Lean Continuous Improvement Leader

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83000 employees on five continents. With over 7500 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.

ARE YOU THE VOICE OF LEAN

LEAN LEADER Glasgow Manufacturing Thales UK

We dont want someone who talks about continuous improvement. We want someone who

lives it on the shop floor with the teams every day. Thales UK builds technology that

matters. As our Lean Leader in Glasgow your mission is to make our manufacturing

operations sharper faster and better for good.

THE ROLE

Youll be the go-to expert for Lean Continuous Improvement (LCI) across our Glasgow site. That means embedding robust problem solving (PDCA) and Lean thinking into daily operations not just running workshops. Youll coach teams lead transformations and drive measurable results across Quality (FPTY) Delivery (OTDIF) and Cost (UPC).

This is a hands-on high-visibility role. Youll work directly with Site Production Engineering Our Autonomous Production and Repair Unit (APRU) Managers Head of Industry and the UK Head of Lean Continuous Improvement and your fingerprints will be on the culture not just the metrics.

WHAT YOU BRING

Proven experience in Lean manufacturing and strong knowledge of Lean tools and practises in general - Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Back Belt - or equivalent hard-won experience

Exceptional problem solving and analytical skills

Real fluency and expertise in Lean tools: VSM 5S Flow improvement techniques Visual Management

Problem solving frameworks as daily habits not slide content

Proven success in low-volume bespoke manufacturing environments

Demonstrated ability to lead and influence at every level from production cells to cross-functional teams including stakeholders at all levels.

A builders mindset: you leave capability behind not dependency

Experience with Oracle iObeya PowerBI Minitab or MES systems Even better.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead and execute transformation activities that elevate efficiency and margins

Train coach and develop the Industry team for process optimisation

Analyse and plan improvements aligned to Group strategy Thales Towards 2030

Facilitate a cultural shift towards Lean agility and operational excellence

Ensure Lean Continuous Improvement implementation with a structured measurable approach

Strategically plan and coordinate all Lean activities across your APRU and site

HOW SUCCESS IS MEASURED

Delivery (OTDIF) Quality (FPTY) and Cost (UPC) improvements

Advancement of Lean maturity on-site

Deployment of the Thales Industry Operating Model (TIOM)

Lean certification targets achieved within 24 months

Proactive Lean activity engagement across all functions

What we can offer you

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension scheme and life cover

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

24 hours p.a. paid volunteering

Gym membership discounts and employee discount schemes

SECURITY CLEARANCE

This role will require SC Clearance. It would be advantageous if currently held however if not currently held it is a requirement that the successful applicant will undergo achieve and maintain SC Clearance. 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 some circumstances a minimum of 3 years residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted with additional overseas checks.

For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the National Security Vetting (NSV) Agency - United Kingdom Security Vetting - ()

READY TO LEAD THE CHARGE

Apply now and help shape the future of manufacturing at Thales UK.

Thales is an equal opportunities employer. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our success.

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 isnt 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.

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