Thales
Activity Manager

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Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom
Thales
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.
Shape the Future of Manufacturing Excellence
At Thales, we innovate with purpose. We are looking for an experienced and driven Activity Manager to lead a high-performing manufacturing cell in Glasgow. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering world-class solutions while inspiring and developing a talented team.
As an Activity Manager, you’ll take ownership of day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring performance targets are met, processes are optimised, and teams are empowered to succeed. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you’ll drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across your area.
What You'll Be Doing
Health, Safety & Environment
- Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring the wellbeing of all team members.
- Lead all HSE activities including risk assessments, PPE compliance, training, and health surveillance.
- Encourage proactive hazard identification and reporting across the team.
Quality
- Ensure all processes comply with Thales standards and procedures (Chorus).
- Take ownership of quality control within your area.
- Work collaboratively in cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Production & Performance
- Plan and deliver work schedules aligned to the Master Production Schedule and customer requirements.
- Monitor and report on daily performance, ensuring team engagement with KPIs.
- Promote and embed Lean principles and a culture of continuous improvement (CI).
- Escalate and resolve production issues, implementing corrective actions where needed.
Leadership & People Management
- Lead, coach, motivate, and develop your team to achieve excellence.
- Support training, cross-skilling, and workforce planning to maximise flexibility.
- Manage day-to-day people matters including performance, absence, and shift planning.
- Drive an inclusive culture aligned to Thales’ Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) values.
- Support recruitment and onboarding to meet operational needs.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience leading teams in a manufacturing or production environment
- Strong understanding of HSE, quality standards, and operational KPIs
- Passion for continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, and team development
- Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to inspire and influence
- A proactive, solution-focused mindset
What We Can Offer You
At Thales, we invest in you — your career, your development, and your wellbeing:


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
- Career Growth: Access to world-class training, mentoring, and global career opportunities
- Development: Learn from industry-leading experts and cutting-edge projects
- Internal Mobility: We prioritise promoting from within our global organisation
- Flexible Working: Options including flexible start/finish times – 4 day week
- Wellbeing Focus: Supporting your health, lifestyle, and ambitions
💬 Interested?
We’d love to hear from you. If you’re curious to learn more, we encourage an informal conversation with our Talent Acquisition Partner.
Join Thales and be part of a team that is redefining what’s possible.
#LI-AH1
At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role.
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.
If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.
Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!
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