Production 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 Protected Vehicles (PRV) team works closely with clients to design, manufacture, maintain and upgrade protected vehicles that keep people safe, all around the world. Our state-of-the-art workshops are set up to help us deliver Hawkei and Bushmaster military vehicles to strict defence standards - and set our people on rewarding career paths.

Based at our Bendigo site on Dja Dja Wurrung land, this position leads and manages Production & Repair activities within the PRV Industrial Centre of Competence. The PRV Production/Repair Unit focuses on customer satisfaction and value creation through continuous improvement in delivery performance. It handles all direct value-added activities, supplying products (new or repaired) to business lines, including installation services on customer premises where applicable.

**Responsibilities**:

- Ensure performance in terms of time, cost, quality, and continuous improvement
- Drive a safety culture with open communication across all levels of the production workforce
- Ensure adherence to production/repair plans, maintain quality, and manage costs
- Optimize productivity, reduce rework, and balance workload and capacity for efficiency
- Responsible for managing, coordinating, and developing employees within their area, including identifying training needs, enhancing team skills, and promoting LEAN practices (Gemba, CLPF, Andon, KAIZEN)
- Manage performance through Short Interval Management and drive continuous improvement.

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

- Relevant tertiary qualification supported by experience in the industry
- Strong technical knowledge of products and manufacturing or repair processes
- Proficient in analytical and problem-solving techniques (e.g., Failure Mode, Effect, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA))
- Understanding of supply chain principles and workflows
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills for effective cross-functional teamwork
- Ability to obtain Australian Defence Clearances
- Ability to work onsite

**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 Nobel 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.

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.