strong knowledge of Lean tools and practices, such as Lean Six Sigma, Green Belt, Black Belt or equivalent experience.
- Exceptional problem‑solving and analytical skills.
- Real fluency in Lean tools: VSM, 5S, flow improvement techniques, visual management.
- Problem‑solving frameworks as daily habits, not slide content.
- Proven success in low‑volume, bespoke manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and influence at every level, from production cells to cross‑functional teams including stakeholders at all levels.
- A builder’s mindset – you leave capability behind, not dependency.
- Experience with Oracle, iObeya, PowerBI, Minitab or MES systems is a plus.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and execute transformation activities that elevate efficiency and margins.
- Train, coach and develop the Industry team for process optimisation.
- Analyse and plan improvements aligned to Group strategy “Thales Towards 2030”.
- Facilitate a cultural shift toward Lean agility and operational excellence.
- Ensure Lean Continuous Improvement implementation with a structured, measurable approach.
- Strategically plan and coordinate all Lean activities across your APRU and site.
How Success Is Measured
- Delivery (OTDIF), quality (FPTY) and cost (UPC) improvements.
- Progress in Lean maturity on‑site.
- Deployment of the Thales Industry Operating Model (TIOM).
- Lean certification targets achieved within 24 months.
- Proactive Lean activity engagement across all functions.
What We Can Offer You
- 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme and life cover.
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- 24 hours per annum paid volunteering.
- Gym membership discounts and employee discount schemes.
Security Clearance
This role requires SC clearance. If you already hold it we welcome that; otherwise the successful applicant must obtain, achieve and maintain SC clearance, following UKSV guidance. Eligibility generally requires five years of residence in the UK.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our success.
Lean Continuous Improvement Leader employer: Thales
Contact Detail:
Thales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lean Continuous Improvement Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Thales on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Lean Continuous Improvement Leader role. Personal connections can give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising your problem-solving skills. Since this role is all about Lean thinking and continuous improvement, be ready to discuss real-life examples where you've successfully implemented Lean tools. We want to see your analytical prowess in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for Lean! During interviews, share how you live and breathe Lean principles in your daily work. Talk about how you've influenced teams and processes in the past. This will help us see that you're not just a fit for the role, but a true advocate for Lean culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining Thales and being part of our mission to build a future we can all trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Lean Continuous Improvement Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Lean Continuous Improvement role. Highlight your experience with Lean tools and practices, and don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications like Lean Six Sigma. We want to see how you’ve made a difference in previous roles!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about Lean manufacturing and how you can contribute to our Glasgow site. Share specific examples of your problem-solving skills and how you've led teams to success.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on measurable outcomes. Did you improve efficiency or reduce costs? Use numbers to back up your claims. We love seeing concrete results that demonstrate your impact in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Thales!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Know Your Lean Tools
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Lean tools like VSM, 5S, and flow improvement techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, as the interviewers will want to see your practical experience with them.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've tackled problems using PDCA or other problem-solving frameworks. Highlight instances where your analytical skills led to measurable improvements in quality or efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Think about times when you've led teams or influenced stakeholders at various levels. Be ready to explain how you fostered a culture of continuous improvement and what impact it had on the team and processes.
✨Align with Thales' Vision
Familiarise yourself with Thales' strategy, especially 'Thales Towards 2030'. Show that you understand their goals and how your experience can help achieve them, particularly in terms of Lean maturity and operational excellence.