Operations Manager

Job Title

Operations Manager

Glasgow, United Kingdom

We have a fantastic opportunity for an Operations Manager to join our UK team in Glasgow. We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Operations Manager to join our innovative team. In this pivotal role, you will be at the forefront of driving operational excellence, overseeing end-to-end processes, and ensuring seamless delivery of our world‑class solutions. If you are passionate about optimising performance and contributing to projects that make a real difference, we invite you to apply.

• A highly varied position, allowing you to work across multiple projects and teams within Thales
• Excellent exposure to all aspects of the business, offering insights into our diverse operations
• An ideal stepping stone for further career progression and movement into other areas of the company
• Opportunities to develop leadership skills and influence operational strategy

• Performance‑related bonus
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
• 24 hours volunteering paid for
• Private healthcare for couples
• Pension scheme
• Life cover
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
• Gym membership discounts

• Challenge and enhance current practices to improve Operations delivery for our customers
• Identify and drive opportunities for operational excellence across interfaces including Engineering, Industry, Procurement, Product Support, Quality, and Bid/Project Management
• Manage the Capex plan within budgetary requirements
• Oversee and optimise stock position to ensure alignment with budget
• Improve the consistency and accuracy of Operations reporting
• Liaise with project teams to coordinate and deliver Site Improvement Plans at Glasgow and Reading sites
• Foster competitiveness within Operations to support increased profitability
• Resolve cross‑functional issues to enable improved delivery and customer satisfaction
• Demonstrate exemplary Health, Safety, Environment, and Security behaviours, setting a standard for others in the organisation

• Management experience within an engineering or manufacturing company, particularly in areas such as Operations, Manufacturing, Materials, Supply Chain/Procurement, or Engineering
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels across the business
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with full autonomy, showing initiative and sound decision‑making
• Experience managing budgets, capex, and operational performance metrics
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, with a track record of identifying and implementing process improvements
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate across cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Industry, Procurement, Product Support, and Project Management

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!