Senior Project Manager
thales
Head of Industrial Excellence
thales· Thales UK Limited
About this role
Location: Templecombe, United Kingdom
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.
Industrial Operational Excellence Manager
Lead Transformation. Drive Performance. Shape the Future of Manufacturing.
We are looking for an experienced Industrial Operational Excellence Manager 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 skill
- #LI-AH1
If you're passionate about operational excellence, digital innovation and leading transformational change, we'd love to hear from you.
#IndustrialExcellence #Manufacturing #Lean #ContinuousImprovement #DigitalTransformation #Leadership #EngineeringJobs #OperationsExcellence
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the salary disclosed for the Head of Industrial Excellence position at thales?
The salary for this Head of Industrial Excellence role at thales is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Head of Industrial Excellence position at thales located?
This Head of Industrial Excellence role at thales is based in Templecombe. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Head of Industrial Excellence role at thales full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Head of Industrial Excellence role in the Thales UK Limited department at thales.
Which team or department does the Head of Industrial Excellence at thales belong to?
This Head of Industrial Excellence position is part of the Thales UK Limited department at thales. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Head of Industrial Excellence position at thales?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to thales's official application portal hosted on workday where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Head of Industrial Excellence job at thales posted?
This Head of Industrial Excellence position at thales was posted on Oct 1, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Head of Industrial Excellence
thales
You'll be redirected to thales's official application page on Workday.