Location: Belfast, United KingdomThales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.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 five major industries; Aerospace, Defence, Ground Transportation, 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.

Our Opportunity

As Production Activity Manager, you will report into the Site Manager and ensure industrial activities to achieve schedule adherence within cost parameters established in the operating plan/budget, whilst achieving a quality standard that will meet or exceed the customer’s specifications in a safe and secure environment.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks:

To achieve the Master Production Schedule (contained within the ERP) for all Production and support activities within the cell. This must be achieved within the cost parameters defined in operating plan or project EAC. Full accountability for the recurring Unit Production Costs of the products within the cell. Continually monitor cost performance and implement remedial action plans when performance is above target. To enhance competitiveness through continual improvement of functional processes and adoption of best practices. Develop and present ROI proposals to senior management for the introduction of new technologies and ways of working to improve operational performance and achieve strategic goals and product competitiveness. Once these are approved then manage these objectives to deliver the improvements. Ensure labour allocation and physical resources are available, optimised and maintained to deliver the Master Production Schedule within budget and cost constraints. Development, motivate and maintain an effective work team built on mutual trust and open communication which is continually focused on the customer. To utilise the resources under their control to achieve maximum efficiency in terms of output, quality and costs, and obtain support from other entities when required. Ensure all Production activities are carried out in accordance with customer and company procedures (Chorus). Plan, implement and control production operating plans / targets and ensure adequate timely management/team reporting of same. Ensure that all team members understand their role and performance in achieving the team plan. Achieve the optimum levels of work-in-progress by effective shop floor daily scheduling and management through the application of appropriate Lean techniques and principles. Through the effective management of the natural team, strive to create a culture of continuous improvement whilst meeting or exceeding customer quality standards. Manage Material Review Board and co-ordinate the interface with Facilities so corrective and preventive action is in place enabling achievement of the Master Production Schedule. Maintain housekeeping (5s) standards are established and maintained. Accountable for all HSE activities within the cell - this will include establishing and maintaining all area risk assessments, control of Personal Protection Equipment and the training and heath surveillance of all staff. Maintenance of a safe and secure operating environment is the primary importance. Provide first line response to all human resourcing/people matters. Prepare and implement appropriate personal development/training plans for each member of the team to enable them to fully contribute to the team performance and to ensure the correct skills are in place to deliver the company’s current and future plans. Accountable for the integrity of information fed into the manufacturing management systems. Lead the introduction and management of change, and the development of a continuous improvement culture.

Due to the nature of the production schedule, there may be a very rare requirement for you to support the nightshift.

About You

You will either have proven experience in a similar Manufacturing Management role and ideally formal qualification or training. Your experience would ideally come from within world-class aerospace industrial activity and low/medium volume manufacturing.

With a working knowledge of continuous improvement, problem solving and change management in an industrial environment. You will also have an understanding of total supply chain disciplines (Manufacturing Engineering, Planning, Procurement, Manufacturing, Delivery, Supplier Quality Assurance, Logistic/Delivery).

Other attributes required include:

An understanding of best practice MRP/ERP and other industrial toolsets Operational Financial awareness, including operational budgets and factory cost modelling Operations management and control Lean/continuous improvement techniques and change management. Knowledge of MRP2 practices Effective stakeholder management Development of people though appraisal, influencing, coaching and motivational skills Effective management of complex industrial activities and projects Strong understanding of lean aspects (one piece flow, line balancing, layout) Excellent communication skills (understanding expectations of stakeholders), in an international environment.

Due the nature of the role, applicants will have to be British passport holders only.

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!