Head of Sales and Operations Planning

Location: Belfast, 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.

**Job title**: Head of Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP)

**Location**: Belfast - (hybrid working arrangement - 3 days per week on site)

Are you an experienced S&OP professional looking for your next high-profile role? Do you possess the right mix of data analytic and interpersonal skills to question and challenge Supply and Demand forecasts submitted by other managers? Then look no further

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Head of Sales and Operations Planning to join our Integrated Airspace-protection Systems (IAS) UK team in Belfast.

**Core Benefits**:
On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;
- Performance-related bonus
- Company car allowance
- Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00pm
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
- 24 hours volunteering paid for
- Private healthcare (grade dependent)
- Pension scheme
- Life cover
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
- Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
- Gym membership discounts

**Key responsibilities**:
The Head of Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) will lead the strategic integration of sales, production, and inventory management processes to ensure the seamless alignment of supply and demand in the production of product and the delivery of customer projects.

The role is key in driving business performance through the optimisation of the S&OP process, ensuring that the company meets customer requirements while maintaining efficient and cost-effective operations.

This individual will work cross-functionally with senior leadership to establish and implement long-term forecasting, planning, and resource allocation strategies that align with the company's overall goals and objectives.

They meet with business and function leads to challenge and agree the demand picture (driving correction and validation) to ensure ‘clean’ inputs to the S&OP cycle. They Question and challenge the Supply and Demand forecasts submitted by other managers.

**About you**:

- Proven track record of managing complex S&OP processes in a fast-paced, manufacturing-focused environment with experience in a senior or leadership role.
- Experience in the defence or aerospace industry is highly preferred, with a solid understanding of the unique challenges and regulatory environment.
- In-depth knowledge of the S&OP process, including demand forecasting, inventory management, and production planning.
- Expertise in the use of ERP systems and advanced planning tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Kinaxis, etc.).
- Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable insights.
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across various levels of the organisation.

**Security Clearance statement**:
To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

LI-DNI

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 th