APRU/Production Manager

Thales Group; Templecombe; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Thales Templecombe is seeking an APRU Manager to lead one of our critical naval manufacturing units. You will be responsible for end-to-end industrial delivery of key naval products, coaching a high-performing team and ensuring on-time, on-cost delivery with the highest quality and safety standards.

You will drive daily production performance, champion lean methodologies, collaborate with Engineering and Procurement, and shape the site's industrial strategy for enduring capability and Royal Navy

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Strong operations management capability and KPI delivery.
• Experience with lean methodologies and quality control.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing team
• Drive daily production performance and achieve the Master Production Schedule
• Champion quality, lean methodology and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with Engineering, Procurement and wider site leadership
• Ensure a safe, compliant and high-standards operating environment
• Shape the long-term industrial vision for our Glasgow site

Skills

Industrial leadership

Operations management

Continuous improvement

Communication

Stakeholder management

Coaching & development

Lean & quality processes

Job description

Location: Templecombe, 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.

We’re Hiring: APRU/Production Manager

Lead a mission‑critical manufacturing team delivering products that protect and empower global naval capability.

Thales Templecombe is home to world‑class Under Water Systems manufacturing, and we’re looking for an APRU Manager (FMC) to lead one of our most critical operational units. This role is central to delivering high‑integrity naval products on time, on cost and to the highest levels of quality and safety.

If you're passionate about operational excellence, people leadership and making an impact that truly matters — this is your opportunity.

What You’ll Do

As APRU Manager, you’ll take full accountability for the end‑to‑end industrial delivery of key naval products. You will:

• Lead, develop and inspire a high‑performing team
• Drive daily production performance and achieve the Master Production Schedule
• Champion quality, lean methodology and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with Engineering, Procurement and wider site leadership
• Ensure a safe, compliant and high‑standards operating environment
• Shape the long‑term industrial vision for our Glasgow site

This is a role with real influence — where your leadership strengthens delivery to the Royal Navy and international partners.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone with:

• Proven experience leading in an industrial or manufacturing environment
• Strong operations management capability
• A track record of driving continuous improvement and change
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• The ability to coach, motivate and develop teams
• Knowledge of lean, quality, and industrial processes

Preferred experience in MRP2, supply chain disciplines or operational financials is beneficial but not essential.

Why Thales?

At Thales, your work contributes directly to safeguarding lives and strengthening national defence capability. You’ll join a collaborative, ambitious team committed to innovation, operational excellence and continuous improvement.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead a revenue‑critical operation
• Shape industrial strategy for the site
• Deliver meaningful impact that extends beyond the factory floor
• Develop your leadership capability in a globally respected organisation

Ready to Lead With Purpose?

If you want to deliver real impact, drive operational excellence and lead a team whose work truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.

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.

Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!