Head of Industry UWS (Under Water Systems)

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 Industry – Under Water Systems (UWS)

Are you ready to lead industrial excellence in a purpose-driven organisation? At Thales UK, we are seeking a visionary Head of Industry to drive performance, innovation, and transformation across our Under Water Systems business—helping keep people safe worldwide.

The Role

You will lead the full industrial ecosystem, ensuring delivery across planning, procurement, manufacturing, and logistics. With accountability for both performance and customer satisfaction, you’ll shape and execute industrial strategy while championing lean principles and Industry 4.0 transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end industrial delivery, including planning, procurement, manufacturing, and logistics aligned to S&OP supply plans
• Deploy industrial strategy, ensuring effective use of human, financial, and physical resources
• Oversee supply chain, manufacturing, industrial engineering, and continuous improvement activities (total 300 headcount, 8 direct reports)
• Ensure successful industrialisation of new products from design through to production
• Deliver performance against quality, cost, and delivery targets by optimising inventory, supply, and WIP
• Drive adoption of Industry 4.0 and digital industrial technologies
• Ensure effective use of industrial systems (ERP, MES, QMS)
• Lead change management and embed a culture of continuous improvement
• Manage cost centre (~£15M) and industrial throughput (c. £200M+)
• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety & Environmental standards
• Represent industrial operations at bid and gate reviews, approving industrial solutions
• Act as industrial lead within business domains, supporting proposals and programme delivery

About You

• Senior operational leader with experience in complex manufacturing and supply chains
• Strong expertise in lean manufacturing and industrial transformation
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and drive change
• Excellent communicator with the ability to influence at all levels

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or Manufacturing (essential)
• Lean expertise (e.g., 5S, Kaizen)
• MBA, APICS or Green Belt (desirable)

Why Thales?

Join a global leader at the forefront of defence innovation. Shape the future of underwater systems while making a real-world impact.

Apply now and lead industrial excellence at Thales.

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!