Production Manager

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom

Thales 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 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.

🚢 We’re Hiring: APRU Manager – Naval (Glasgow)

Lead a mission‑critical manufacturing team delivering products that protect and empower global naval capability.

Thales Glasgow is home to world‑class OME manufacturing, and we’re looking for an APRU Manager (Naval) to lead one of our most critical operational units. This role is central to delivering high‑integrity naval products on time, on cost and to the highest levels of quality and safety.

If you're passionate about operational excellence, people leadership and making an impact that truly matters — this is your opportunity.

🔧 What You’ll Do

As APRU Manager, you’ll take full accountability for the end‑to‑end industrial delivery of key naval products. You will:

• Lead, develop and inspire a high‑performing team
• Drive daily production performance and achieve the Master Production Schedule
• Champion quality, lean methodology and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with Engineering, Procurement and wider site leadership
• Ensure a safe, compliant and high‑standards operating environment
• Shape the long‑term industrial vision for our Glasgow site

This is a role with real influence — where your leadership strengthens delivery to the Royal Navy and international partners.

🌟 What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone with:

• Proven experience leading in an industrial or manufacturing environment
• Strong operations management capability
• A track record of driving continuous improvement and change
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• The ability to coach, motivate and develop teams
• Knowledge of lean, quality, and industrial processes

Preferred experience in MRP2, supply chain disciplines or operational financials is beneficial but not essential.

🎯 Why Thales?

At Thales, your work contributes directly to safeguarding lives and strengthening national defence capability. You’ll join a collaborative, ambitious team committed to innovation, operational excellence and continuous improvement.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead a revenue‑critical operation
• Shape industrial strategy for the site
• Deliver meaningful impact that extends beyond the factory floor
• Develop your leadership capability in a globally respected organisation

🔍 Ready to Lead With Purpose?

If you want to deliver real impact, drive operational excellence and lead a team whose work truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Apply now and help shape the future of naval manufacturing.

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!