Head of Supply Chain Planning and Systems

Overview

In this role, you shape the UK supply chain function by directing planning and logistics strategy, governance, and performance. You will champion professionalised planning, drive continuous improvement, and empower teams to operate autonomously while aligning with Thales’ operational and strategic goals. You’ll oversee S&OP, material and resource planning, and ERP-enabled processes to ensure reliable supply and delivery. The role offers high-impact work across Defence, Space, and Digital Security programs. This is an opportunity to lead transformation and deliver operational excellence at scale.

Pay / Benefits

• 4 day week
• private healthcare
• pension scheme
• annual bonus
• car cash allowance
• volunteering day

Responsibilities

• Lead the Planning function and governance to align with objectives
• Deliver robust S&OP and resilient supply plans
• Oversee planning of materials and resources for operating plans
• Implement and govern MRP2 best practices and ERP planning
• Provide supply chain analysis and performance insights for decision-making
• Lead logistics operations and manage 3PL/4PL relationships
• Manage inventory strategy and flows from receipt to dispatch
• Support production and repair units to meet delivery and performance commitments
• Contribute to strategic evolution of supply chain capabilities (tools, processes)
• Embed Lean and continuous improvement to reduce lead times, WIP, and inventory
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Projects
• Ensure regulatory and business compliance across logistics flows

Key requirements

• Deep understanding of multi-site supply chain environments
• Expertise in MRP2, ERP systems, and data-driven decision-making
• Strong knowledge of planning, production, repair, and logistics flows
• Proven leadership of teams through change
• Experience applying Lean and continuous improvement methodologies
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management
• Ability to translate strategy into deliverable outcomes
• Proven success in senior planning or supply chain leadership
• Experience in inventory optimisation and flow management
• ERP/MES implementation and improvement experience
• End-to-end understanding of supply chain disciplines

• Strategic and collaborative leadership
• Strong communication and stakeholder management
• Change and transformation leadership
• MRP2
• ERP systems
• Data-driven decision-making

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