Operations Director

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

Our UVX Team are proud to support the Australian Defence customer, designing and manufacturing mission-critical solutions for a range of missions, including:

• Sonars for submarines, ships and autonomous vehicles

• Radios, secure communications and integrated computing systems for military vehicles

• Cloud-based information systems

• Helicopter flight avionics

• Training and Simulation systems

With access to some of the world’s most advanced technologies, our highly trained people develop solutions that equip the men and women of the ADF and partner nations with the very best capabilities that are available.

Reporting to the Vice President UVX, we are seeking an Operations Director to lead end-to-end operational activities, drive efficiency, and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement across the business. Working with key senior stakeholders across Thales, this is a high-impact role, responsible for scaling operations, reducing production costs, and supporting strategic growth initiatives, including expansion into new markets.

Located in Thales Australia’s Centre of Excellence at Rydalmere NSW, on Darug land, your role will be –

• Lead and manage all aspects of operations: manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, quality assurance and project management office.

• Streamline collaboration between engineering, operations and industry to boost product development and manufacturability

• Drive programme delivery performance and conduct workload analysis to optimize operational efficiency.

• Develop and execute strategic business plans and competitiveness strategies aligned with Sovereign Industrial Capability priorities and Thales Group’s Towards2030 vision.

• Oversee capital investments and deployment of new tools to enhance business capabilities without disrupting customer commitments.

• Champion safety leadership to ensure compliance with Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental policies, promoting a safe work environment.

On day one in this role, we'll expect you to bring the following skills, experience and behaviours:

• Exceptional leader, communicator, and problem solver

• Proven leadership in large-scale operations, preferably in Defence or manufacturing.

• Experience in transformational change (e.g., LEAN, Industry 4.0, etc)

• Strong financial and operational acumen (P&L, budgeting, KPIs).

• HSE leadership with a track record of driving safety culture.

• Stakeholder management (internal teams, suppliers, Defence customers).

• Strategic planning (business plans, roadmaps, industrial strategies).

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred

As part of our commitment, we offer:

• Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical Insurance

• ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment

• Recognised leader in reservist employee support

• Veterans Leave

• Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS

• Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)

• Modernised Paid Parental Leave

• Novated Lease options

• Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work

• Personal & professional training development opportunities

• Sonder – Wellbeing & Support Partner

• Access to a network of the best people (A Noble Prize winner on our staff list!)

• And much more!

Good to Know

Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and (role dependent) medical checks.

A NV 1 Defence security clearance is required for this role; applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance.

Additional information with regards to clearances is available from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA/. In some cases, individuals who hold a current clearance from a foreign government may be eligible to have this clearance recognised by the Australian Government and be eligible for this role. The Australian Defence Trade Controls Act (DTCA) is applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.

The U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. 

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.