At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Under Water Systems team to drive innovation and performance.
- Company: Join Thales UK, a leader in safety and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, annual bonuses, and flexible leave options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a global impact by transforming underwater systems and ensuring safety.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Manufacturing with lean expertise preferred.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Location: Templecombe, United Kingdom
At Thales UK, we are seeking a visionary Head of Industry to drive performance, innovation, and transformation across our Under Water Systems business — helping keep people safe worldwide.
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 (~£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).
Benefits
We offer 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. At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay, and working conditions for all.
Head of Industry UWS (Under Water Systems) in Templecombe employer: Thales
Thales UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Templecombe where innovation and performance are at the forefront of our Under Water Systems division. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, flexible leave options, and opportunities for professional development, all while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. Join us to be part of a team that not only prioritises safety and quality but also champions the latest advancements in technology and manufacturing practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Industry UWS (Under Water Systems) in Templecombe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in lean manufacturing and industrial transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your past roles, focus on specific results you’ve delivered, especially in areas like supply chain optimisation and team leadership. We want to see how you can bring that same success to Thales.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Industry UWS (Under Water Systems) in Templecombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Industry UWS. Highlight your experience in complex manufacturing and supply chains, and don’t forget to showcase your lean manufacturing expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and drive change.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in leading teams and managing large-scale operations. We want to see how you've successfully driven performance and innovation in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Know Your Industry Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Under Water Systems sector. Familiarise yourself with current trends, challenges, and innovations, especially around Industry 4.0 and lean manufacturing principles. This will not only show your passion but also your readiness to lead in this space.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven change in complex manufacturing environments. Highlight your experience with multi-disciplinary teams and how you’ve influenced positive outcomes. This is your chance to demonstrate that you can manage a large headcount effectively.
✨Understand the Role's Key Responsibilities
Make sure you’re clear on the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you would approach end-to-end industrial delivery, manage costs, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Tailor your responses to reflect your understanding of these critical areas.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about their current challenges in supply chain management or how they envision the adoption of digital technologies impacting their operations. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in the role and company.
