Directing the end-to-end operational performance and ensuring timely, high-quality delivery within budget for all industrial operations and support functions is the core of this role, reporting directly to the CEO and serving as an active member of the Management Committee. This position suits a leader with a clear industrial and human vision, capable of stimulating and guiding teams towards collective objectives in a constructive and collaborative spirit within a transforming environment of activity growth and consolidation. The scope of the role includes industrialisation and production, supply chain and purchasing transformation, alignment of information systems and information technologies, real estate and facility management, as well as quality and Health, Safety, and Environment.
Responsibilities
Supervise, define, and execute the national operations strategy aligned with the priorities of the strategic business plan, multi-year budget, and Group entities
Set and achieve objectives for safety, quality, cost, delivery, cash, and personnel, and deploy operations performance and competitiveness plans
Lead the transformation and continuous improvement roadmap (Lean/problem-solving, digital, process excellence)
Direct industrial policy and execution for embedded electronics (Tubize, Peutie) and rockets/launchers (Herstal), including subcontracting choices
Oversee the entire end-to-end supply chain (internal and external), including supplier performance, resilience (dual-sourcing), and on-time delivery
Ensure the implementation of the Group's purchasing operational model and improve purchasing performance (QCD, risk, cash, offsets)
Guarantee a robust Quality Management System and reduce non-quality and its cost
Ensure the safety of personnel and assets, and enforce HSE standards and culture in all operations
Be the primary responsible party and reference point for all regulatory and operational requirements related to pyrotechnics
Define the sites' real estate strategy and lead the real estate development program to support growth and new activities
Align IS/IT (information systems and technologies) with the Group's strategy and the priorities of the International Development Department
Lead, develop, and engage a high-performing, inclusive, and safety-focused operations management team
Manage the budgetary and financial performance of operations, and optimize working capital (stock, cash)
Ensure compliance with the Thales Code of Ethics and Conduct, as well as export control and data protection requirements
Represent Thales Belgium to institutional stakeholders and professional bodies
Requirements
Master's degree in engineering or a related field; a degree in business or management (e.g., MBA) is an asset
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Extensive senior/executive leadership experience in Operations within complex, high-tech industrial environments across multiple sites, in change management, and in a matrix group environment
Experience in defense, electronics, and/or munitions is highly valued
Demonstrated success in industrialisation, production, program/bid management, risk management, supply chain, and purchasing
Proficiency in budget/financial management and investment plans
Strong strategic vision and effective handling of complexity
Ambitious and results-oriented, taking responsibility for outcomes
Recognized leadership, with impact and credibility to unite, create synergies, and influence key stakeholders
Comfortable with ERP/PLM and digital tools (Oracle Core Model, PCM, PALMA) and data management
Fluent in English and able to express yourself in French and/or Dutch
Work on-site in Tubize and Herstal and open to travel within Belgium and occasionally internationally
Able to obtain and maintain all required national/EU/NATO security clearances
Benefits
A high-impact leadership role at the heart of Thales' operations in Belgium
Opportunity to shape growth, performance, and transformation through diverse and mission-critical activities
An inclusive culture focused on safety, innovation, ethics, and sustainable performance
Opportunity to represent management in various governance bodies
Permanent employment status
Important Details
Locations: Tubize/Peutie and Herstal/Soumagne
About the Company
Thales in Belgium is part of a leading international technology group active in the defense and security, aerospace, and digital identity and security markets. Thales ensures that its customers, partners, and employees can confidently embark on new paths for a future they can all trust. Thales Belgium plans to increase its footprint in Belgium and abroad and currently employs over 1,000 people at its sites and those of its clients in Belgium.
