Air Sector Business Director

Thales; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Annual bonus

Stocks and shares

Cycle to work

Job summary

Thales is seeking an Air Sector Business Director to lead a substantial portfolio spanning missile electronics, air defensive aids, reconnaissance and navigation systems. You will have full accountability for development, production and support programmes across the UK and international markets, reporting to the OME Leadership Team.

This is a role requiring a UK National with Security Clearance (SC) and the ability to build executive relationships with major defence customers.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience within defence, aerospace or advanced technology sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall performance of the Air Sector business, delivering against strategic, operational and financial objectives.
• Drive sustainable growth through business development, capture activities and successful bid delivery.
• Ensure successful execution of a diverse portfolio of programmes from R&D through production and in-service support.
• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with customers, industry partners and suppliers.
• Shape future business strategy, product roadmaps and investment priorities.
• Deliver ambitious order intake, revenue, profitability and cash targets.
• Lead organisational development and foster a high-performing, inclusive culture.
• Drive innovation, operational excellence and continuous improvement across the sector.
• Collaborate with Sales, Strategy, Engineering and Operations to identify and secure opportunities.

Skills

Senior leadership

Large-scale programmes

Commercial acumen

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Executive communication

Team leadership

Job description

Location: Reading, 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.

Air Sector Business Director Lead the Future of Air Capability at Optronics & Missile Electronics (OME) Location: Green Park (with UK and International Travel)

Closing date for applications: Friday 13th November 2026

At Thales, we’re delivering technologies that help our customers make the world safer, more secure and more sustainable. As we continue to grow our Air portfolio within Optronics & Missile Electronics (OME), we are looking for an exceptional leader to join us as Air Sector Business Director.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a strategically significant business area encompassing cutting-edge technologies across missile electronics, air defensive aids, reconnaissance and surveillance systems, and advanced navigation capabilities. You’ll shape the future direction of a diverse portfolio, lead major international programmes, and build enduring relationships with some of the world’s leading defence organisations.

The Opportunity

As Air Sector Business Director, you’ll have full accountability for a substantial and growing portfolio spanning development, production and support programmes across the UK and international markets.

Working as a key member of the OME Leadership Team, you’ll lead business performance, programme delivery, customer engagement and growth strategy, ensuring we continue to deliver innovative solutions to our customers whilst achieving ambitious commercial objectives.

This role offers significant influence across strategy, investment decisions, customer partnerships and business growth, with responsibility for teams operating across multiple UK locations and international partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading the overall performance of the Air Sector business, delivering against strategic, operational and financial objectives.
• Driving sustainable growth through business development, capture activities and successful bid delivery.
• Ensuring successful execution of a diverse portfolio of programmes, from research and development through to production and in-service support.
• Building and maintaining executive-level relationships with customers, industry partners and key suppliers.
• Shaping future business strategy, product roadmaps and investment priorities.
• Delivering ambitious order intake, revenue, profitability and cash targets.
• Leading organisational development and fostering a high-performing, inclusive culture.
• Driving innovation, operational excellence and continuous improvement across the sector.
• Working closely with Sales, Strategy, Engineering and Operations teams to identify and secure future opportunities.

About the Business

The Air Sector spans four highly capable product lines:

• Missile Electronics
• Air Defensive Aids Systems
• Air Reconnaissance & Surveillance
• Air Attack & Navigation Systems

The portfolio includes major UK and international programmes supporting customers across defence, aerospace and government sectors, with activities ranging from advanced sensor development and electronic systems through to production and lifecycle support.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking an accomplished business leader with the commercial, operational and strategic capability to lead a complex, high-value portfolio.

Essential Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience within the defence, aerospace or advanced technology sectors.
• A proven track record of leading large-scale programmes and portfolios valued at £50m+.
• Experience securing and delivering complex business opportunities and major bids.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with accountability for business performance.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed and multidisciplinary teams.
• Deep understanding of customer engagement within complex and highly regulated environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Strong strategic thinking combined with the ability to deliver operational results.
• Demonstrable experience operating at executive and senior leadership level.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to:

• Lead one of the most important and dynamic portfolios within Thales.
• Work at the forefront of defence and aerospace technology.
• Influence strategic decisions that shape the future of the business.
• Partner with leading customers and organisations across the global defence sector.
• Lead talented teams delivering mission-critical solutions.
• Build a legacy through growth, innovation and exceptional customer delivery.

UKEO (UK Eyes Only)

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 UK National 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. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a Non-ITAR country may be considered. 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.

For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please follow this link - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels

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. Read more about our benefits here.

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 here.