Director Integrated Quality and Performance Improvement

Join Thales as Director Integrated Quality and Performance Improvement

About us

With over 80,000 talents working in 68 countries, we are one of the biggest high-tech employers in the field of safety and security. In the Netherlands, where about 3,000 employees are based, we are located in four locations: Huizen, Delft, Eindhoven and Hengelo (HQ). Together with an extensive ecosystem of knowledge partners, customers and suppliers, we work on radars for naval vessels, cyber security solutions, transportation systems, communication equipment for land forces, cryogenic cooling solutions and research & development for radar tech (in collaboration with TU Delft).

The landscape of Thales as a major supplier in Defense is changing rapidly in a world with increasing instability and threats. Coming from a recent history with a more prototype and small series production approach, the vast amount of customer demands and deliveries now requires a reliable delivery rate and a transition to series production for Thales and its strategic partners and suppliers. This major ramp-up of activities started in Engineering, with a significant increase in personnel and activities, and is now continuing with Procurement and Industry, impacting all people in the organization.

About the team

The Integrated Quality and Performance Improvement team is part of the Operations organization within Thales Nederland, and is responsible for the following areas:

• Quality Assurance (approximately 30 FTE): ensuring quality and compliance in our TNL Projects and Captures. The Quality Assurance teams are organized in the TNL locations Hengelo, Huizen and Eindhoven. Quality Managers provide independent quality advices/alerts and manage root cause analysis and business process improvement in case of deviations
• Quality and Customer Satisfaction staff (approximately 5 FTE): managing customer satisfaction surveys, handling of customer complaints, managing reference system management, organizing and facilitating external quality audits and internal peer reviews, manage Key Performance Indicators and Quality Practices/Tooling.
• Performance Improvement (approximately 10 FTE): Manage yearly business improvement agenda (Thales Towards 2030). Manage continuous improvement, Product Lifecycle Management, ERP/PLM, LEAN and Quality Assurance. Ensure alignment between improvement initiatives and IT support by providing business analyst services and Business Application governance.
• Configuration Management and Configuration control (approximately 35 FTE) for our projects and programs
• Data Governance and Data Management (approximately 10 FTE)

About the job

The Director Integrated Quality and Performance Improvement for Thales Netherlands is responsible for deploying the Thales Netherlands Integrated Quality and Performance Improvement strategy, which includes:

• Define and implement the Quality, Customer Satisfaction, Performance Improvement, Configuration Management/Control and Data Governance and Data Management organization and governance, including objectives, performance plans, maturity development of the disciplines, management and development of resources, added value towards stakeholders
• Manage operational Quality activities to ensure Customer's requirements and expectations are met
• Ensure proper implementation of the Thales Management System, life cycles, processes and practices, and as a result ensure compliance to the required standards and regulations, delivery of operational performances and customer satisfaction. All measured via formal external and internal audits and assessments.
• Organization of half yearly Management Review for Thales Netherlands BV and for the domains in Hengelo, Huizen and Eindhoven.
• Secure continuation of our certificates, like ISO9001, AS9100 and many more.
• Implement Customer Satisfaction plan according to the Group governance
• Provide support to Process Owners and managers in "governance and organization" matters, ensure validation and publication of documents according to the Thales Group rules. Coordinate with other functions and management for developing the quality culture and customer mindset and participate in strategic initiatives
• Contribute to relationship with Customers and other external parties, particularly towards their quality organization.
• You identify & prioritize improvement opportunities from operational needs, Customer and Quality input with focus on our processes and working methods, and find the right balance between short term and long-term initiatives.
• Coordinate Continuous Improvement based on sound Root Cause Analysis/Problem Solving and drive preventive and corrective actions. Drive LEAN mindset in the organization.
• Drive organization towards excellence in Configuration Management, Data Management and Performance management.
• Responsible for leading the Team Quality Assurance Managers and monitoring overall program performance.

The Director Quality and Customer Satisfaction:

• Is a member of the Operations Management Team
• Is responsible the process 4.1 Quality and Continuous Improvement for Thales Nederland, as described in the Thales Quality Management system
• Is the Customer Satisfaction Leader (CSL) for Thales Nederland, as described in the Thales Quality Management system
• Has an independent role towards Thales Nederland management to identify quality and non-compliance issues and recommendations for improvement actions

About you

• You have a proven track record with quality and business improvement management
• You have 7+ years of experience in managing complex projects in an international, high-tech environment
• You have a Master degree or acting at that level
• Strong communicator in Dutch and English
• Strong influencing skills, assertive when necessary to ensure quality and able to convincingly engage with stakeholders.
• You have experience as a manager in leading a team of professionals
• You have a pragmatical, continuous improvement (LEAN) and performance-oriented mindset
• You are strong people manager and enjoy getting results & driving impact
• You are able to drive and implement change
• You are able to tune your message to your audience, from manufacturing operator to director. You are able to engage people in continuous improvement and change processes.

Thales offers

• Join a diverse, inclusive and international team in a high-tech, innovative environment where a wide range of perspectives and experiences are genuinely valued
• Enjoy strong support for personal and professional development – whether you're aiming for technical depth, commercial growth, international experience or leadership – with opportunities tailored to your goals and potential
• Collaborate with colleagues from over 68 countries in a culture built on equality, respect and shared learning
• Work in a modern, accessible office with flexible hours, support for work-life balance, and adaptability to suit your personal circumstances – at every stage of life or when balancing responsibilities
• Benefit from 40 vacation days per year, a competitive salary and the freedom to customize your employment package – including options such as internet reimbursement, corporate fitness, bike plan, union contributions or relocation support
• Your ideas and initiative are truly welcome – you'll have the freedom to shape your role and make meaningful contributions

“Bij Thales krijg ik alle kansen en de ruimte om mijzelf verder te ontwikkelen, en dat als onderdeel van allerlei gave processen en projecten binnen de organisatie!”
Anoek Trainee

“Wat het voor mij aantrekkelijk maakt om hier te werken, is de diversiteit in opdrachten en het werken in verschillende teams met diverse disciplines. Zo blijf je jezelf ontwikkelen binnen het cyberdomein.”
Maurits Cyber Engineer

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.