Supply Chain Planning and Systems Manager

Thales Group; Crawley; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

4 day week

28 days annual leave

Volunteer day

Job summary

Thales Group in Crawley seeks a Supply Chain Planning and Systems Manager to lead planning, S&OP governance and ERP-driven processes. You will champion the professionalisation of planning and logistics, optimise material flow and ensure delivery commitments across multi-site operations.

The role blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution, coaching teams, managing 3PL/4PL relationships, driving Lean improvements, and delivering data-led decision making for procurement, manufacturing,

Qualifications

• Deep experience leading planning in complex, multi-site environments.
• Strong knowledge of S&OP, forecasting, and capacity planning.
• Proven track record implementing Lean and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Planning function and governance across sites.
• Deliver robust S&OP and resilient supply plans.
• Oversee materials/resources planning in line with operating plans.
• Drive ERP/MRP2 best practices and data-driven decision making.
• Manage inventory strategy and flows from receipt to despatch.

Skills

Multi-site supply chain

MRP2

ERP systems

Lean principles

Stakeholder management

Change leadership

Education

APICS certification

Tools

MES implementation

Data analytics

Job description

Supply Chain Planning and Systems Manager### Supply Chain Planning and Systems ManagerApply: On-Site: Crawley: Full time: Posted Today: R0330431Location: Crawley, United KingdomThales 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.**Supply Chain Planning and Systems Manager****Together, we shape the world around us**At Thales, we bring together brilliant people from around the world to design and deliver innovative solutions that make tomorrow possible across aerospace, defence, digital identity, and security.We are looking for a **Supply Chain Planning and Systems Manager** to lead a critical function at the heart of our Industrial and Supply Chain operations. This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in delivering operational excellence, enabling customer success, and shaping the future of our UK supply chain capability. **The role**As Head of Planning and Logistics, you will lead the strategy, governance, and performance of planning and logistics activities, ensuring the seamless flow of materials, information, and resources from suppliers through to customers.You will champion the professionalisation of planning and logistics, driving best practice, continuous improvement, and capability development while empowering teams to operate with autonomy and accountability.**Key responsibilities*** Lead the **Planning function and associated governance**, ensuring alignment with operational and strategic objectives* Deliver robust **Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)**, developing viable and resilient supply plans* Oversee the **planning of all materials and resources** in support of company operating plans* Drive the implementation and governance of **MRP2 best practices** and ERP-enabled planning processes* Ensure effective **supply chain analysis and performance insight** to support decision-making* Lead and optimise **logistics operations**, including 3PL/4PL partner relationships where applicable* Manage **inventory strategy and flows**, from goods receipt through to despatch* Support production and repair units to meet **delivery, capacity, and performance commitments*** Contribute to the **strategic evolution of supply chain capabilities**, including investment, tools, and processes* Embed a culture of **Lean thinking and continuous improvement**, reducing lead times, WIP, and inventory* Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment across **Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Projects*** Ensure compliance with **regulatory frameworks and business requirements** across all logistics flows**About you**You are a strategic, collaborative leader who brings both technical expertise and a passion for developing people and improving systems.**Skills and expertise*** Deep understanding of **complex, multi-site supply chain environments*** Expertise in **MRP2, ERP systems, and data-driven decision-making*** Strong knowledge of **planning, production, repair, and logistics flows*** Proven ability to **lead teams through change and transformation*** Experience applying **Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies*** Excellent **communication, influencing, and stakeholder management** skills* Ability to translate strategic priorities into **practical, deliverable outcomes****Experience*** Proven success in a **senior planning or supply chain leadership role** within an industrial or manufacturing environment* Experience of **inventory optimisation and flow management*** Strong track record in **ERP/MES implementation and improvement*** Experience delivering **change, transformation, and performance improvement initiatives*** End-to-end understanding of supply chain disciplines**Qualifications*** APICS certification (or willingness to achieve)**Our values**At Thales, our behaviours guide everything we do:* **Think Big** – shaping the future and anticipating tomorrow’s challenges* **Make It Happen** – delivering value for our customers with agility and accountability* **Together** – growing ourselves and others while embracing diversity and inclusionWe are committed to creating an **inclusive workplace** where everyone feels they belong. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.**What we offer*** A role with real purpose and impact, supporting critical national and global programmes* Opportunities to develop your career within a global organisation* A collaborative, innovative environment where your ideas are valued C* Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits* Performance-related bonus (grade dependent)* Car cash allowance (grade dependent)* 4 day week* 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)* 24 hours volunteering paid for* Private healthcare* Pension scheme* Life cover* 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app* Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers* Gym membership discounts**Ready to help build a future we can all trust?**Apply now and be part of a team that is shaping the future of technology, together. 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.