Head of Industry UWS (Under Water Systems)

Thales Avionics, Inc. (AGS); Templecombe; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Cycle to work scheme

Annual bonus

Stock options

Job summary

Thales is recruiting an experienced senior operations leader for Templecombe, United Kingdom. You will lead the full industrial ecosystem across planning, procurement, manufacturing and logistics, shaping the industrial strategy and driving lean transformation aligned with Industry 4.0.

You will manage a large, multi-disciplined team and ensure delivery, quality, cost and customer satisfaction. The role emphasizes improving industrial throughput, implementing digital industrial technologies, and

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end industrial delivery across planning, procurement, manufacturing and logistics.
• Drive industrial strategy and lean transformation using Industry 4.0.
• Oversee supply chain, manufacturing, industrial engineering and continuous improvement (300 headcount).
• Ensure industrialisation of new products from design to production.
• Optimize inventory, supply and WIP to meet cost, quality and delivery targets.
• Represent industrial operations at bid and gate reviews and support proposals.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Change management

Strategic leadership

Communication

Education

Degree in Engineering or Manufacturing

Tools

ERP

MES

QMS

Job description

Location: Templecombe, United Kingdom

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 (c. £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)

Why Thales?

Join a global leader at the forefront of defence innovation. Shape the future of underwater systems while making a real-world impact.

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all.

Benefits

• private medical insurance
• buying or selling annual leave
• cycle to work schemes
• employee discounts
• paid volunteering day
• stocks and shares
• annual bonus
• much more depending on the role

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.