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.
Lean Leader – Glasgow Manufacturing | Thales UK
We need a Lean Leader who lives continuous improvement in everyday manufacturing. Your mission is to sharpen, speed up and improve our manufacturing operations through embedding Lean thinking into daily work.
The Role
You will be the go‑to expert for Lean Continuous Improvement (LCI) across our Glasgow site, embedding robust problem solving (PDCA) and Lean thinking into daily operations and leading the transformation of teams and processes to deliver measurable gains in quality, delivery and cost.
What You Bring
- Proven experience in Lean manufacturing and strong knowledge of Lean tools and practices, such as Lean Six Sigma, Green Belt, Back Belt or equivalent experience.
- Exceptional problem‑solving and analytical skills.
- Real fluency 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 builder’s mindset – you leave capability behind, not dependency.
Experience with Oracle, iObeya, PowerBI, Minitab or MES systems is a plus.
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 toward 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.
- Progress in 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 per annum paid volunteering.
- Gym membership discounts and employee discount schemes.
Security Clearance
This role requires SC clearance. If you already hold it we welcome that; otherwise the successful applicant must obtain, achieve and maintain SC clearance, following UKSV guidance. Eligibility generally requires five years of residence in the UK.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our success.
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