Industrial Operational Excellence Manager

Thales 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.

Head of Industrial Excellence

Lead Transformation. Drive Performance. Shape the Future of Manufacturing.

We are looking for an experienced Head of Industrial Excellence to lead our continuous improvement, digital transformation, data analytics, and performance management activities.

Leading a multidisciplinary team of Lean Leaders, Digital Engineers and Data Analysts, you will champion Lean principles, embed a culture of operational excellence, and deliver measurable business improvements through digitalisation and data-driven decision making.

Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead Lean, Digital, Data and Performance functions across the organisation
✅ Drive continuous improvement through Kaizen, Gemba Walks and structured problem-solving
✅ Develop and deliver the digital transformation roadmap
✅ Build high-performing teams through coaching and leadership
✅ Partner with senior stakeholders to improve operational performance
✅ Manage transformation projects, budgets and business cases

About You

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing or a related discipline

• Proven experience in complex manufacturing environments

• Strong Lean expertise (Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S or equivalent)

• Experience leading business transformation and digital initiatives

• Exceptional leadership, coaching and stakeholder management skills

• #LI-AH1

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If you're passionate about operational excellence, digital innovation and leading transformational change, we'd love to hear from you.

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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.

If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.

Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!