Industrial Operations Manager

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

Our UVX Team are proud to support the Australian Defence customer, designing and manufacturing mission-critical solutions for a range of missions, including:

• Sonars for submarines, ships and autonomous vehicles

• Radios, secure communications and integrated computing systems for military vehicles

• Cloud-based information systems

• Helicopter flight avionics

• Training and Simulation systems

With access to some of the world’s most advanced technologies, our highly trained people develop solutions that equip the men and women of the ADF and partner nations with the very best capabilities that are available.

We’re looking for an Industrial Operations Manager to help balance customer satisfaction with strong organisational performance.

Working in a low-volume, high-cost production environment, you’ll guide the team and resources to successfully deliver our industrial plans, both now and into the future.

Located in Thales Australia’s Industrial Competency Centre at Rydalmere NSW, on Darug land, your role will be –

• Drive delivery and performance improvement across Industry and Projects through cross-functional coordination.

• Execute UVX industrial strategy with focus on people, finances, and resources for short to long-term goals. 

• Cultivate accountability and commercial acumen by empowering key decision-makers. 

• Ensure staffs safety, proper staffing, and clear control of manufacturing schedules and project forecasts. 

• Support production units and UVX Projects through integrated Process Engineering, Supply Chain, and Industrial Operations. 

• Lead HSE due diligence, risk reduction, and sustainability initiatives. 

• Promote employee growth, LEAN practices, and continuous improvement. 

• Represent Industry on-site and enforce compliance with standards. 

• Implement Business Continuity Management.

On day one in this role, we'll expect you to bring the following skills, experience and behaviours:

• Exceptional leader with relevant industry experience, communicator, and problem solver

• Proven leadership in large-scale operations, preferably in manufacturing or supply chain management  

• Experience in transformational change (e.g., LEAN, Industry 4.0, ERP system)

• Strong financial and operational acumen (CAPEX, budgeting, KPIs, Project Management).

• HSE leadership with a track record of driving safety culture.

• Stakeholder management (internal teams, suppliers, Defence customers).

• Strategic planning (business plans, roadmaps, industrial strategies).

• Bachelor’s degree in production related engineering disciplines, Operations Management, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred

As part of our commitment, we offer:

• Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical Insurance

• ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment

• Recognised leader in reservist employee support

• Veterans Leave

• Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS

• Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)

• Modernised Paid Parental Leave

• Novated Lease options

• Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work

• Personal & professional training development opportunities

• Sonder – Wellbeing & Support Partner

• Access to a network of the best people (A Noble Prize winner on our staff list!)

• And much more!

Good to Know

Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and (role dependent) medical checks.

A NV 1 Defence security clearance is required for this role; applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance.

Additional information with regards to clearances is available from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA/. In some cases, individuals who hold a current clearance from a foreign government may be eligible to have this clearance recognised by the Australian Government and be eligible for this role.

The Australian Defence Trade Controls Act (DTCA) is applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.

The U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality, including secondary citizenship/s, may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.

We Encourage You To Apply
After you have applied, you will receive an email acknowledging your application. We’ll then provide a personalised experience for suitable applicants as we progress the selection and assessment process. Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and depending on the role type, medical checks as well.

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.