Location: Crawley, United KingdomIn fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.
Job role - Lean Continuous Improvement Leader
Location - Manor Royal, Crawley
Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and make a real difference? As our Site Lean and Continuous Improvement Leader, you will be the go-to expert, transforming our manufacturing processes from the ground up. You will not just be talking the talk; you will walk it by working closely with our industrial teams, sharing your know-how, and leading by example.
Your mission is to embed a Lean Continuous Improvement mind-set into
every corner of our operations, making sure efficiency and innovation are not just buzzwords—they are our way of life. Your role is pivotal in driving tactical
transformations, delivering high-impact training sessions, and fostering a culture of operational excellence. Be the spearhead of change and the voice of Lean within our Crawley manufacturing operations.
If you are a change-maker looking to leave a mark, let’s make it happen together at Thales UK.
What the role has to offer:
Lead and execute transformation activities that elevate efficiency margins.
Train, coach and develop the Industry team for process optimisation and effective method adoption.
Analyse and plan improvements in our industrial operations to gear up for future growth, embracing Group strategy "Thales Towards 2030"
Facilitate a cultural shift towards Lean agility and operational excellence
Dynamic role, offering endless opportunities to learn new tools, methodologies and best practises.
About You
We are looking for someone who is a proactive leader with a passion for driving change and empowering our teams. As well as the below:
Proven experience in Lean manufacturing and strong knowledge of Lean tools and practises in general
Understanding of Supply Chain planning and flow management
Exceptional problem solving and analytical skills. Data analytics understanding would be a bonus!
Expertise in Flow improvement techniques
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and to be able to influence stakeholders at all levels.
Able to secure SC clearance with no restrictions
What we can offer
4 day working week
Pension Scheme
28 days annual leave (Plus Bank Holidays)
Life Cover
Progression and Development Opportunities
24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailer
Flexibility
Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.
If you are interested in this role, we would encourage you to have informal chat with the Talent Acquisition Partner, Megan Clapinson or the hiring manager for this role.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.
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 for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.
Great journeys start here, apply now!