Thales UK is seeking an Industrial Architect to join our team in Cheadle. This is a key leadership role requiring a strong background in manufacturing and industrial operations. Clearance: SC clearance required (UK passport holder mandatory). Working Hours: 4.5 days per week (Friday from home). This role is primarily site-based with on-site presence required.
Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Industrial Architect to drive industrial strategies and ensure operational excellence within our manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will possess broad expertise across Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Production Engineering, or Process Engineering (maintenance engineering experience is not applicable) and have experience leading large-scale industrial teams, processes, and facilities, including setting up new production lines or facilities.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage large-scale industrial operations, including teams, processes, and facilities to achieve business objectives.
* Plan and execute transfer of work initiatives, including setting up new production lines or manufacturing facilities, with thorough understanding of operational complexities.
* Support new product introduction by collaborating across design, development, and manufacturing teams to enable efficient product release to manufacture.
* Develop and implement industrial strategies aimed at optimizing production, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
* Lead costing and estimating efforts for projects, contributing to bids, contracts, and financial planning.
* Apply knowledge of design for manufacture principles and engage in design life-cycle considerations to enhance manufacturability and reduce costs.
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within the team and wider organization.
* Utilize APQP methodologies, preferably with aerospace or automotive industry experience, to ensure high product quality standards.
Essential Experience & Skills
* Strong background in Manufacturing, Industrial, Production, or Process Engineering.
* Proven experience leading teams and managing large-scale industrial operations.
* Demonstrated leadership in transfer of work/project setups involving new facilities or production lines.
* Exposure to new product introduction processes, supporting product development through to manufacturing release.
* Familiarity with costing, estimating, bids, and contracts in an industrial context.
* Understanding of design impact on manufacturing and Design for Manufacture (DfM) principles.
* Experience with industrial strategies and continuous improvement practices.
* Ability to lead from the front and be a critical contributor within a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable
* Experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), ideally in aerospace or automotive sectors.
Additional Information
* This position requires on-site presence; occasional remote working may be possible but the role is fundamentally site-based.
* Security clearance (SC) is mandatory prior to starting; candidates must hold a valid UK passport (dual nationality may affect eligibility).
What We Can Offer
* VCP Bonus
* Pension Scheme
* 28 days annual leave (Plus Bank Holidays)
* Life Cover
* Progression and Development Opportunities
* 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
* Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailer
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