Head of Industrial Defence Solutions

Location: Hengelo, Netherlands

About the Team

We are looking to connect with candidates for the Head of Industrial Defence Solutions position within our Industrial Defense Solutions (IDS) team. You will oversee the entire IDS organization, which is responsible for sales, production, and delivery. Our core team consists of approximately 25 specialists in airborne and industrial systems, operating within the Services segment of Thales Netherlands, which employs around 2,500 individuals. As the Head of Industrial Defence Solutions , you will be part of the Services Management Team, responsible for on-time delivery, strategic decision-making, and growth.

About Your Future Role

The revenue generated by the IDS organization has doubled in the last two years, and we expect this strong growth to continue in the coming years. As Director, you will be the driving force behind guiding your team to manage and anticipate growth within the end-to-end organization. Our primary customers are major U.S. defense and aerospace contractors, and our projects deliver high-tech products designed and manufactured in Hengelo, where you and your team will be based. With an increasing focus on maintenance, repair, and new business development, you will play a crucial role in defining future roadmaps and promoting them to our customer base.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the IDS team with a strategic yet hands-on approach to secure on-time delivery of our projects
• Drive commercial initiatives in the U.S. and manage bids to expand our market presence.
• Strengthen team alignment within Thales Netherlands to foster cross-functional collaboration.
• Optimize the aerospace supply chain for enhanced efficiency and predictability.
• Develop and promote product roadmaps that align with evolving customer needs.
• Implement proactive risk and opportunity management strategies for long-term stability.
• Assume business responsibility for IDS while contributing to the broader objectives of the Segment Services department.

About You

Why You Would Be a Good Match:

• Proven track record of effectively leading and inspiring teams.
• Relevant experience in an industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles related to electronics and/or mechanics.
• A compelling personality capable of convincingly engaging peers in IDS initiatives.
• Affinity for commercial activities and marketing strategies.
• Experience in project management and related financial accounting.
• Willingness to travel (approximately four times a year) to the United States and other locations as needed.
• Familiarity with the defense and aerospace industries is an advantage.
• Educational background in business administration and technology (HBO or university level).
• A minimum of 10 years of work experience in a similar environment.
• Fluent in English.

What's in it for you

• A challenging job in a great team within our high-tech, innovative work environment. Includes the freedom for initiative and good ideas.
• Room for personal and professional growth within our organization, for example in regards to technical, commercial or international skills.
• Valuable international collaboration with coworkers from 68 different countries around the globe.
• A comfortable work space in a modern environment, with a focus on flexibility and the right work life balance.
• You can usually work where and when you want to be able to do your work as well and efficiently as possible. Within Thales we implement hybrid working, where you can, for example, work from home two days a week if your role allows it.
• A good salary, fitting travel allowance, and the ability to personalize your employment conditions: for instance, you can trade days off for internet costs, our bicycle plan, company fitness and relocation costs.
• 40 days off per year (PTO). Yes, really.

Interested?

If you have any questions about this position, please send an email to [email protected].

Would you like to apply directly?  Then click on the button ‘Apply now’ to show your interest.

An assessment could be part of the procedure.

Diversity Statement

We actively support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions. That means that equal opportunities, inclusion and an informal culture are integral to our success. It also means that your well-being and happiness matter to us! That’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, remote working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times.

Security Requirements

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in The Netherlands and employment and/or education history. Some vacancies may require a security clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please refer to the General Intelligence and Security Service.

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