Head of Supply Chain Planning and Systems

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.

Head of Planning and Logistics

Together, we shape the world around us

At Thales, we bring together brilliant people from around the world to design and deliver innovative solutions that make tomorrow possible across aerospace, defence, digital identity, and security.

We are looking for aHead of Planning and Logistics to lead a critical function at the heart of our Industrial and Supply Chain operations. This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in delivering operational excellence, enabling customer success, and shaping the future of our UK supply chain capability.

The role

As Head of Planning and Logistics, you will lead the strategy, governance, and performance of planning and logistics activities, ensuring the seamless flow of materials, information, and resources from suppliers through to customers.

You will champion the professionalisation of planning and logistics, driving best practice, continuous improvement, and capability development while empowering teams to operate with autonomy and accountability.

Key responsibilities

• Lead thePlanning function and associated governance, ensuring alignment with operational and strategic objectives
• Deliver robustSales & Operations Planning (S&OP), developing viable and resilient supply plans
• Oversee theplanning of all materials and resources in support of company operating plans
• Drive the implementation and governance ofMRP2 best practices and ERP-enabled planning processes
• Ensure effectivesupply chain analysis and performance insight to support decision-making
• Lead and optimiselogistics operations, including 3PL/4PL partner relationships where applicable
• Manageinventory strategy and flows, from goods receipt through to despatch
• Support production and repair units to meetdelivery, capacity, and performance commitments
• Contribute to thestrategic evolution of supply chain capabilities, including investment, tools, and processes
• Embed a culture ofLean thinking and continuous improvement, reducing lead times, WIP, and inventory
• Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment acrossProcurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Projects
• Ensure compliance withregulatory frameworks and business requirements across all logistics flows

About you

You are a strategic, collaborative leader who brings both technical expertise and a passion for developing people and improving systems.

Skills and expertise

• Deep understanding ofcomplex, multi-site supply chain environments
• Expertise inMRP2, ERP systems, and data-driven decision-making
• Strong knowledge ofplanning, production, repair, and logistics flows
• Proven ability tolead teams through change and transformation
• Experience applyingLean principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Excellentcommunication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to translate strategic priorities intopractical, deliverable outcomes

Experience

• Proven success in asenior planning or supply chain leadership role within an industrial or manufacturing environment
• Experience ofinventory optimisation and flow management
• Strong track record inERP/MES implementation and improvement
• Experience deliveringchange, transformation, and performance improvement initiatives
• End-to-end understanding of supply chain disciplines

Qualifications

• APICS certification (or willingness to achieve)

Our values

At Thales, our behaviours guide everything we do:

• Think Big – shaping the future and anticipating tomorrow’s challenges
• Make It Happen – delivering value for our customers with agility and accountability
• Together – growing ourselves and others while embracing diversity and inclusion

We are committed to creating aninclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

What we offer

• A role with real purpose and impact, supporting critical national and global programmes
• Opportunities to develop your career within a global organisation
• A collaborative, innovative environment where your ideas are valued C
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Performance-related bonus (grade dependent)
• Car cash allowance (grade dependent)
• 4 day week
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
• 24 hours volunteering paid for
• Private healthcare
• 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

Ready to help build a future we can all trust?

Apply now and be part of a team that is shaping the future of technology, together.

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 benefitshere.
 

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 featureshere.

If this role isn’t 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 Communityhere.

Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!