NPI Planner

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.

NPI Planner – Land Sector

Are you passionate about turning innovative designs into production-ready solutions? We’re looking for an NPI Planner to play a leading role in delivering complex Land sector programmes, guiding products seamlessly from prototype through to full-scale production.

In this role, you’ll bring structure, clarity and momentum to industrialisation activities across the full project lifecycle. Working with a broad range of stakeholders, you’ll help ensure delivery against schedule, quality and regulatory requirements—while continuously improving how we work.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, collaborating across functions, and making a tangible impact on project success.

What you’ll be doing

As and NPI Planner, you will:

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Develop and maintain a robust, end-to-end industrialisation plan aligned to the overall Project schedule

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Coordinate closely with design, engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain and project teams to ensure manufacturing readiness

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Plan and oversee tooling, equipment, facilities and resource requirements to support industrialisation

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Lead risk identification and mitigation activities related to process ramp-up and production launch

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Coordinate pilot builds, first article inspections and manufacturing qualification runs

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Work with engineers and manufacturing teams to optimise processes for cost, quality and delivery

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Monitor progress, proactively flag risks or delays, and communicate clear mitigation plans to stakeholders

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Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety and quality standards throughout the project lifecycle

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Capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement for future projects

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Maintain accurate project documentation, including schedules, risk logs and validation records

What we’re looking for

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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning or a related discipline

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Proven experience managing or supporting industrialisation phases for complex projects

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Strong project management capability with confidence managing multiple interfaces and dependencies

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Clear, inclusive and effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills

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Good understanding of manufacturing processes, quality controls and regulatory compliance

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Experience using project planning tools and ERP/MRP systems

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Ability to analyse production data and translate it into actionable plans

Essential experience

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Transitioning products from prototype or pilot to full-scale manufacturing

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Coordinating pilot runs and process validation activities

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Using manufacturing or project data to identify risks and bottlenecks

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Knowledge of manufacturing systems and ERP/MES principles

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Supply chain experience (planning, purchasing, logistics or delivery)

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Continuous improvement and structured problem-solving techniques

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Strong IT skills

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Regulatory and compliance awareness (AS9100, ISO9001 or equivalent)

Our values in action

We’re looking for someone who demonstrates our core behaviours:

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Shape solutions out of complexity

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Be ambitious and accountable

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Perform through cooperation

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Influence and engage key stakeholders

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Manage self and support others

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Engage, develop and collaborate with teams

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Show agility and adaptability in a changing environment

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We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement—your perspective and potential matter.

If this sounds like a role where you could make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

#LI-AH1

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!