Executive Assistant to Managing Director

Location: Glasgow, 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.

Executive Assistant to the Managing Director – OME UK

Location: Glasgow

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 11th March 2026

We are looking for a highly proactive and solutions‑driven Executive Assistant to support the Managing Director of Thales UK Optronics and Missile Electronics (OME). This role sits at the centre of a fast‑paced, complex business and requires someone who can anticipate needs, solve problems creatively, and keep the organisation moving with clarity and structure.

You’ll act as a trusted partner to the MD, managing priorities, streamlining operations, and enabling effective leadership. If you thrive on variety, responsibility, and making things happen, this role offers real influence and long‑term growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage complex diaries, international travel, and day‑to‑day executive operations.

• Serve as the MD’s first point of contact, handling sensitive information with discretion.

• Anticipate requirements and ensure the MD is fully prepared for meetings, decisions, and events.

• Coordinate senior leadership meetings, including agendas, documentation, minutes, and action tracking.

• Improve and streamline business processes to support efficient decision‑making.

• Build strong relationships across Thales UK, Thales Group, and with senior external stakeholders.

• Lead and support critical projects, using initiative and creativity to overcome challenges.

• Draft and refine communications on behalf of the MD, working with internal/external comms teams.

• Collaborate with the wider business support team to share best practice and drive team success.

Skills & Experience

Essential Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Office capability.

• Expertise in complex calendar management and international travel coordination.

• Strong communication skills, written and verbal.

• High attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities calmly and effectively.

• Confidence using video‑conferencing platforms (Teams, Jabber, Zoom, Webex).

• Experience organising corporate events or senior stakeholder engagements.

Behaviours & Mindset

• Highly proactive — anticipates issues before they arise.

• Creative problem‑solver who enjoys finding smart, efficient solutions.

• Adaptable, calm under pressure, and resilient in a fast‑moving environment.

• Discreet, professional, and trusted by senior leaders.

• Enjoys working closely with leadership and being the person who makes things happen.

Experience

• Experience as an Executive Assistant or senior business support role.

• Experience supporting senior leadership or managing operational admin in a growing business

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

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 their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!