(Engineering) Improvement Manager

(Engineering) Improvement Manager – Engineering Operations

About us

‘The people we rely on to make the world go round – they rely on Thales’. In a fast-changing and increasingly unpredictable world full of opportunities, people come to us with big ambitions – to make your life better and more secure. Our employees, who are part of a unique and varied team with many different fields of expertise and a wide range of talents and cultures, develop and deliver outstanding high-tech solutions.

Thales employs 81,000 highly talented people in 68 countries. Almost 3,000 of these are based in the Netherlands. We are one of the largest high-tech employers in the field of security and protection.

We help our customers think smarter and act faster in the fields of defense, aerospace, aviation technology and cyberspace, to manage and control their increasingly complex processes and make the best possible business decisions. This is why we play a leading role in digital transformation, focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Big Data & Data Analysis, Connectivity, Mobility, Internet of Things, Cyber Security.

n the Netherlands, we are located in four cities: Huizen, Delft, Eindhoven and Hengelo (head office). Together with an extensive ecosystem of knowledge partners, customers and suppliers, we work on radar systems for seagoing vessels, cyber security solutions, transport systems, communications equipment for land forces, cryogenic cooling solutions, R&D for radar technology (in collaboration with TU Delft), as well as R&D for serious gaming (in collaboration with the University of Twente).

About the team
You will join the Engineering Operations department which has the objective to boost Engineering performance by improving process, practices, tooling, metrics and drive digital transformation and innovation within engineering.
About your future job
As an Engineering Improvement Manager you will work within the team Operational Excellence & Performance. For different project you work with transversal teams of system -, software- and hardware- engineering. Besides internal Thales activities also contacts with external companies and knowledge institutes will become part of this role.

Your main tasks/responsibilities are:

• Manage improvement projects across engineering processes and workflows;
• Conduct stakeholder management by engaging engineers, managers, and cross-functional teams to align and work on improvement goals;
• Facilitate co-assessments, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning across engineering domains;
• Develop and execute change management strategies to ensure smooth adoption of new processes and tools;
• Use data-driven analysis to monitor performance, identify trends, and support decision-making;
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and communication plans to build a culture of continuous improvement.

You will match Thales and the team best if you:

• have a relevant HBO/university degree and a minimum of 3-5 years relevant working experience;
• have a profound interest in high tech, security and defense;
• work comfortably in a multidisciplinary team and motivate others (perform through cooperation);
• have experience in leading multi-disciplinary projects and have knowledge and experience with project management methodologies;
• easily engage stakeholders in a cross-cultural environment;
• always keep the overview, are proactive and able to overcome challenges (shape solutions out of complexity);
• bring structure and clarity, sets goals and is result-driven (be ambitious and accountable);
• has excellent communication- and language skills;
• is familiar with how to manage a change;
• is curious to understand the background of an issue/challenge and solution oriented;
• Dutch nationality is required due to security and defense project regulations.
• Security screening (AIVD-B) is mandatory.
• Fluent in Dutch and English

What's in it for you?

• A challenging job in a great team within our high-tech, innovative work environment. Includes freedom for initiative and good ideas.
• Room for personal and professional growth within our organization, for example in regard to technical, commercial or international skills.
• Valuable international collaboration with coworkers from 68 different countries around the globe.
• A comfortable workspace in a modern environment, with a focus on flexibility and the right work life balance.
• You can usually work where and whenever you want. Within Thales, we aim for a 60/40 balance, where you work from home at least two days a week, when your role allows this.
• A good salary, fitting travel allowance, and the ability to personalize your employment conditions: for instance, you can trade PTO for internet costs, our bicycle plan, company fitness and relocation costs.
• 40 days off per year (PTO).

Interested?

Apply now! Click on the button below to upload your profile and show your interest.

To ensure that we are a good match, we may ask you to participate in an assessment.

A government clearance will be requested as part of standard Thales procedures.

Diversity Statement

We actively support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions. That means that equal opportunities, inclusion and an informal culture are integral to our success. It also means that your well-being and happiness matter to us! That’s why we offer you flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, remote working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times.

Security Requirements

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in The Netherlands and employment and/or education history. This vacancy requires a security clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please refer to the General Intelligence and Security Service

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