Hybrid working arrangement: 3-4 days per week on site
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager to join our UK team in Glasgow. This role is suited to a seasoned operations leader who has operated in a large, complex defence, engineering or manufacturing environment and is comfortable driving strategic and large‑scale operational change.
We are seeking a highly capable, commercial and results‑driven Operations professional who can provide experienced leadership, influence at senior level, and deliver measurable improvements across end‑to‑end operations. This is a pivotal role with significant visibility, accountability and impact across the business.
What the role has to offer:
* A senior, high-impact role working across multiple complex programmes, projects and sites
* Significant exposure to senior leadership and critical interfaces across the organisation
* The opportunity to shape and influence operational strategy, performance and transformation initiatives
* A role suited to an established operations leader looking to have real business impact within a major organisation
* Scope to mentor and influence others, embedding best practice and operational discipline across teams
Core Benefits:
On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;
* Performance-related bonus
* Half day every Friday (4 hours)
* 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus 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
* You can read about some of our other benefits here: UK benefits | Thales Group
Main Responsibilities:
* Provide senior ownership of Operations delivery, driving operational excellence and continuous improvement across complex, multi‑functional interfaces
* Lead and manage significant Capex investment and stock performance, ensuring alignment to strategic and budgetary objectives
* Partner with Engineering, Procurement, Industry, Product Support and Project teams to resolve complex delivery, cost and performance challenges
* Oversee and improve Operations reporting, governance and performance metrics to support informed senior decision‑making
* Lead site‑level improvement initiatives at Glasgow, embedding high standards for Health, Safety, Environment and Security
Ideal Experience & Skills:
* Extensive senior operations management experience within a large defence, engineering or manufacturing organisation
* Proven background in Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Procurement or Engineering in a complex, regulated environment
* Strong senior stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to influence, challenge and drive change at all organisational levels
* Demonstrated experience managing substantial budgets, capex programmes and operational performance improvement
* A confident, autonomous leader with a track record of delivering measurable results across cross‑functional teams
Security Clearance Requirement:
Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). 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.
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.
Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.