Lean and Continuous Improvement Leader

Location: Templecombe, 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.

Are you the voice of Lean?

We don't 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 one of our manufacturing facilities in Templecombe, your mission is to make our operations sharper, faster, and better ‑ for good.

The role

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

This is a hands‑on, high‑visibility role. You’ll 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 builder's 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

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

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all.

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