Head of Planning & Logistics

## Head of Planning & Logistics Apply remote type:
On-Site locations:
Glasgow time type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Todayjob requisition :
R0317217

Location:

Glasgow, 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.
** Head of Planning and Logistics
**** Together, we shape the world around us
** At Thales, we bring together brilliant people from around the world to design and deliver innovative solutions that make tomorrow possible across aerospace, defence, digital identity, and security.

We are looking for a
** Head of Planning and Logistics
** to lead a critical function at the heart of our Industrial and Supply Chain operations. This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in delivering operational excellence, enabling customer success, and shaping the future of our UK supply chain capability.
** The role
** As Head of Planning and Logistics, you will lead the strategy, governance, and performance of planning and logistics activities, ensuring the seamless flow of materials, information, and resources from suppliers through to customers.

You will champion the professionalisation of planning and logistics, driving best practice, continuous improvement, and capability development while empowering teams to operate with autonomy and accountability.
** Key responsibilities
*** Lead the
** Planning function and associated governance**, ensuring alignment with operational and strategic objectives
* Deliver robust
** Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)**, developing viable and resilient supply plans
* Oversee the
** planning of all materials and resources
** in support of company operating plans
* Drive the implementation and governance of
** MRP2 best practices
** and ERP-enabled planning processes
* Ensure effective
** supply chain analysis and performance insight
** to support decision-making
* Lead and optimise
** logistics operations**, including 3PL/4PL partner relationships where applicable
* Manage
** inventory strategy and flows**, from goods receipt through to despatch
* Support production and repair units to meet
** delivery, capacity, and performance commitments
*** Contribute to the
** strategic evolution of supply chain capabilities**, including investment, tools, and processes
* Embed a culture of
** Lean thinking and continuous improvement**, reducing lead times, WIP, and inventory
* Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment across
** Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Projects
*** Ensure compliance with
** regulatory frameworks and business requirements
** across all logistics flows
** About you
** You are a strategic, collaborative leader who brings both technical expertise and a passion for developing people and improving systems.
** Skills and expertise
*** Deep understanding of
** complex, multi-site supply chain environments
*** Expertise in
** MRP2, ERP systems, and data-driven decision-making
*** Strong knowledge of
** planning, production, repair, and logistics flows
*** Proven ability to
** lead teams through change and transformation
*** Experience applying
** Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies
*** Excellent
** communication, influencing, and stakeholder management
** skills* Ability to translate strategic priorities into
** practical, deliverable outcomes
**** Experience
* ** Proven success in a
** senior planning or supply chain leadership role
** within an industrial or manufacturing environment
* Experience of
** inventory optimisation and flow management
*** Strong track record in
** ERP/MES implementation and improvement
*** Experience delivering
** change, transformation, and performance improvement initiatives
*** End-to-end understanding of supply chain disciplines
** Qualifications
* ** Degree in
** Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or Logistics** (or equivalent…